Automatic Top-Off

[ellebelle]

I am currently in the process of setting up a 29 gallon tank with a ten gallon sump, and I want to put in an automatic top off system. I'm thinking about going with the Spectrapure LiterMeter (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SP1095) but I wanted to see if anyone here has any other suggestions. For those of you with auto top-off, what do you use?

Thanks!

Lissa

 

[inkblue]

http://autotopoff.com/

 

[Deanos]

I am currently in the process of setting up a 29 gallon tank with a ten gallon sump, and I want to put in an automatic top off system. I'm thinking about going with the Spectrapure LiterMeter (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SP1095) but I wanted to see if anyone here has any other suggestions. For those of you with auto top-off, what do you use?

Thanks!

Lissa

There's no denying the a LiterMeter III is one of the top dosing pumps available. However, there are less expensive ways to safely automatically top-off your aquarium. For the set-up you mention from Marine Depot, you'd need a LiterMeter III at $339.00 plus the Top-Off Control Module at $39.00.

"The SpectraPure Top-Off Control Module is an optional level sensor that interrupts power to the LiterMeter III when a high water level is detected."

 

[digitalreefer]

Lissa actually posted the wrong link... we were looking at this one: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SP5113

I don't think this requires the controller, but please correct me if I'm wrong. Which is the better bet, this one or the ones on autotopoff.com?
Thanks.

 

[bigbris1]

WHAT!!!! I got a 1 gallon Hawaiian Punch bottle, some airline tubing, an air pump, a float switch, a paper clip & viola! Auto top off. Cost me $5.

No wonder why most of you fools don't have a car & hop the train on frag swapping excursions. (shakes head) Save that money & get some wheels! Sheeeesh!!!
​

 

[nanoreefer22]

WHAT!!!! I got a 1 gallon Hawaiian Punch bottle, some airline tubing, an air pump, a float switch, a paper clip & viola! Auto top off. Cost me $5.​

No wonder why most of you fools don't have a car & hop the train on frag swapping excursions. (shakes head) Save that money & get some wheels! Sheeeesh!!! ​

Yes, it cost you $5 but it's only 1 gallon of water. With a larger tank, 1 gallon would probably last you half a day. Now I'm going to go ahead and assume that this is gravity powered, since you mentioned no powerhead.

If it just soo happened that this system failed you wouldnt really end up with a flood, but think about if someone was to have a 55g drum with top off water; You really don't want to run the risk of having that gravity fed, right?

autotopoff.com systems are good.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Eric, with the one you linked it looks like all you would need is a little powerhead.
-kris

 

[reefman]

i have a 30 gal tub above the tank connect to my float valve by airline tubing in the sump. Gravity feed. 15$ for the valve, 15$ for the tub 1$ for the tubing.

 

[cla009]

The Tunze Osmolator is by far the best, the longest stretch i've had it going without touching it is about 14 months. It probably cost more than your tank though Im using the JBJ one now on another tank because its half the price but it has issues. The Tunze float switch is the best out there.

 

[mott768]

I use a 5 gallon bucket, SP3000 dosing pump plugged into a float switch. That was the easiest way I found.

Here's the float switch I use
http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=274

 

[jackson6745]

I use the Tunze osmalator but I've had problems with it.

1st the seals went in the pump and leaked oil in my fresh water holding bin.

2nd the sensor stop working and stopped topping off the tank.

Both times Roger from Tunze corrected the problem and assured me that the pumps are now double sealed. I love this unit when it works, but mine was not trouble free.

 

[inline6]

I use 2 float switches, a extension cable for my pump, and a cheapo Via Aqua pump = $22 about in materials.

Unit has worked flawlessly for almost 3 years now.

 

[bigbris1]

Yes, it cost you $5 but it's only 1 gallon of water. With a larger tank, 1 gallon would probably last you half a day. Now I'm going to go ahead and assume that this is gravity powered, since you mentioned no powerhead.

If it just soo happened that this system failed you wouldnt really end up with a flood, but think about if someone was to have a 55g drum with top off water; You really don't want to run the risk of having that gravity fed, right?

autotopoff.com systems are good.

True about larger tanks, but then just get a larger bottle & perhaps, a powerhead. My system is not gravity fed, I have an air pump which pumps air into the bottle & forces water up the tube into the tank, controlled by a float switch. 1 gallon insures that I don't have a flood & the the paper clip (I know I need to make a hanger out of plastic because of rust issues) allows the float switch to be far enough out so snails can't get to it.

Lasts long enough to add dosing supplements every other day if needed. The only way the system would fail is if I was away long enough that the water ran out. Never happens.

BTW, the coral I got from you is doing great & was a wonderful addition to my tank. Thanks again!!

 

[ShaunW]

WHAT!!!! I got a 1 gallon Hawaiian Punch bottle, some airline tubing, an air pump, a float switch, a paper clip & viola! Auto top off. Cost me $5.​

No wonder why most of you fools don't have a car & hop the train on frag swapping excursions. (shakes head) Save that money & get some wheels! Sheeeesh!!! ​

I'm shaking my head at your comment. Calling MR fools is not the best way to play nice around here.

 

[jhale]

lol, we do have cars, but we also know that taking the subway is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city

 

[bad coffee]

Or we know that having a car in NYC just isn't needed.

But I do NEED that litermeter I have. . .

B

 

[bigbris1]

The smiley at the end was to signify that it wasn't a stab at any of you. I know many don't have cars by choice. Anyway, take it how you like.

 

[reefman]

i have a car...:lol: