Refill / Wet Dry

[andymi]

OK, I was just thinking about refill systems to help top off the tank when water evaporates. With a wet dry system, I believe will keep the water level the same in the tank. Is that a correct statement? Meaning if I fill the water in the wet/dry to the proper level, it should raise the water level in the tank to make up for the evaporation that has already taken place.
The other thing is that some people were talking about float valves that will turn on and off the water in the tank. yet if that float valve gets stuck it is possible for an overflow situation. Is that because too much water is getting pumped back into the tank? or is it causing the water to be siphoned from the actual tank into the resorvoir?
How are some of you preventing this from happening in the event of a power outage or something gets stuck in the float valve? I want to do this, but I am gone on weekends occasionally and do not wish to come home to dead fish and no water.
--Andy

 

[broomer5]

I think you're pretty close .. but let me say this.
The position of the overflow really determines the "level" of the tanks water. Adding or removing water from the sump has no bearing on the actually water level within the tank. If the slots in the overflow ( tankside ) are high you'll get a higher level in the tank, and vise versa for lower levels. Looking at your W/D on your website .. it looks very similar to mine. I placed colored ribbons, could use tape, at various sump levels that can occur. Lowest level for pumps to operate and not suck air, normal range for top off water, and also marked the highest point the water will rise to in the sump at power outage. When I am away on vacation or extended trips, people that look after my tank can easily open the door, look at sump level and add appropriate amount of top off water to bring it back to correct level. I know ... sort anal retentive but this assures them and me that the make up water is right, and I won't end up with a soaking wet carpet.
Check out my website in my profile.
Good luck ..... nice tank ya got there Andy.
Brian