Top off questions......again..

[ReefGimp]

I know that this topic has been beaten to death, I have spent almost my entire morning at work reading all the posts from my various searches on the topic....here is what I am looking for

I am going away for 10 days at the beginning of October and need to get an auto top off system up and running. This is for my 5 1/2 gallon nano setup. No sump, fuge, etc...this will have to be an "in tank" system" I am ruling out the friend/neighbor method of coming in every couple of days and topping off the tank for me....(unreliable friends and none know anything about reefkeeping)

So...we have...

Float switch, I was all set to go this route until I kept reading things about snails, algae, etc...and I wanted to rig the powerhead with airline tubing for the return...is this even possible??

Gravity system, don't have any room above the tank, was looking at some kind of drip method...Aquadoser, etc....I suppose I could just suspend the unit from the ceiling on a temp basis, but not really thrilled with this prospect..

Dosing pump, Overkill on such a small setup?? Cost wise, not my first choice but I guess in the long run I can use it when I upgrade tanks.

Osmolator Universal, was originally very interested in this but would like to hear from people who are using them now...not sure if it would work well in such a small tank.

Any ideas, suggestions, help would be greatly appreciated....I've got three weeks to come up with a plan.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
For a temporary auto top off setup, I recommand you jig up something with a gravity feed pressure based system similar to "nurce" (tm). It will cost you next to nothing if you are handy. If you want it to be more robust, then there are many options that will cost you anywhere between $50 to $150.

 

[danmhippo]

This unit has been discontinued, but many MO places still has them in stock. http://www.spectrapure.com/St_prec_p0.htm

Litermeter is perfect for your situation. It does not require a powerhead to pump fresh RO to your nano. It uses air pressure to sense water level and will replenish your liquid level as needed. It's motor force draws liquid (in this case your 5Gal RO bucket) to your tank. No other pump required. I have purchased 2 units of this model already and it have never failed me once.

 

[brokekyle]

here's how it works..
http://home.pacbell.net/kylesr/inverted.jpg

Find a round 3or5 gal drinking water bottle with a threaded cap.
Drill the cap to accommodate a close 1/2" PVC nipple.
on the bottle side of the nipple install a threaded 1/2" coupling and a 1/2X3" nipple..
on the outlet side install a 1/2" PVC valve..
add KW. add cap..shake not stirred..
place bottle up side down resting on tank edges.
(I'd make a plexi holder)
Let KW settle.( the 1/2X2 nipple will trap unmixed KW)
screw on last nipple.. of a predetermined length according to your water level in your tank. Open vale.
Make sure the assembly is air tight
Biff WA Bing...3 gallons of make up water added only when the tank level drops.below the nipple inserted in the 1/2" valve..


hope this pic helps

http://home.pacbell.net/kylesr/inverted1.jpg

 

[ReefLion]

I said it once and I'll say it again: dosing pump. That's what the Litermeter is, and it's a pretty good model. I like the vario dosing pump a little better for noise reasons.

Note that if you get a dosing pump (or any top-off system), you should do it at least a few days before your trip so you have time to calibrate it and make sure your top-off at least approximates your evaporation while you are gone. You'll have plenty of time to get it exacly right later.

Tim

 

[ReefGimp]

Thanks for the info everyone!!

Does anyone know of any MO sites that still have this unit available...I've been checking and most say check back in Oct for the new version....I can't wait that long

Any more thoughts?

 

[ReefLion]

It sounds like you are talking about the Litremeter. If so, I'll reiterate my recommendation for the Vario. I do like it much better.

Tim

 

[ReefGimp]

ReefLion,

Here is something I just noticed which may prove to be a problem...It appears that the Vario pumps at a minimum 18 ml/min, my daily top off is somewhere between 1/4 and 1/5 of a gallon which I think translates to something like 950 ml per day....so I am needing something in the neighborhood of 40 ml/hour.....(I hope I did those calculations correctly)

I found some pumps from Innovative Aquatics that seem to be able to handle that low flow rate....have you heard anything about these?

Thanks!

 

[tanzy]

I'm too sure if this will work, but if you need a lower flow rate, why not run your doser on a timer so it doesn't flow 24/7?

 

[ReefGimp]

I guess that is an idea, just wasn't sure if you could run them in conjunction with a timer....

 

[CaptiveReef]

I'm selling a Nurse top off system, it's the smallest one (6.4 gallon model) It's brand new never been used, it is complete with directions.
I have it posted on Reef Central, I 'm selling it for $85.00 I paid $125.00 for it. If you are interested please email me at [email protected]

CaptiveReef