Top Off System
- Thread starter gibbs1
- Start date
luvreefs23
New member
Id use the spectra pure top off unit. Can suck and push water further and I have been using a few for years. Never an issue plus they have safety shut off float.
Johnseye
Reef Addict
+1 Spectrpure is the best ATO I've used.
RingingEars
Because they ring
If you're going to be using it with an apex you could just get the breakout box and a couple of float switches and a TOMs pump.
slief
RC Sponsor
Great suggestion minus the Toms. I'd use a spectrapure liter meter ac powered pump. It's $125 but much more reliable than the Toms & can push/pull water much further.
I use my apex for ATO duty. I use redundant float switches & a Stenner peristaltic pump. The Stenner is bullet proof & can push water around the block. Then again, the litermeter pumps are also bulletproof & are what I used before switching to the Stenner.
Bent
I got nothin'
Just get you a pump and a double float switch from www.autotopoff.com and call it good.
That other stuff is overpriced IMO.
That other stuff is overpriced IMO.
slief
RC Sponsor
Overpriced is all relative to how often you need to replace things. The Litermeter pumps will run for several years with just a minor roller cleaning on occasion. Power heads and cheap pumps never last that long.
I don't mind paying a bit more for items that are critical and or things that I don't want to have to worry about troubleshooting. My ATO is a critical piece of equipment and skimping over $50 is not for me. If you have an Apex, a decent set of float switches and good peristaltic pump is a smart move. Without an Apex, the Autotopoff solution coupled with a Litermeter pump would be great too.
This is the Litermeter pump I am talking about.
http://spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-DOSING-SYSTEMS/Basic-LiterMeter-Dosing-Pump
RingingEars
Because they ring
Funny you mention that. I use the double float switch from autotopoff.Com with a Tom, which works great, but I'm thinking of replacing the pump with a brs peristaltic. I use 2 of them for dosing. They do a good job. A third would be ideal for ato duty.
Redman88
New member
I use a http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002...e+one+pump&dpPl=1&dpID=41Blylqhu7L&ref=plSrch and a DIY system for three tanks from two top off containers.
slief
RC Sponsor
What's your use for it? If it's for an auto water change setup, look at a Stenner dual head. They typically run under $400 and are damn near bullet proof. Their downside is that they are really noisy and aren't variable speed. I use a 90 GPD one for my ATO and it's a beast. The dual head ones are solid AWC pumps. You just use a controller to set the times you want it to run.
Here is what I'm talking about. Be sure to use the drop down to select the GPD you want.
http://www.chemworld.com/Stenner-170DM-Series-p/170DM.htm?gclid=CP3Xyt6KhMcCFQkFaQodgtYNxA
The other great option is the Cole Parmer Master Flex. Those can be had on eBay for under $500 for a used but good dual head. Those are also bullet proof. I use a single head one for my calcium reactor. They are variable speed so you have precise control over your flow. They aren't nearly as noisy as the Stenner and can be damn near silent with the brushless models. Those however cost more unless you get lucky. There is a great Cole Parmer Masterflex thread here on the forum in this section which I'm sure you have seen. It's related to calcium reactors but is a great source for info on all things Cole Parmer.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2368618
If you have an Apex, the Dos is a GREAT dual head option that is much less relative to what you were talking about. I have one of those too that I use as part of an auto thawed frozen food feeder. Kind of noisy but it offers an incredible amount of flow and forward and reverse capalities are 3 different speeds.
There is Watson Marlow. They are similar to the Cole Parmers only cheaper. There is also another company that makes inexpensive quality dual head computerized pumps for aquariums and the names is escaping me. They have low GPD or ml/min ratings. Then there is the GHL's followed by all the cheap companies like Jebao that make mutli head peristaltics.
Another great option would be a Litermeter III and slave pump. I used one for year for auto water changes and it was a great pump. Another pump that's damn near impossible to kill and offers a lot of control. They can be had in the Buy Sell section here for around $300 for the control pump and slave.
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