Looking to add a temporary top off. (Help me!!!!)

STEELERFAN747 · #1 07/04/2007, 09:44 PM

Hi all. I am going on vacation in a few months and I am a little worried about leaving the tank unattended. I am currently purchasing an auto feeder which takes care of the feeding issue but I still have the task of keeping enough water in the sump.

I had read of someone who had added one and even put a timer on it to make sure it would never overflow should it get stuck in the on position.

I can really use some input on this since I am not sure what I would need since it will only be a temporary set up and I cannot drill the sump.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and please be as descriptive as posible.

Thanks

stugray · #2 07/04/2007, 11:46 PM

simplest solution:

Get a resivoir to hold precleaned top off water.

connect that via 1/4" tubing to a float valve and attach to a thing that clips on your sump.

HTH

Stu

RandyStacyE · #3 07/05/2007, 11:06 PM

stugray is absolutely right. An elevated reservoir connected to a float valve is the least expensive solution, the least technical and the most reliable.

Here is a link to a reliable and inexpensive float valve.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...uct%5Fid=12596

You can purchase a trash can from Ace Hardware for around 6-7 bucks. All you need is some basic tools and you've got yourself an ATO.

It may not be pretty, but it will work. I would try to arrange for someone to stop by at least twice a week to make sure everything's ok. I'd show them how the feeder works so they could make sure it's functioning.

STEELERFAN747 · #4 07/14/2007, 10:05 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I will be honest. I am not a rich guy and eventhough I will not be using it very often, when it comes to this I feel it's better to be safe than sorry.

I have seen one on Dr. Foster & Smith for about $90. Has anyone tried this one It comes with everything except the pump but I have a Mag that I can use.

Does anyone have experience with this one / and what are your feelings on the matter?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

rsw686 · #5 07/14/2007, 11:43 PM

When I went away for a week I used a digital timer so I could set it to come on for a minute each day. I have a small pump, an aqualifter would work even better, than would fill my sump each day from a 5gal container. I set it so the output was slightly less than what was needed. By the end of the week the sump was down by 1/4". Granted this takes some testing to do, but its cheap. You just need a pump and the timer.

Zucker26 · #6 07/15/2007, 03:24 PM

I am running an automatic top-off right now that cost me about $20 using a sun-tea jar, some rubber tube, and some silicone sealer. It's been amazingly reliable! Here is a post that I used for my plans.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=661601

noobwithatank · #7 07/15/2007, 04:11 PM

i use autotopoff.com to a aqualifter, in my bc29 i use a 5gallong jug and it take forever for it move.. mind you stock pc lights tho.

csb · #8 07/15/2007, 08:22 PM

The JBJ top off is very good. (That's the one you saw on DFS) ... I've been running one of those for about 1.5 yrs. now and it's been doing a great job. Supports multiple configurations.

I suggest that you consider the ATO, whatever solution you decide, to be a permanent addition to the tank... once you get accustomed to one, it's really a great thing for the tank's overall health because the SG remains stable and it eases maintenance. Best $99 I ever spent.