Since you've not had any tried-and-true method of doing your topoff yet, think about getting someone from the shop to come over and do it while you're gone. In the meantime, if you have the time to test your top off method, get either the Spectrapure or Ultralife
float switch (used for this example), some flexible vinyl hose (the size to fit over the end of an outlet for a Maxijet outlet, a two foot length of 3/4" ID PVC pipe, and a 1200 gph Maxijet (I use this in a 180 G system, but smaller may be better for appropriately sized systems). Fit the flex pipe to the outlet for the maxijet,
then attach it to the suction cup rig in the bottom of an empty IO bucket, and fill it with RO/DI.
Run the flexible line from the attachment to the pump in the bottom of the bucket to a point higher than the top edge of the bucket to prevent siphoning from occurring, Next, run a piece of 3/4" PVC to the bottom of the sump next to your return pump. At the top of the pipe, drill a small hole just large enough to put a zip tie through in order to secure the flexible line from the bottom of the reservoir bucket (attached to the pump) to just inside the PVC pipe, yet still higher than the top of the bucket reservoir.
Secure the bottom of the pipe in the bottom of the sump so that it will not tip or fall out, and perforate the bottom of the pipe so the water can flow out into the sump. Now take the plug end of the powerhead (the one secured to the bottom of the water bucket) and plug it into the switched outlet of the ultra-life float switch or the Spectrapure. Make sure that your sump is at its ideal depth, then place the floating part of the switch so that it will be about half way up the switching rod of the device (you can see this when in hand, it is at the bottom inch of the switching device ib black in the photo, located under the part attached to the suction cup).
Test this location a few times, then use some silicone sealant to hold it in place at the suction cup (THE SUCTION CUP HELD TO THE WALL OF THE SUMP). The suction cup is temporarily detecked ion the photo. You may find that you'll need to place the float switch itself inside a piece of 4" to 6" PVC pipe thats been glued to the sump wall and perforated at the bottom to prevent waves from making the float bob on the surface, yet still freely flow to levels outside the pipe. Once installed, plug in the wall outlet and test it once or twice a day untill you leave, checking the amount of fluid your reservoir has at the end of every 24 hours. If your reservoir cannot hold enough water for 12 days, you can either get a larger reservoir that will or put several buckets in series for the period you're gone.
One bit of advise, in the Ultralife device, the ring that floats can be turned upside down to turn off the device to prevent overflowing with a second switch just in case, not a bad idea when using a float switch to control levels, although I have never had an issue with this in 6 or 7 years. Look at other posts I've done for overflows for a few less expensive switches as well.
As far as feeding goes, an automatic feeder with just enough food in it to last that period would be smart, JUST in case the feeder goes bananas. Feed the lion just prior to leaving and again when you get back.
HTH
and I don't have anybody to come over to feed my fish while I am gone. Should I buy an automatic feeder or should I fish them heavy right before I leave?
