Osmolator under tank (no sump)

Simcan

New member
Please excuse my ignorance, but I have a 220 running without a sump. Can I keep a bucket of water under the tank with an Osmolator in it, and run a line from the bucket to the tank? I want an unobtrusive auto-top-off system.
 
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i use the 3155 model and have it doing just that, i do have a sump, but choose to have the top off water enter the overflow of the tank rather then the sump area. only takes about a second for the pump to push the water from the bucket up 5' to the top of the tank. i'm sure pump life would be longer with less work but by how much, who knows.

kc
 
The top off line should always go up to the tank. The question is without a sump where do you put the sensors? They can be installled in tank but their are some problems you will encounter, first snails can crawl on and trip the sensors, second the optic sensor is likely to be obscured with coralline algae and will need frequent cleaning.
 
Thanks. Good points, but as I have no sump, they are problems to be overcome rather than avoided. How would you say is the best way to clean them? A mild bleach solution? Acid? Soak in hot freshwater?

If the problems are too serious, I suppose I would have to simply use my current method (and old plastic beer pitcher and a bucket of RO/DI).
 
i'd recommend you build or have built an acrylic box that prevents the entry of snails/light and enclose your sensor and float.

just a thought
kc
 
Why must the top-off line always go to the top of the tank? What kind of problems will you run into if the top-off line goes into the sump?

Simcan
Get a sump. It can be a rubbermaid if you want. It will make your life a lot easier.
 
If you run the top off to the sump usually your reservoir has a higher water line than the sump and this will start a siphon. We do make a product called the Osmomat which is pretty much what dragon_slayer described. They are slated to be discontinued though in favor of a more simple shade for the optic sensor and spike plate to keep snails off the float switch. All you have to do is soak the sensor in vinegar to remove the coralline build up.
 
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