auto top off need help PLZ

AusWog · #1 01/04/2008, 02:24 AM

im planning a build for a nano but with a sump about 3 times the size, due to evap i want to make this take as self sufficient as i can cause its for my younger sister.ive read and thought about auto top offs for a while and everyone says its a matter of when-not-if it will stay in the 'on' position.is there any sure way to put an auto top off in without the risk of salinity going to hell im putting a drain in the highest part of the sump with a drain line to outside so nothing will ever flood. this is going to be a heavy invert tank so im thinking of scrapping the thing all together if i cant get 1 working 100% sleep easy at night, hopefully breed some scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp cause they are just way to expensive over here 120-140 EACH...

WhtUpDo · #2 01/04/2008, 08:47 AM

You can use two float sensores, one to turn the pump on when the water level gets low and another as a safety if the water gets too high.

I made a DIY ATO for about $10. It's been running for over 4 months and works perfect. If you want more details let me know, i'm happy to help.

Jay Fortay · #3 01/04/2008, 10:02 AM

I have had a great experience with my tsunami AT-1 it is reall simple and the switch is activated by a vacuum being broken, and the re-established when the water level rises again. It sounded kinda fishy (NPI) at first, but it has always worked as advertised, and is very reasonably priced.

Jay Fortay · #4 01/04/2008, 10:03 AM

oh, and you can find them at
www.championlighting.com

tangafish · #5 01/04/2008, 02:24 PM

whtupdo do you have some pics of your auto top off i have been interested in setting one up too

WhtUpDo · #6 01/07/2008, 04:14 PM

Here are some pics of my set up, it works great.

Here is the float sensor. I used a knot in the cord to set the depth and a bic pen to keep tension on the wire. I also have the sensor housed in a 1" (i think) PVC cap.

Here is the Azoo air pump wraped in a towel, they get pretty loud unless it's wrapped up. I don't even hear it come on now.

This is my resivior tank, a 1 gallon gatoraid jug. It lasts about a week this time of year.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

tangafish · #7 01/07/2008, 10:15 PM

looks simple enough, where did you get the float sensor

WhtUpDo · #8 01/08/2008, 07:21 AM

I bought this one at http://www.floatswitches.net/

You can also get them at Newark.com, just do a search for "float sensor".

WhtUpDo · #9 01/08/2008, 08:31 AM

The only thing to keep in mind is if you decide to use a PVC cap around the float sensor you need to drill vent holes in it. Without the vent holes a bubble will form in the cap and the float sensor will not float. Other than that, it is very easy to do.

scottdwh · #10 01/08/2008, 10:08 AM

You can put your ATO on a timer so it will only run for about 10 minutes at a time.