Top Off ?

NewSchool04

NewSchool04

New member
Hello Randy! I remember reading that you use a large garbage can for your top off, pour your Kalk into it, stir it up and then use this for your top off. Can you explain your top off system a little more in detail. Do you use a float switch and how do you regulate the amount of lime water you add? Do you have a pump that stirs the Kalk throughout the day?
I'm setting up an auto top off system now and looking to do something similiar. Thank you.
 
There is a float switch in the sump that controls a Reef Filler pump that sends limewater to the sump.

I stir the lime into the water overnight, then let it sit for the next few weeks without stirring.

I adjust the amount of lime in the water based on he time of year, but it is almost always less than saturated as saturated limewater adds more than my tank needs, and more than it can handle in terms of pH.
 
Thank you for the quick reply Randy! So when your float switch flips and signals the reef filler pump, the pump slowly pumps the limewater into the tank until the float switch is set again? How much would you estimate it adds each time? I'm nervous about a large addition at once.
Do you have any recommendations on float switches or reef filler pumps? Thank you again for the help.
 
I'm back Randy! I was looking at the Reef-Filler pump and was wondering why you use a float switch with it? After reading the manual it seems like a set it and forget it. Figure out your evaporation and then adjust accordingly.
 
the float switch turns the pump on when the water gets low, and turns it off when full. Correct Randy?

Fwiw, I just use a plastic float valve thats gravity fed. Although im not happy with it. Im still in search of the best water top off. Too many are just not good enough.
 
but with the pump that Randy listed, you can set a drip rate that remains accurate. I use a gravity drip now and you never know what you'll get when you get home. Set it and it's going great and a day later it stopped. This pump you set the drip rate and it keeps pumping without any interuption. No need for a float switch. I know I evaporate about 1 gallon a day, set it for that and you are done! I'm not sure why Randy uses the float switch. I'm sure it's a good reason.
I spoke to a guy today who uses this pump and he said it is "loud". All the research I did throughout the day (On my companies dime!) is down the drain. This is going in my bedroom.
I need another idea for a quiet auto top off that will be slow enough to add Kalk. If anyone has the magic recipe, pipe up!!!!
 
I use a medical dosing pump.... its quiet. it has an LCD screen that you adjust the mL per hour with 1-295ml per hour. I got it used on ebay for like $30..... I've been looking for another good deal like that, but lately they've been going for about $80.
 
I'm back Randy! I was looking at the Reef-Filler pump and was wondering why you use a float switch with it? After reading the manual it seems like a set it and forget it. Figure out your evaporation and then adjust accordingly.

You'd need to frequently reset it whenever evaporation changed. It changes a lot here based on the season and the weather outside. With a float switch, and setting the pump a bit faster than evaporation, it all runs automatically for a long time. Weeks, since my reservoir is large. Since I'm often away, that is ideal. :)
 
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