the best choice for a automatic top-off for nano help PLZZZ
- Thread starter Mr.Parkes
- Start date
intenseimage
Active member
I get my JBJ ATO (with MJ1200 as a pump) on monday ... ill post my review
funman1
Active member
I built my own from parts I ordered online.
http://www.floatswitches.net
then got an Aqua Lifter as the water pump.
You can see pics in my gallery..
http://www.floatswitches.net
then got an Aqua Lifter as the water pump.
You can see pics in my gallery..
SpongeRobert
New member
I second the JBJ auto top off. I've had mine for over a year and I love it. I had to do away with the alert, but I think they've solved that issue. It has worked flawlessly for me. I had built an air operated one before I bought the JBJ, but didn't like the results.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Salty Brother
New member
I really like me JBJ ato, but if you have the money get the tunze, it works better.
chocolateblnt
New member
if you don't have lots of money and can figure out your evaporation rate this is a good alternative.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7350682#post7350682 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chocolateblnt
if you don't have lots of money and can figure out your evaporation rate this is a good alternative.
I'll second that.............I use this method also and it works great.
chocolateblnt
New member
sure ... it's on my build thread ... about half way down the page ...
Here's a quick overview ... you set the 7 day digital programmable timer, accurate to +/- 1 min. to when and how often you want to top off (you have to figure out you're evaporation rate and match what you're topping off, it's not hard. I noticed I evaporate 1 gallon a week so I simply tested how long it takes for me to pump 1 gallon with the system and then spread the time out over 1 week) -> The timer turns on the pump which pressurizes the air in the jug just below the cap and the water is forced to escape through the other tube from the bottom of the jug to your sump/tank whatever ... the end cap air check valve simply makes sure the tube is sealed unless water is coming out. If you need to adjust for hotter seasons it's 5 min to take the timer and add a few extra minutes to your top off. You could easily build this under or around $50 ... the timer is the most expensive cuz it's heavy duty and digital; it has a whenever on/off button so if you even want to add more water because you did a water change you push it and it tops off.
Adding supplements such as calcium is perfect with this system ... I use Reef Advantage Calcium with great results. Once again you have to figure out what your calcium usage is and if you're not adding/deducting coral inhabitants it remains the same and will keep you in the desired range.
If you have a RO DI unit and want to attach it to the system I have a design for that as well ... I will post it on my thread and this one as well.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=711490&perpage=25&pagenumber=10
Here's a quick overview ... you set the 7 day digital programmable timer, accurate to +/- 1 min. to when and how often you want to top off (you have to figure out you're evaporation rate and match what you're topping off, it's not hard. I noticed I evaporate 1 gallon a week so I simply tested how long it takes for me to pump 1 gallon with the system and then spread the time out over 1 week) -> The timer turns on the pump which pressurizes the air in the jug just below the cap and the water is forced to escape through the other tube from the bottom of the jug to your sump/tank whatever ... the end cap air check valve simply makes sure the tube is sealed unless water is coming out. If you need to adjust for hotter seasons it's 5 min to take the timer and add a few extra minutes to your top off. You could easily build this under or around $50 ... the timer is the most expensive cuz it's heavy duty and digital; it has a whenever on/off button so if you even want to add more water because you did a water change you push it and it tops off.
Adding supplements such as calcium is perfect with this system ... I use Reef Advantage Calcium with great results. Once again you have to figure out what your calcium usage is and if you're not adding/deducting coral inhabitants it remains the same and will keep you in the desired range.
If you have a RO DI unit and want to attach it to the system I have a design for that as well ... I will post it on my thread and this one as well.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=711490&perpage=25&pagenumber=10
Last edited:
vthondaboi
Premium Member
I have a Kent Aquadose bottle above my tank and I just drip RODI into my tank all day long
chocolateblnt
New member
You can build these yourself as well and save half the money ... it's only expensive because it has a Kent sticker :hmm3: This is also a good solution for tanks under 15 gallons otherwise you're refilling as often as you would manually.
timschmidt
Premium Member
kenny77
New member
I like this idea but I found a weak spot or what I beleive I can be.
