DIYed Auto Top off system

Pro_builder · 12-15-2003, 07:56 AM

We would like to see the auto top off system, with Pics and material lists and instructions, for others to get ideas from for there project.
TIA

wooddood · 12-15-2003, 08:02 AM

ine is just a 5gal bucket with a penguine 1140 power head and a daves float switch, i'll post pics later.

tommyp · 12-16-2003, 10:38 PM

Mine is a 18 gal rubbermaid container with a jaco bulkhead (premium Aqautics) fitting in the bottom side. it is plumbed to a kent float valve which is mounted in my sump

the rubbermade It is mounted on an upside down recyling bin next to my tank. some what chessey looking but it works great and i can fill it with enough top off to go for a week or more when on vacation.

tommyp

wooddood · 12-17-2003, 06:19 AM

great idea tommy thanks.

Scooterman · 12-17-2003, 08:40 AM

I need some type of top off for when I go on a trip, I need to set up for a weeks worth of water, so I'm tagging here also.

Hooked · 12-17-2003, 09:21 AM

The output line from my RO/DI goes directly to a float in the sump. It also splits into a 5 gallon reservoir. I had to drill one hole in the ceiling and one in the wall to get the line through, which I realize is not an option for everyone, but the advantage is I have a continous supply of top-up water. I check my TDS faithfully to ensure water quality.

HTH

tommyp · 12-17-2003, 09:23 AM

My setup is gravity fed and works great if you have a sump that you can put a float valve in and the container is cheap you can put together one for $15 for the float valve $10 for the bulkhead and assorted elbows etc and rigid tubing and the rubbermaid. You can make the rubbermade any size you want depending on your length of trip. The nice thing about a gravity fed setup is that there is less likelyhood of it getting stuck on with a snail. If I ran a pH setup I would have a high water shutoff as well as a low water turn on as a redundancy.

TP

tommyp · 12-17-2003, 05:59 PM

setup

tommyp · 12-17-2003, 06:03 PM

bulkhead inside the rubbermade basically the same outside except it has the jaco fitting to attach the rigid line

tommyp · 12-17-2003, 06:05 PM

kent float switch mounted in side of sump.

mwrager · 12-17-2003, 06:06 PM

I use a system from Tunze to keep my water level constant. I use it in the sump.
Water level regulator with two sensor holding devices, extension and numerous fastening accessories. It is suitable for cabinet filter plants in TUNZE Comline filters or on the edge of the aquarium.
This osmotic regulator can also be used in TUNZE SYSTEM cabinet filter plants. The sensors can be stuck to glass surfaces or can be fitted directly to the edge of the tank.
Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device.

HAP · 12-17-2003, 07:26 PM

My RO/DI goes to my sump where it plumbs into a Kent Marine float valve. I also split the line with a tee upstream of the float and ran a line to a water chiller for the family. We tell the kids its "fish water"....

ReefLady · 12-17-2003, 07:55 PM

Quote:

The output line from my RO/DI goes directly to a float in the sump. It also splits into a 5 gallon reservoir. I had to drill one hole in the ceiling and one in the wall to get the line through, which I realize is not an option for everyone, but the advantage is I have a continous supply of top-up water. I check my TDS faithfully to ensure water quality.

Our setup is very similar to this.

RO/DI is plumbed directly to a float switch in the sump, also directly to the Nilsen (kalk) reactor, also to a float switch in a 20g rubbermaid container (for water changes).

Nilsen drips 24/7, sump & 20g Rubbermaid both have float switches - only on when "called".

StoneyReef · 12-17-2003, 09:14 PM

Do I Dare?:

Stoney Reef Float Switch $20
Grainger 2A554
Water resistant spade connectors
3 plug 5ft extension cord with spade connectors wired in line
to attach float switch
Snail Guard

Stoney Reef Kalk Reactor full setup $195
Kalk reactor
Float Switch (same as above)
Maxijet 600 feed pump for top off reservoir

5 gallon Menards Bucket: $10
1/2" ID tubing 5ft
1/4" OD tubing 5ft

ESV Kalkwasser $20

Basically for $40 you can get just a freshwater top off just the float switch, bucket and maxijet 600 powerhead to feed it.

I put the kalk reactor in line to do calcium as well. The kalk reactor full set up comes with the float switch so everything is like $210 with tubing. Works great with smaller sumps or with large sumps with the return pump sectioned off so you can measure evaporation easily in one chamber.

There are a couple of options. I do recommend using a freshwater reservoir instead of hooking up the RO/DI directly. That way most sumps can handle the 5 gallons and not overflow, but with an unlimited supply of water your in trouble! I have had the same float switch for 2 years running my top off activating my kalk reactor mixing pump and feed pump. I soaked it in vinegar once to clean it. My sump is unlit, so I do not have to worry about corralline. If your sump is lit, you would obviously have to clean it more often. I just like the redundancy of having the freshwater reservoir. However there are times I forget to fill the bucket and come home to a feed pump that sounds like it is going to explode because it is running dry.

johnlewis · 12-18-2003, 02:00 PM

Those float switches are just mechanical not electrical right ?

