Help on DIY auto top off system

[findingnemo1974]

Hello - I an a newbie to Salt water aquariums. I am looking for information on level float switches..

Has anyone used any of the following switches for auto top off units.

(1) -- a Madison m8000 item - Item # 2A554
www site = grainger.com

(2) -- Kent heavy duty float valve item # Item: ASWO # 8393
www site = bigalsonline.ca

(3) -- Level Float Switch
www site == floatswitches.net

I am looking for ways to hook up these units to a powerhead unit. Any ideas....thx

[Dr. Tom]

I have an auto top off DIY made for under $15....

Used a simple humidifier part , some airline tubing, a piece of pvc, and a rubbermaid-type tub. Works like a charm!

Do a search on this site for DIY auto top offs or check the DIY forums. If you want a pic, I'll post one tonight.

[Cellenzweig]

Please do Doc... I wouldn't mind seeing this

[Dr. Tom]

Will do:wave:

[findingnemo1974]

A picture would be greatly appreciated....thx

Just one thing -- is you design using gravity?, and does it top off into your main tank or into you Sump?:cheers:

[ajx22]

Either #1 or #3 are good bets - I'm not a fan of #2.

There are other set-ups that will work too...like offered from Dr. Tom utilizes.

HTH

[Dr. Tom]

My design does use gravity. Drains into my sump...and I forgot my @#$%^&* digital camera at work again! I'll draw up a schematic for you now.

[Dr. Tom]

main design

[Dr. Tom]

detail of pvc mounted humidifier float

[Cellenzweig]

Nice work Doc... I'm going to Home Depot tonight!

[findingnemo1974]

Dr. Tom -- Thanks

[cancruiser]

Dr. Tom, One quick thought, Have you ever had a snail climb on top of the shut off? My caution here would be that one did and emptied the fill tank onto your floor. Slim chance most likely though.

[wsg55]

I will try to answer that one, The valve is internal and if a snail was on the float the water might rise abit extra but not very much would need a micrometer to measure.
Sean

[Reef Mike]

Step 1
Buy a float switch on ebay... (5bux or less)

Step 2
Splice float switch into extension cord

Step 3
Buy the cheapest powerhead and plug it into extension cord and place in a fresh water resevoir tank

Step 4
Place float switch in sump

Step 5
Open a beer and enjoy your new water level system

Step 6 (Optional)
Hook up two float switch in series to have a fail safe.


This should take you 5min to make once you have the parts.. I can post some pics for you of my system if you like. Been running for four months now without a single problem. Keeps the water level accurate to about half a centimeter of sump level... Best mod ever....

Here is the switch on ebay

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2386585571&category=20507

[wsg55]

I like the fail safe idea Mike thanks

[Dr. Tom]

Cancruiser,

No snails in my sump! Also it is 30g only filled to 50%. I'd still have 5 gallon leeway before my wife mopped up the floor with my face.

Let's just say I'm not as electrically adept as Mike! I'm still afraid to tackle basic wiring DIY's. I just go straight to Step 5! LOL

[Mckitrick]

I picked up an Osmolator at ORG and although it wasn't cheap, this thing is AWESOME! Very highly recommended.

Thanks Flavio!

[thecoralreef]

I used the same switch off ebay on my diy topoff unit as well and it works great no problems. I did how ever want to get away from having yet another tank hanging around with water in it. I bought a 3/8" solinoid water valve that runs off 110. I could have got 1/4" 24v but that was twice the money. The float switch off ebay has a max amp draw off .6 amps and the solinoid sitch has a pull of .1 amp. All I did was hook the one wire from the float switch to the solinoid and then one from the float and one from the solinoid to a plug and plugged it into the wall. Haven't had a problem with it yet. I got john guess fittings for the solinoid for 1/4" and hooked directly into my r/o unit. Never run out of water.