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Old 01-09-2005, 09:33 PM   #1
djyox
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cheap, easy, and basic topoff...


I know there was another thread about this already, but I wanted to bring the topic back up because this idea is diffrent than the other just posted.

I was thinking this is the cheapest, easiest, and most basic top off idea that isn't 100% fail safe, but closer to 100% than others....


http://www2.hawaii.edu/~delbeek/topoff.html

What do ya think?
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Old 01-09-2005, 10:32 PM   #2
jules77
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looks pretty good, I think I will take a look at doing this and see how it goes... finding parts etc.
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Old 01-09-2005, 10:37 PM   #3
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Isn't that just the same thing as the kent float valve?
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Old 01-10-2005, 12:01 AM   #4
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yeah, but I would believe that it shold be cheaper and you can pick up the parts at HD, ACE, etc....
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Old 01-10-2005, 12:11 AM   #5
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The kent float valve is only $18 and has a rep. Who knows what kind of quality you will get buying a humidifier float valve?
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Old 01-10-2005, 12:13 AM   #6
djyox
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that is true too.....

I dunno, at least its another option...
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Old 01-10-2005, 12:45 PM   #7
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with the cost and availability of the kent float valve under $20. It's not worth your time and effort to track down those parts.

If is very reliable providing your sump is not acting as dual purpose refugium where snails could get caught and stick in the on.

Good thing about these if the valve does stick it is usually because the line gets clogs ( most likely when using with Kalk ). Should remove and clean with vinegar as preventative maintenance every few months. Using with FW should require even less.


As for your top off water. Best to avoid a endless water supply regardless of top-off method. This would include hooking it straight up to your RO/DI unit. It's nice that you don't have to find room for the top off container this way but you are at risk of greating a FW tank in the case the plumbing or tank is leaking or if using a siphon overflow ( god forbid ) that fails, or an overflow clog it could be disasterous. That's the main concern with this method.

The con to this method is your top off water needs to be above your sump or above your tank ( if you don't have a sump ). If you have a fish room or don't mind the bucket visable, this is a good high reliablity option.
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Old 01-10-2005, 04:54 PM   #8
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Looks good. i need to make one for my tank.
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Old 01-11-2005, 01:35 AM   #9
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is the idea to just silicone the 1/4" tube into the side of a bucket? with the kent/or the one posted above?

Because I don't think I have ever seen a thru-hull that small....
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Old 01-11-2005, 01:36 AM   #10
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Bulkhead, sorry...
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Old 01-11-2005, 02:51 AM   #11
goodfortune
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Considering who wrote the article, it may be worth a try...but I believe in kent float vavles as well. It's the best $20.00 I've spent in this hobby so far.

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