12-15-2003, 07:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	DIYed Auto Top off system We would like to see the auto top off system, with Pics and material lists and instructions, for others to get ideas from for there project. TIA __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

12-15-2003, 08:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	ine is just a 5gal bucket with a penguine 1140 power head and a daves float switch, i'll post pics later. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

12-17-2003, 06:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	great idea tommy thanks. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

12-17-2003, 08:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,179 View Gallery Karma Komment	I need some type of top off for when I go on a trip, I need to set up for a weeks worth of water, so I'm tagging here also. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

12-17-2003, 09:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
Hooked Tuxedo Urchin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 287 View Gallery Karma Komment	The output line from my RO/DI goes directly to a float in the sump. It also splits into a 5 gallon reservoir. I had to drill one hole in the ceiling and one in the wall to get the line through, which I realize is not an option for everyone, but the advantage is I have a continous supply of top-up water. I check my TDS faithfully to ensure water quality. HTH __________________ Katrina 90 Gal AGA with 2-250W 10k AB DE MH, 220W VHO, Turboflotor 1000, GEO calcium reactor, Pacific Coast chiller, DIY phosphate reactor and nilsen kalk reactor, sps, clams, zoanthids, rose BTA, ocellaris clown, 2 green mandarins, royal gramma, purple tang, sargassum trigger, flame hawkfish, coral beauty, neon dottyback, purple and blue linckia star, brittlestars, snails, snails, snails

12-16-2003, 10:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	Mine is a 18 gal rubbermaid container with a jaco bulkhead (premium Aqautics) fitting in the bottom side. it is plumbed to a kent float valve which is mounted in my sump the rubbermade It is mounted on an upside down recyling bin next to my tank. some what chessey looking but it works great and i can fill it with enough top off to go for a week or more when on vacation. tommyp

12-17-2003, 09:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	My setup is gravity fed and works great if you have a sump that you can put a float valve in and the container is cheap you can put together one for $15 for the float valve $10 for the bulkhead and assorted elbows etc and rigid tubing and the rubbermaid. You can make the rubbermade any size you want depending on your length of trip. The nice thing about a gravity fed setup is that there is less likelyhood of it getting stuck on with a snail. If I ran a pH setup I would have a high water shutoff as well as a low water turn on as a redundancy. TP

12-17-2003, 05:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	pics setup

12-17-2003, 06:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	bulkhead bulkhead inside the rubbermade basically the same outside except it has the jaco fitting to attach the rigid line

12-17-2003, 06:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	float kent float switch mounted in side of sump.

12-17-2003, 06:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	I use a system from Tunze to keep my water level constant. I use it in the sump. Water level regulator with two sensor holding devices, extension and numerous fastening accessories. It is suitable for cabinet filter plants in TUNZE Comline filters or on the edge of the aquarium. This osmotic regulator can also be used in TUNZE SYSTEM cabinet filter plants. The sensors can be stuck to glass surfaces or can be fitted directly to the edge of the tank. Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device. __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif Last edited by mwrager : 12-17-2003 at 06:08 PM.

12-17-2003, 07:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
HAP Star Polyps Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lewisville, TX...but my heart is in Chicago! Posts: 151 View Gallery Karma Komment	My RO/DI goes to my sump where it plumbs into a Kent Marine float valve. I also split the line with a tee upstream of the float and ran a line to a water chiller for the family. We tell the kids its "fish water".... __________________ Definition: Aquarium (n) A hole in your living room in which you throw money. [And I thought this would be cheaper than going to Aruba to dive - Yeah! Right!!] Oceanic 75g Reef Ready, DIY stand and canopy, 50g sump/refugium with 125lbs+ Fiji live rock, Turboflotor Multi Skimmer, 2 – 250w Metal Halides running Ushio 10k lamps, 110w Actinic, DIY moonlight, several corals (mostly softies but a few SPS and LPS as well), a bi-color blenny (Benny), a yellow Tang (Jet), 2 percula clowns (Frick & Frack), a blue spotted jawfish (Spot), a red-lipped blenny (Red), a dragon goby (Puff), a psychedelic mandarin (Mandy), a diamond sifter (Jewel), a green bta, a rose bta, a couple serpent stars, a coral banded shrimp and several crabs and snails who will remain anonymous...

12-17-2003, 09:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
StoneyReef No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 243 View Gallery Karma Komment	Do I Dare?: Stoney Reef Float Switch $20 Grainger 2A554 Water resistant spade connectors 3 plug 5ft extension cord with spade connectors wired in line to attach float switch Snail Guard Stoney Reef Kalk Reactor full setup $195 Kalk reactor Float Switch (same as above) Maxijet 600 feed pump for top off reservoir 5 gallon Menards Bucket: $10 1/2" ID tubing 5ft 1/4" OD tubing 5ft ESV Kalkwasser $20 Basically for $40 you can get just a freshwater top off just the float switch, bucket and maxijet 600 powerhead to feed it. I put the kalk reactor in line to do calcium as well. The kalk reactor full set up comes with the float switch so everything is like $210 with tubing. Works great with smaller sumps or with large sumps with the return pump sectioned off so you can measure evaporation easily in one chamber. There are a couple of options. I do recommend using a freshwater reservoir instead of hooking up the RO/DI directly. That way most sumps can handle the 5 gallons and not overflow, but with an unlimited supply of water your in trouble! I have had the same float switch for 2 years running my top off activating my kalk reactor mixing pump and feed pump. I soaked it in vinegar once to clean it. My sump is unlit, so I do not have to worry about corralline. If your sump is lit, you would obviously have to clean it more often. I just like the redundancy of having the freshwater reservoir. However there are times I forget to fill the bucket and come home to a feed pump that sounds like it is going to explode because it is running dry.

12-18-2003, 02:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
johnlewis Scopas Tang Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton, MI USA Posts: 448 View Gallery Karma Komment	Those float switches are just mechanical not electrical right ?

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