Topping off your tanks

Geoff · 07-03-2002, 11:44 AM

Thank you all for putting up with all of my threads, but you are the best resource for finding out information on reef tanks.

How many of you have automatic top-offs on your aquariums. What kind do you use? I expect my new 125G with 20G refugium will evaporate quite a bit of water.

Are they worth the trouble? Which ones do people like?

Thanks,

G~

karsco · 07-03-2002, 12:19 PM

Hey Geoff,

I have been looking to add a top off system to my tank also, I am mainly adding one due to my job travel and times when I actually get to take vacation. I have heard good things about the Nurce, but I think I am going to DIY this time around. Anyway here is a link to the Nurce and a thread I started on DIY top off systems.

http://www.aqualan.to/order.html

http://www.thereeftank.com/forum/sho...+water+top+off

Hope this helps....

Brooke · 07-03-2002, 07:32 PM

Hey Geoff-

We use the kent float valve along with a really intricate plumbing system designed by my wanna-be plumber husband.

Our filtration system is hooked up to a lawn watering system valve that is timed to open up twice a day. If the float valve indicates the tank needs water...it will fill it up. It's a pretty good system. The lawn valve timer thingy is loud, so we have it open and close while we are at work. You need an RO system that can handle constant pressure.

HTH-
Brooke

dbmet · 07-03-2002, 08:47 PM

I use the Nurce system on my 75 gallon
tanks and it's been great so far..
d

Doug1 · 07-03-2002, 10:49 PM

I use a gravity fed float valve I recycled from a piece of medical equipment, but it works the same as a Kent float valve. Float on an arm that shuts off water flow in when the level is up and as it drops it tricks in shutting itself off. Very simple and keeps SG fairly consistent

OodleyBoodely · 07-04-2002, 12:56 AM

I use the 'Shanks' Pony and gallon milkjug topoff system!

OK, I couldn't resist it-I will behave for the rest of your post.

Welcome to TRT, Geoff!

Flatfish · 07-04-2002, 01:46 AM

I use a 5 gal bucket for RO/DI water storage. In it is a Eheim 1060 pump plumbed to my sump. The pump is plugged in to a float switch mounted upside down in the sump. I refill the bucket once a week with water from an RO/DI drinking water system I've mounted under the sink.

Doug1 · 07-04-2002, 10:59 AM

I have my float valve fed by a 32g trash can, so full it is good for a weeks vacation
What type of float swirch are you using, I am thinking of building a Nilsen reactor and need something to pump top off water into the reactor

Flatfish · 07-04-2002, 05:32 PM

I picked up a box full of these at a garage sale more than a year ago (along with a lot of other gear). I've given some away and used a few. They work great. I don't know how many I have left, but I can check. I have a 100g tank in the garage waiting for my attention and I know they I'll need at least one for the sump pump cut-off. If I have a spare or two I'd be happy to trade for a frag if you'd like? I have just a few corals in my 55 and we do not have a LFS besides P*tC*

. I do get up yor way once in a while and Aaron hits the meeting more than I. Send me an email if you're interested. Here's a pic:

Doug1 · 07-04-2002, 05:37 PM

That looks neat, alas as i am rebuilding after a major crash i have no frags, trade ya my skunk clown

If you have a spare and are willing to part with it let me Know, I'm sure we can work out something

JMilt · 07-05-2002, 07:34 PM

I use the kent float valve kit hooked up directly to my RO unit. It shuts of the incoming water so you don't have waste water running and it uses no electricity. It is tee'd off so I can use the RO for water changes too.
Jason

Rick O · 07-05-2002, 07:59 PM

I use an Ultra Life top off and it keeps the water level within 1/8 of an inch. The weakest link is the suction cup. It comes un-stuck from the sump wall about every 60-90 days.

cichlidite · 07-06-2002, 10:37 PM

OK, some of you use a 32g trash can, some a 1g milk jug, still others do something in between....I guess that all depends on your set up.

But the question I have is this: does the top-off water need to already be at the right salinity? Otherwise treated? Or is it fresh water that you compensate for some other way or when you return from vacation?

Thanks, Mike

Rick O · 07-06-2002, 10:58 PM

Top off water is always fresh water. Preferably RO/DI. Salt does not evaporate.

Just Phish · 07-07-2002, 10:54 PM

Top off water needs to be fresh water. The only thing that evaporates is water itself.

When I used to use an auto top off I used a spectrapure unit with a rio. Worked great and if I could find where I put it after I moved into my house I'd use it again.

HTH

Topping off your tanks

ok, ok....