Adding top off RODI: Do you account for salinity swing?

[JLAudio]

When Im adding top off fresh RODI, usually 5 gallons a once a week (a few days after weekly WC) into my sump.

I was just thinking that I pour the whole 5 gallons in at once, and my tank is 54 gallons with 10 gallon sump but with a low water level in sump lets say theres 60 total gallons. This is a 10% addition of Fresh water that im sure would cause a fairly drastic salinity change that might have an effect on ph, sg, salinity etc.

Should this be done slowly?
Or is this a small change that wouldnt have an effect?

 

[Jasonanatal]

That is a rather large amount of water which will drastictly effect all water parameters very quickly in my personal opinion. You can purchase a relatively relaible do it yourself Automatic Top of unit for around$65.00 that is including a pumps and just get a rubbermaid container to act as your RO/DI Freshwater Resevior. If you need some assistance I have more time later on to tell you about it.

 

[Killerdrgn]

I do my top offs slow to avoid this very problem..

 

[JLAudio]

Jason thank you for offer, unfourtanetly I have a corner tank that doesnt have an inch of room to work with, at least I dont think so. :scratchch

Im gonna see where I can place it and will contact you if I do so. Thanks

 

[JLAudio]

I do my top offs slow to avoid this very problem..

Yea killer, Its funny I never thought about it till the other day, but now my tank isnt that large and I think I should premake RODI and add a gallon a day or so, rather than wait till pumps making annoying noises (sumps empty).

 

[meschaefer]

Yea killer, Its funny I never thought about it till the other day, but now my tank isnt that large and I think I should premake RODI and add a gallon a day or so, rather than wait till pumps making annoying noises (sumps empty).

That is much better than waiting until it is so low that your pump is sucking air.

 

[Jasonanatal]

Well think about it because the sensor really doesn't need much mor then an inch to of space to work with and you can run tubing the rest of the way. check out my Nano Thread titled "Jasonanatal's HQI Nano Cube"

 

[JLAudio]

I just checked out thread Jasonnatal, what pump do you need for top off and how thick tubing, because my corner tank is pretty close to wall?

 

[autoponicz]

wow..if you wait untill the pump is sucking in air then the parameters have definetly been effected........
i believe an ATO is a must in a saltwater tank to keep the sg and all parameters stable for coral and fishes's vital health....
after a while...you will get tired of having to worry about topping off your tank,...if no one is around to help you top off then you can forget about going anywhere for even 1 whole day..

in my 50g...i have a 5g tall trashcan gravity feeding RODI to a float valve in my sump..
for my 10g...i have a DIY battery powered air top off..

 

[autoponicz]

heres a article on the battery powered ATO
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29093&b=1&st=&p=&#entry

all you really need is a air pump...2 pieces of rigid airline tubing/airline tubing..some silicone or super glue and a jug of your choice....
and order a basic float switch and hanging bracket.....i can show you some ways to make a bracket also..
enjoy..

 

[iconoclast]

I use an aqualifter hooked up to an auto top off switch. Aqualifters are great for top off, they are very cheap, reliable, silent, they aren't submerged, use airline tubing and have high head due to using a diaphram pump system.
I actually dose kalk but you don't have to, its really the same set up.
I use a large reservoir to top off from, a 5 g bucket but whatever works for you. shooting for a 7 day supply is good i think.