Auto Top-off for Nano Reefs

[L33T]

I have a 5g AGA that will eventually be upgraded to a larger Nano Cube type aquarium, that maybe as large as 20g, but certainly no larger.

My situation is that I will be going on fall break vacation very soon.

I have been searching hard for a solution that will work for a Nano Reef, but most of the designs are for larger aquariums with sumps.

I have no sump, no overflow system...

I need an auto top-off system that will take water from a container. I really have no time, nor the resources (I'm in college; I didn't bring any DIY supplies) to do such a system, so I will need to purchase the most reliable system say $125 can buy. I need it to be extremely reliable, and also something that won't look ridiculous inside a 5g aquarium.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[smithcreek]

JBJ ATO (comes with 2 float switches and is very accurate) and an Aqualifter pump, under $100 for both at:

http://www.aquahub.com/store/autotopoffcomp.html

If you add some extras to just put you over $100 you get free shipping. I bought the stuff to make a float switch/alarm and use it when making RODI. It's saved me countless times from forgetting I was making water.

[L33T]

Thanks for answering so quickly!

I saw that one but I was kinda wondering about the float switches; how big are they? I can't see to find pictures of them.

[smithcreek]

The float switches are maybe 1-1/2" cube. Like these but with a protector around it:

http://www.aquahub.com/store/autotopoffcomp.html

[LuckyReefer]

or you could use a drip tank application... very inexpensive.

[L33T]

or you could use a drip tank application... very inexpensive.

I would be very worried that something could go wrong for the case of a 5g tank, but thanks for the idea.

The float switches are maybe 1-1/2" cube. Like these but with a protector around it:

http://www.aquahub.com/store/autotopoffcomp.html

I think I will do this; I will buy what you recommended, but I couldn't figure out what else I wanted -- I decided to swap the pump for the MaxiJet (costs a few more dollars) and to buy 5' of 1/2" ID tubing :)

I'm going to place the order soon!

[smithcreek]

I would be very worried that something could go wrong for the case of a 5g tank, but thanks for the idea.



I think I will do this; I will buy what you recommended, but I couldn't figure out what else I wanted -- I decided to swap the pump for the MaxiJet (costs a few more dollars) and to buy 5' of 1/2" ID tubing :)

I'm going to place the order soon!

I would highly recommend against getting the maxijet if you are going to use it to top off the 5 gallon. Reason is float switches do fail occasionally. The JBJ ATO has a adjustment that lets you set that limits the MAXIMUM amount of time the pump will run. You can set this Maximum for as little as 3 minutes or as many as 15 minutes. This means that if your float switch gets stuck in the "ON" position, your pump will only fill the tank for 3-15 minutes, depending on where you set the adjustment.

If you use a maxijet, 3 minutes would completely empty your resevoir into your tank, most likely killing everything. If you're using an AquaLifter pump and the switch gets stuck and runs 3 minutes straight, it may add an extra pint or less to your tank. No big deal.

[L33T]

Shoot. Well, I sorta already placed the order.

I suppose to compensate I will simply obstruct the inlet or outlet to manually decrease the flowrate.

[naturebatslast]

If it's similiar to my ATO made by reefgeek, you can set the float switches to detect a low water level and a high water level. Lower level switch tops off, and the high level switch will detect levels above the maximum set, then kill the topoff pump.

[smithcreek]

Shoot. Well, I sorta already placed the order.

I suppose to compensate I will simply obstruct the inlet or outlet to manually decrease the flowrate.

you can get the aqualifter pump for $15-$20 at most fish stores. I think you could also set the float switches up to have one set at the level you want, and the second set just a bit higher than the first, acting as an emergency stop if the first one fails.

The only thing you lose using either that method or the one nature suggested is the option of putting the second float switch in the reservoir to shut off the pump if the reservoir is empty.