Osmolator for use in fresh water top-off

[MikeInFL]

Please excuse my ignorance...

Will the dosing pump on the Osmolator pump up to 42" from the bottom of my refill tank to the top of my main tank? I would like to use the Osmolator to replace evaporated water with a 20 gallon refill tank located in the stand beneath the main tank, but am concerned if the dosing pump will pump "uphill".

Can someone confirm this will work?

Thanks in advance...Mike

 

[MikeInFL]

After doing a few searches, I think the pump will work. However in reading past discussions, it seems as if there are some challenges to get the level reading in the main tank (recall I have no sump). Are there any suggestions as to how to get around this? Thanks in advance...Mike

 

[rvitko]

I would get the Osmomat if you will use it in tank. The Osmolator can work but snails and plant debris can cause false readings. The Osmolator could also be used safely inside a Comline filter.

 

[MikeInFL]

I have a background installed with an area which will be free of snails/debris, so I'm not so worried about that:

However, what's a comline filter?...Mike

 

[rvitko]

As long as water flows behind the background, i.e. it isn't like a damn and the water level behind drops the same as the water in the tank it should work. At www.tunze.com look for 3166, it is the Comline Filter, it uses a cartridge and has holders for the osmolator sensors. It is an in tank filter.

 

[MikeInFL]

Yes, water flows behind the background via three holes as shown in this
picture:

And here is the hole with a PVC & screen cover installed:

I've got the lines from my canister filters running behind it for a cleaner look and I was hoping to mount the IR and float switch in this hidden area. I'll take a look at the Comline filter. In the meantime I've ordered the Osmolator from Marine Depot. Thank you...Mike

 

[MikeInFL]

I've taken a look at the Comline filter, but I don't think it will work for my implementation. First, my canopy is designed to be used without HOB filters, and second, there is not enough room behind my background to fit the Comline filter. Looks like I'll have to be a bit inventive. Any other ideas?...Mike

 

[rvitko]

It looks like it would work as delivered.

 

[MikeInFL]

I've installed the system. It works perfectly. I'm amazed at just how accurate the IR system is -- the tank height varies by a milimeter or two.

That being said, I'm concerned that I will not notice the spare water is empty before it burns out the dosing pump. Do you have any suggestions? Is there a way to add another "low water" sensor to turn off the system when the spare water (in my case a 5gal bucket) is empty?

Thanks in advance for your assistance...Mike

 

[rvitko]

We thought of that After 10minutes the system shuts down and sounds an alarm and that pump is a simple DC motor like you would buy at radio shack sealed behind a rubber seal, it doesn't need water for cooling.