Auto Top Off

[ohioreef]

Here is my DIY auto top off set-up:

I bought one of the 5g plastic water storage jugs from Wal-Mart. (You need to make sure that it is not one of the flimsy clear jugs if you want to store limewater in it, I found out the hard way the limewater eats through those!!)

I took a piece of hard airline tubing and put it through the vent hole to used as a "pick up" tube.

I then ran airline tubing from the pick up tube to an Aqualifter pump.

I then ran airline tubing from the pump to my sump. Note: the end of the airling tubing in the sump needs to be higher than the water level in the storage container or you will get a siphon, for the same reason, the end needs to be above the water level in the sump.

The Aqualifter pump is controlled by a float switch in my sump.

I probably have less than $25 in this set-up. It has been running for about a year now with absolutely no issues. I do make sure to run vinegar through the tubing and pump now and then to clean out any calcium build-up.

Here are a couple pics. I will try to get some more detailed ones if necessary.

[Reefinmike]

looks good... i need to get my ATO up and running on my 55. i forgot i had one, but i have it just run by a small $5 powerhead

[verper]

I got in on a group buy on a ATO unit, and it is the best money per dollar I've spent so far.  Once set up, most any ATO will relieve you of one less daily chore.  I highly recommend.  Nice setup ohioreef.

[ohioreef]

Thanks! The only bad thing about mine is the fact that the float switch is not run off a relay, but rather off the 120V.

[verper]

Yeah, I've heard that will wear the float switch out sooner.  It's an easy mod.

[ohioreef]

The Aqualifter doesn't draw a whole lot of current so hopefully it won't be much of an issue.

[Reefinmike]

^^^nah... it shouldnt wear out soon.

why would you need to clean the aqualifter pump out if youre just topping the tank off? is there a calcium suppliment in the top off water?

[ohioreef]

Yes, I top off with limewater.