Auto Top Off Systems?

[snsn]

I have to go away on business for a week...
yes, I know, this is not alowed if you have a reef tank.....

I need some suggestions on what to use for my 22 Gal...
I've seen the JBJ system....
anyone have any other ideas....
any have one to buy?:letitallo

 

[aaron]

I have just come back from six weeks away and no fatalities.
I have a float switch type auto top off I bought from autotopoff.com for $50, and i hooked it up to a 40 gal trash can.
honestly it is the best $50 you could spend, it makes your tank a more stable environment and makes maintenance on you tank a lot easier.

 

[Awibrandy]

Aaron, can you explain to me how this works? And how it differs from a dosing pump? I know, dumb question, but please bear with me. I'm trying to learn. My system was is very basic, and manual.

 

[scumonkey]

found this....

here....

http://www.jcaquatics.com/page19.html

 

[Craig]

i reccomend having a 2 float system just to be safe. the auto top off from reef fanatics has served me well for a while.

 

[Psycho graphic]

I would recommend 3 flaot switches, the third going in the holding tank to shut down the pump should it run low to keep the pump from running dry.

 

[aaron]

the One I have is a two float system from autotopoff.com
It consists of two float switches that you mount in your sump. One switch controls the water level and the second one is a safety switch to turn the pump off if the first switch fails. Basicly the lower switch is placed at the water level in the sump, when the level drops due to evaporation the switch float drops down and turns on a pump which pumps water from a fresh water reservoir into the tank. once the water level is raised the switch floats up and turns the pump off. Generally the float switch is sensetive enough to dose fresh water in about half a pint at a time which keeps your salinity very stable.
With a dosing pump you need to work out how much water you loose to evaporation in a day and set your pump accordingly, but this pump will just keep adding water, it does not respond the the water levels in the tank like a float switc does.
sorry to hijack your thread with a blow by blow like this Snsn,

 

[snsn]

do you need 2 or 3 float switches if you're only using it for a 22 gal tank -
with no sump

 

[Psycho graphic]

The extra are for safety reasons only, that decision is up to you whether you want to use them or not. An ATO can function with just 1 switch.

 

[House of Laughter]

An ATO can function with just 1 switch.

I have had a single switch system on my reef for the 5yrs I have been using them - 2 tanks, same switch - NEVER has it failed. It did fall into the sump once, but it just evaporated and didn't top off - I was NOT on vacation when this happened.

I swear by this switch - JMO

House

 

[bueller]

I use this one on my 90 gallon [ 2 floats] and just ordered another for my 125. they work awesome. http://www.floatswitches.net/index.html

bueller

 

[aaron]

The two float system is for peace of mind, to prevent the tank overflowing if the first floatswitch gets stuck in the on position.
The three float system is the same as the two with the additional float switch being to protect the pump in the freshwater reservoir from running dry
If i was going away I would opt for at least the two float system so i didnt spend my whole time away worrying if the tank was overflowing.

 

[nanchil]

Aaron, this is a question not related to this thread, but how did you handel the skimmer when you are away for 6 weeks?

Thanks.