auto top off system

[goldenboy]

I need some info on an auto top off system. I've been scanning the internet looking for the plans that meet my needs. I'm still new to this concept so bear with me...I want a pump with reserve and don't quite understand how this works and what exactly is needed. This is for a 240 gallon system with (I believe) a 35 gallon sump. I want to avoid any drilling if this is possible

 

[thegrog]

if you want to go the pump/reserve route, what you will need is a float switch in the tank. Easy to rig one up using PVC and simply hang it in your sump return chamber (usually the most sensitive area for water level changes). This float switch when triggered, will activate a relay that turns on the pump. It remains on until the float switch raises to the appropriate level and cuts the electrical signal to the relay.
I used a similiar system. Here is a link to the page where I describe it and have pics.
Auto top off

 

[chipmaker]

By far the best route is one with double flaot swiches. Things happen( Murphys Law) and just think what would happen if the only float in a ATO system. If it sticks one way thats fine, no water enters however if it sticks the other postion, you now have a floor on the floor and a diluted SG content in the tank. Its also a good idea to use a common relay to make and break the actual electrical circuit to the pump or solenoid used to fill the tank up. The float switches have a small switch, called a reed switch inthem and their contacts are not rated allthat much, but a relay virtually eliminates the possiblity of the float switches contacts getting welded shut by amp draw / spark. Its easy to wire in and they are cheap to buy. Two float switches, a 12 VDC power supply, and a relay are the main items....A bracket is needed to hold the float switches which is easily made out of acrylic from a big box store, and also a plastic bottle or shield of some sort to make a wave / snail guard over the float switches floats.

 

[scsinet]

Good ideas from all here...
One other safeguard you can take is to use a valve to restrict the pump's flow to a couple drops per second, either by restricting the output or diverting some of the flow back to the water reservoir. As long as it's greater than the evaporation rate, the pump will have no trouble keeping the tank topped. That way, if the switch sticks, the overfilling rate will be slowed significantly, thereby increasing the amount of time you have to notice the problem.
By the way, by far the best pump to use for this is an aqua lifter. They are cheap and have more than enough flow for this.

 

[uberlink]

email me at uberlink5 at mac dot com, and I'll tell you where to find a nice auto-top off system for about $60 complete. Works great. I don't sell them; I just bought one, and I like it.

 

[threed240]

I read somewhere in these threads about a gravity fed/auto top off. The person had made it out of a air tight acrylic box with a rubber plug in the top for filling, and a hose with a ball valve on the bottom. You place the hose just under the desired water level in the sump, and when the level drops air would enter the bottom hose allowing water to fall, filling the sump back up. It sounds almost like a perfect cheap setup. Once the water level rises in the tank it will cover the hose blocking the air intake.

 

[partsman]

Originally Posted by goldenboy
I need some info on an auto top off system. I've been scanning the internet looking for the plans that meet my needs. I'm still new to this concept so bear with me...I want a pump with reserve and don't quite understand how this works and what exactly is needed. This is for a 240 gallon system with (I believe) a 35 gallon sump. I want to avoid any drilling if this is possible
i set up a top off system using the help of spectrapure web site www.spectrapure.com
( hope i don't get in trouble for this link )
they are super and their customer support is fantastic also.
you'll find diagrams and complete kits to add any type of system including resivoirs and the ability to have as many double float fill systems as you could imagine.
mine works so well - i actually have extra time to do other things other than pour water .
simple hook ups as well as the use of check valves and diaphrams to prevent restictions.
best thing i've done for my 3 tanks in years - and no more lifting 5 gallon containers above my head to top off with rodi water anymore either
also check out nicks acrylicreef.com for some neet acrylic mounts instead of drilling for mounting your floats.

 

[jamie814]

I guess I've never understood the need for all the expensive auto top-off items that people buy :notsure: when all you need is a simple gravity feed top off with a float valve. For less than $20. I have used this method on a 210 for a few years and now on a 90 as well with no problems at all. Currently I have a 2.5gal tank built into my sump with a Kent float valve. When the water level starts to drop the valves lowers and allows a very small amount nearly a very slow drip out of the reservoir filled with kalk water. This method works great and you never have to worry about a electronic switch failing then needing a back up switch and a pump all which are not cheap and just use more electricity. My method uses no electricity. You can simply put one together by having a 5 gal bucket ( or larger) sitting higher than the sump with some RO tubing running to the float valve in the sump and its done. Heres a rough pic of what mine looks like. you can see the kalk tank and part of the float valve just above the water line in the sump.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Hey thanks Jamie! I justmade me one using a 3 gallon rubbermaid container, some poly tubing and a toilet tank float valve

!!! I think its wotking great!

Just put a bulkhead on the rubbermaid, tubed outta that into the bottom of the float valve, strapped that to my return pipe in my sump and set eht rubbermaid on top. When the volume drops it just trickles out until it come up!

About $22.50 in it all including the glue!!

 

[misty7850]

I made an auto top off a couple months ago with a 10 gallon rubbermaid trash can, ro tubing, silicone and float valve, cost all of twenty bucks. Works like a charm. :cheer: