My new DIY Auto top off
- Thread starter wattsupdoc
- Start date
wattsupdoc
Active Member
Well I had a problem with the 65, but not associated with the ATO. My HOB aquaclear 70 filter plugged up and overflowed from the back of it.
So I guess I did a 4 gallon waterchange the messy way last night.
.But the 125 still doesnt need any topping off.
It is a little low and I'll probably add a gallon tomorrow. Much better than adding a gallon to each, everyday. There have been no problems with the ATO.
wattsupdoc
Active Member
Added 1/2 gallon to the 125
wattsupdoc
Active Member
Originally Posted by maelv
I am on day two also no top offs needed....so far so good...very happy...
:happyfish
Can you get a pic of you'rs?
I am on day two also no top offs needed....so far so good...very happy...
Can you get a pic of you'rs?
adamc1303
Active Member
Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
This was my previous ATO. It was a gravity fed ATO and worked great. But space is a commodity for me.
The drip rate wont have to be constantly adjusted. Once it's dialed in. And I wont have to fill containers either. It will match my evaporation in real time and not by taking a cup or 2 at a time. Adding a gallon or so when ever it get low enough.
Doc I know this is an old thread but can you give me exact instruction on how to make your "old ATO" unit? What size pipe do you use and how far under the water level in sump does it go or not go?
This was my previous ATO. It was a gravity fed ATO and worked great. But space is a commodity for me.
The drip rate wont have to be constantly adjusted. Once it's dialed in. And I wont have to fill containers either. It will match my evaporation in real time and not by taking a cup or 2 at a time. Adding a gallon or so when ever it get low enough.
Doc I know this is an old thread but can you give me exact instruction on how to make your "old ATO" unit? What size pipe do you use and how far under the water level in sump does it go or not go?
wattsupdoc
Active Member
The container needs to be able to be air tight under a vacuum. It needs to be elavated somewhere above your sump/fuge/tank you want to Top off in. Wherever the water fluctuates. I used a water jug from a dog waterer. A rubber squeeze ball from a turkey baster, a male connetor(1/2in) a lockring to connect it to the jug. A barbed fitting and some 3/8 poly tube. Silicone dto stop any leakes. Just run the poly tube to the exact level you want the water maintained at. When the water level drops, it will suck air in and allow water to flow. When it rises above the tube, it will stop feeding water. A milkjug itself WONT work, because its too thin.
Rely though the driper method is pretty reliable, but I'm now using a float valve connected to my RO and t"d for kalkwasser.
Rely though the driper method is pretty reliable, but I'm now using a float valve connected to my RO and t"d for kalkwasser.
mrinelfrlz
Member
GREAT IDEA!
i was in the process of looking for a good top off idea and came across this, nice!
i will for sure go this route better then drilling a hole in my sump/ fug
and very simple with the way you have the calculations thanks
i was in the process of looking for a good top off idea and came across this, nice!
i will for sure go this route better then drilling a hole in my sump/ fug
and very simple with the way you have the calculations thanks
mrinelfrlz
Member
alrighty
i dont know if you still keep track of this thread but
i went and got everything i need today
i figured i evaporate about 1 gallon or a little over per day so i set the drips @ 40 drips per min.
1st i filled the water up to the water line to get my starting point
i will keep an eye on it and adjust when i need to
thanks for the idea
did it all for under $25
i dont know if you still keep track of this thread but
i went and got everything i need today
i figured i evaporate about 1 gallon or a little over per day so i set the drips @ 40 drips per min.
1st i filled the water up to the water line to get my starting point
i will keep an eye on it and adjust when i need to
thanks for the idea
did it all for under $25
turningtim
Active Member
MLR, Glad you found this thread, I saw it and thought of you. Good deal HUH!
Ever think you have that beast up and running?
Well Done you should be proud of the work that you did!
Ever think you have that beast up and running?
Well Done you should be proud of the work that you did!
mrinelfrlz
Member
Originally Posted by TurningTim
MLR, Glad you found this thread, I saw it and thought of you. Good deal HUH!
Ever think you have that beast up and running?
Well Done you should be proud of the work that you did!
HECK OF A GOOD DEAL!!!!
cheap and it seems to work
MLR, Glad you found this thread, I saw it and thought of you. Good deal HUH!
Ever think you have that beast up and running?
Well Done you should be proud of the work that you did!
HECK OF A GOOD DEAL!!!!
cheap and it seems to work
turningtim
Active Member
Pics? Yep! Nice OF you got there!
mrinelfrlz
Member
Originally Posted by TurningTim
Pics? Yep! Nice OF you got there!
nope
not the one with the pics the one about my update
it may not have got to you so i sent another one for you
what do you think is happening ??
Pics? Yep! Nice OF you got there!
nope
not the one with the pics the one about my update
it may not have got to you so i sent another one for you
what do you think is happening ??