What do you do for a top-off?

[superjohnny]

It's been so hot I'm in need of a auto-top off system. What do you use and where'd you get it?

[reef165]

i got a float valve from upscales and use a diy 10gal tank with a bulkhead at the bottom with one of those 1/4 inch riged vinal tube ball valves you can get at lowes, and gravity feed it from the 10gal tank on top of the hood on the show tank, to the float valve on the sump whare the returne pump is. no elect. and no fuss!!

[Nyles]

I use the JBJ ATO, its on the high side for price but setup takes about 5 minutes at most and works wonderfully

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_jbj_ATO_automatic_top_off_water_level_controller.asp?CartId=

[chewie]

I use a float valve in the sump as well. It is hooked up to a 6 gal salt bucket. I used a drill bit and a tap to make the threads at the bottom of the bucket, and it uses John Guest fittings. You can build one for about $25(float valve is around $15). You can do it with the cheaper Jayco fittings but it's much easier with the JG speedfits.

[impur]

Floatswitch in sump from floatswitches.net and a 10gal tank fed by a small AC powerhead.

[reefcam]

i use a float valve and solenoid that is plumbed to my house water line. I bought my parts from grainger.com since I wanted the parts that are used by industrial folks. The solenoid is heavy duty and haven't failed in the 5 years that it has been in service.

[reef165]

so your adding tapwater to your tank?

[reefcam]

No. I have a dual 100gpd RODI unit that's plumped to my house water and that feeds my tank. I used to fill a bucket with RODI saltwater, but I didn't like looking at a bucket next to my tank. The tank is also plumbed to my house drain so in the event the water doesn't stop. But I do check the top-off unit bi-yearly to make sure it is working properly.