Ohio Reef

Reef Discussion => Do It Yourself => Topic started by: ohioreef on November 29, 2006, 17:42:07

Title: Auto Top Off
Post by: ohioreef on November 29, 2006, 17:42:07

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.

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohioreef.com%2Fpics%2Fato1.jpg&hash=9b0eddc97cb8f25b825cc1a1b73a754a468a1646)

(https://ohioreef.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohioreef.com%2Fpics%2Fato3.jpg&hash=d5f8646c115fbf34e0c5e1448a413b75194b0274)

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: Reefinmike on November 29, 2006, 18:57:30

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

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: verper on November 29, 2006, 19:08:37

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.

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: ohioreef on November 29, 2006, 19:13:39

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.

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: verper on November 29, 2006, 19:17:03

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

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: ohioreef on November 29, 2006, 19:40:39

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

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: Reefinmike on November 29, 2006, 20:28:17

^^^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?

Title: Re: Auto Top Off
Post by: ohioreef on November 29, 2006, 21:29:10

Yes, I top off with limewater.