need a top off unit

[becki boggs]

does anyone know the best top off unit? this would make a good change in my life ,i get tired of lugging jugs of water ,i have to step up on a step stool to pour it in.

 

[graveyardworm]

Mine is from autotopoff.com. I've been using it for over a year and not a single problem yet.

 

[Shekki]

Whatever you do, don't buy the Kent Marine float and solenoid setup. The solenoid is constantly switching on and off to supply top off water, and it makes a horrible noise.

Robb

 

[vanmo92]

I like the ifloat float switch from aquahub.com

No problems.

definetly use the aqua lifter because if you use a higher wattage pump it could ruin a float switch. Also its totaly quiet.

And you can use any size container you want.

 

[drummereef]

Easiest top-off I've ever used - autotopoff.com I have the double float switch. Been using it for months now and it works flawlessly. Did you get your water parameters in check yet?

 

[navajo]

I gotta say, I LOVE my Tunze Top off! Best money I've spent so far.

 

[cristhiam]

I use the double switch (extra protection) from autotopoff.com too. Very happy with it, it really changes your life.

 

[Hal]

I've been very happy with my system from oceanussystems.com. They're built very well, and have a few bells and whistles that some of the other systems don't have, such as an audible alarm if the water triggers the higher (second) float switch. They also all include snailguards.

I looked at both topoff.com and auttopoff.com and decided that for my 'druthers, I wanted a setup that looked a little less DIY. Plus the system I ended up with can shut down my return pump if it senses a water level problem. Unfortunately, I had to pay more to get it.

From what I've read, topoff.com and autotopoff.com have very many happy customers on this board. I doubt you'd go wrong with either one. My only recommendation is to get a unit with a double float switch for redundancy. You can't have enough backup safety devices in this hobby.

 

[raddogz]

I built a diy version with a double float switch for my 58g. I have a liter meter on my 120g.

 

[AZDesertRat]

www.spectrapure.com offers several versions that use air pressure to control the level sensor and a float as a backup.

 

[Hal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8110590#post8110590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AZDesertRat
www.spectrapure.com offers several versions that use air pressure to control the level sensor and a float as a backup.

I've always wondered how well these work? The theory seems sound, and spectrapure is a reliable company, but I rarely hear of anyone using their floatswitches.

 

[AZDesertRat]

That technology is used a lot in wastewater lift stations and is pretty bullet proof.

 

[Severum]

Tsunami AT1. Best top off hands down. No moving float valves to worry about sticking.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Look at the Spectrapure, the Tsunami is a copy of it.

 

[weekendplayer]

I also have the oceanussystems.com system. I've had it for over a year and no problems. I have the system with three float switches. On is a lower switch that turns the pump off if the water level gets too low. Then you have the main water level switch and finally there is an upper level switch to turn the system off if the main switch fails. I've flooded my sump a couple of times fogetting the water on. So this way I don't worry about it anymore. Money well spent.

 

[Severum]

Just for clarification, the Blueline Tsunami AT1 and Spectrapure are the exact same product with different badges.

You can't go wrong with either one of em.

 

[supermarvin76]

I just looked at autotopoff.com and I really like the double sump top off. The only thing is that my sump has only about 1 1/2 - 2" from the top of the bottom baffle to the top of the top baffle.

Do these come with directions?

Thanks

 

[graveyardworm]

As I recall it didnt come with instructions, but it was very simple to hook up. It maintains the water level at a fraction of an inch, less than 1/4inch between high and low.