Small (Inexpensive) Top Off Options?

[HumanIMDB]

I'm looking to integrate an auto top off system into my AGA 10Gal Nano but am concerned about the space consumed by most of the systems I've looked at.

The Tunze Osmolator looks to be the smallest as far as foot print in the tank but it also the most expensive system I've seen.

Does anyone have any recommendations on systems that can be mounted in a small display tank?

 

[tonkadawg]

I just found this:

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29093

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=661601

and I think on page 2 there is another listed:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=665448&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[Amoore311]

How about a DIY auto top off? They are really easy and cost maybe $20 at the most to set up.


You need:


Container to hold top off water (2 liter soda bottle works nicely)

Battery Powered Air Pump ($10 at petsmart)

Some Airline Tubing

Floatswitch from Floatswitches.net ($8 maybe cheaper)



First open up the air pump and splice the float switch lines into the lines for the air pump. Make sure you use a battery powered air pump since the float switch can't handle the current comming out of your wall socket.

Once thats all set drill two holes in the cap of your soda bottle/container. If you make the holes just small enough that you have to pinch the airline tubing to make it fit through the holes you won't need to silicone or seal around them.

the piece of tubing going from the container to the air pump should no go below the water line in the container. This is to prevent a syphon once the pump shuts off. The other line should go from the bottom of the container to the tank. Again make sure this line is above the water line in the fish tank to prevent a syphon.


Once it's all set up mount your switch in the tank at the desired water level and you're all set.


The reason it works is b/c the air pump pressurizes the container. The easiest way for that pressure to be relieved is through the airline tubing running to your tank.

My pump takes 1 C battery and has been using the same battery for about a year.

 

[Amoore311]

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/ind...showtopic=29093

ok that is exactly like mine except better detail lol ;-)

I was trying to find that thread and it wasn't comming up.

 

[HumanIMDB]

I totally forgot about those DIY threads, thanks!

Another DIY Project for the Nano...since the DIY Aqua Clear 70 Fuge is working so well I shouldn't have any problem with the Auto Top Off System.

 

[tonkadawg]

heres a good place for float switches and other components:

http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html

 

[chelskisw6]

i got the JBJ top off on ebay for about $70

 

[steph30]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9491355#post9491355 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amoore311
How about a DIY auto top off? They are really easy and cost maybe $20 at the most to set up.


You need:


Container to hold top off water (2 liter soda bottle works nicely)

Battery Powered Air Pump ($10 at petsmart)

Some Airline Tubing

Floatswitch from Floatswitches.net ($8 maybe cheaper)



First open up the air pump and splice the float switch lines into the lines for the air pump. Make sure you use a battery powered air pump since the float switch can't handle the current comming out of your wall socket.

Once thats all set drill two holes in the cap of your soda bottle/container. If you make the holes just small enough that you have to pinch the airline tubing to make it fit through the holes you won't need to silicone or seal around them.

the piece of tubing going from the container to the air pump should no go below the water line in the container. This is to prevent a syphon once the pump shuts off. The other line should go from the bottom of the container to the tank. Again make sure this line is above the water line in the fish tank to prevent a syphon.


Once it's all set up mount your switch in the tank at the desired water level and you're all set.


The reason it works is b/c the air pump pressurizes the container. The easiest way for that pressure to be relieved is through the airline tubing running to your tank.

My pump takes 1 C battery and has been using the same battery for about a year.

I am very interested in setting up something like this for my nano. Unfortunately I am completely challenged when you start talking about splicing wires Do you have any pics of how you did this? I have an old 6 gallon nurce unit that is an efficient auto topoff, but since I don't have a sump I would have to set it up above the tank. I'm thinking that I may be able to use the nurce unit as the reservoir for the water.

Stephanie