As you top off water the jug as less water. So this mean that the air pump need more time to pressurize the water since ther is more air volume in the jug. How you solve this. Since it work with a timer how you calculate the less of the water vs the pressure you need and the extra time it will take the air pump to pressurize the water out of the jug.
I like this concept for my new tank since it is simple. Explain me that part since I could understand 100% how it works.
As the water is pumped out of the top off container it is being replaced by air. Therefore the volume of water in the container is decreasing as the volume of air is increasing. With this in mind, it should take about the same amount of added air to the container to start the flow going. If you see that your "air pump" time doesn't completley top it off you can then make adjustments to your timer for the different days of the week. This requires using the 7 day timer.
goreefer
New member
I purchased float switches from Graingers and made my own. Be sure that you use a relay to turn on/off the 120 volts, every thing will last longer. I also use one of the 'Aqua Lifter' pumps to pump the water from the reservoir to the tank.
My tank has never looked better. The ATO keeps the salinity at a constant level and allows you to add whatever chemicals are indicated.
My tank has never looked better. The ATO keeps the salinity at a constant level and allows you to add whatever chemicals are indicated.
chocolateblnt
New member
Kenny77:
You're assuming that you start with 0 pressure built up inside the jug whenever the timer is about to turn on with low water level; this is incorrect because there is air still trapped inside but it's not under enough pressure to push it through the air check valve and open it's rubber lip. If you want to make absolutely sure the pressure in the jug doesn't return back through the airline to the pump and escape put another air check valve on that airline!
Only if you were to have to re-pressurize the jug every time, which isn't the case, when the water is low would it take more time for water to start coming out. However understand we are talking about only seconds though, because it takes around 10 seconds to fill up a 5 gallon jug with decently pressurized air when it's completely empty; even with a petco air pump. If you get a stronger pump I am sure it'll provide better results ... but you will need to seal the airline's in the cap very well so they don't leak.
It is true that the water comes out a little slower than when the jug is full because you're right in the fact that it takes a few more seconds and a lil' more pressure to build up and push the remaining water out; not to mention I have a petco pump. Once again we are talking seconds which equal to very little volume of water ... perhaps +/- cup. That is why I recommend you top off into a return chamber that can allow for that minimal marginal error. Most people can because no one runs a full return chamber because you have to allow for that inch of surface water to drain through the overflow during a possible power outtage and end up leveling out in the return chamber!
I hope this answer's some concerns ...
You're assuming that you start with 0 pressure built up inside the jug whenever the timer is about to turn on with low water level; this is incorrect because there is air still trapped inside but it's not under enough pressure to push it through the air check valve and open it's rubber lip. If you want to make absolutely sure the pressure in the jug doesn't return back through the airline to the pump and escape put another air check valve on that airline!
Only if you were to have to re-pressurize the jug every time, which isn't the case, when the water is low would it take more time for water to start coming out. However understand we are talking about only seconds though, because it takes around 10 seconds to fill up a 5 gallon jug with decently pressurized air when it's completely empty; even with a petco air pump. If you get a stronger pump I am sure it'll provide better results ... but you will need to seal the airline's in the cap very well so they don't leak.
It is true that the water comes out a little slower than when the jug is full because you're right in the fact that it takes a few more seconds and a lil' more pressure to build up and push the remaining water out; not to mention I have a petco pump. Once again we are talking seconds which equal to very little volume of water ... perhaps +/- cup. That is why I recommend you top off into a return chamber that can allow for that minimal marginal error. Most people can because no one runs a full return chamber because you have to allow for that inch of surface water to drain through the overflow during a possible power outtage and end up leveling out in the return chamber!
I hope this answer's some concerns ...
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