Gravity fed auto top-off

[lnevo]

So, I setup an auto top-off reservoir combined with the Eshopps float valve to create a gravity fed auto top-off. My main question though is which section in my sump to put the float valve?

Today I came home and the only level that appeared off in the tank was the return pump section and after adding about a gallon of FW, that leveled back up. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't have the ATO setup yet or what..

Unfortunately though the float valve does not reach to the water level line in the return pump section... Currently I have it in the center refugium section of the sump. The sump is an EShopps R-100.

Pics of the setup are here for reference.

http://leesnextproject.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-post_16.html

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Lee

 

[fishman1069]

You have to put it in the return pump section, that is the only place the water level will change.

sent feom my POS phone

 

[samksy]

I am doing the same, gravity feed for ATO. Works well. I had the ATO in my return section. All I had to do is drill a small hole for my kent float valve and mounted and. COnnect to the water bin place above sump level.

 

[lnevo]

Thanks everyone. I think the issue for me to is, I'm running the water level in my return section too low. I think I have it at the minimum level which is why the bracket doesn't reach. I'm going to try raising the level tonight and put the float in there. That should do the trick!

 

[lnevo]

So, I raised the level in the return section to about an inch below the baffle teeth in the refugium section and now the float valve reaches perfectly. The ATO is fully operational and working great. Looking forward to coming home tomorrow to see the levels in the right spot

Thanks again for the help!

 

[fishman1069]

Nice! Just keep an eye on that float valve, they do malfunction sometimes.

 

[lnevo]

Nice! Just keep an eye on that float valve, they do malfunction sometimes.

My reservoir is only about 4-5 gallons and even with the pump powered off and the DT drained, there is still plenty of room to accomodate it. Should I be concerned about. The salinity shift if it drains? The DT is 65 gallon and I probably have 10-15 in the sump.

Thanks!