So, I have been thinking of building a semi manual top off system with a foot pedal. Thinking of using a maxijet or rio, any inexpensive submersible and run a line to the back of my Biocube 29g. When ever I need a top off, I just step on the pedal and have a fresh water top off. I am also thinking it could be used to replace water for salt water from water changes

Has anyone seen a system like this and would a power head have enough power to pump the six feet from the stand to the tank?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51x3...L500_AA280_.jpg

interesting idea...
if you want an ATO though why not get the JBJ ATO?
the foot pedal for doing WC is very innovative though

I like how I will have two hands available and the flow will stop right away. Worried about back flow though..

Do you have any pets that would end up laying on it while you're away?

Or children?

Why not just use a float switch and do it automatically?

Sounds great in theory...

If you have a maxijet to test with already, try it! Just use a power strip as the "foot switch". I think you'll be ok @ 6' head pressure w/ a mj900 or mj1200.

Once you start adding switches its really not too much more to do to make it an ATO, which means you would have more stable salinity over all.

ah if it werent for the two free hands thing there is a remote at home depot that can turn an outlet on or off

No pets no kids. Foot switch is cheap. I really want to not spend a ton.

Cheaper than a float switch? You can get them on ebay for $6. You can get a full ATO kit for about $30.

This.

Neat idea with the floatswitch, but you're 90% of the way there to an ATO.

A float switch requires a place to mount it and should be in pairs for redundancy. That takes up quite a bit of room and is not the prettiest of solutions. A 1/4" tube up over the rim of a tank is neither.

(I already have something like what the OP is planning. Mine happens to just be a normal light switch on a DIY electric panel at about foot level. Aqualifter from a 5gallon bucket of RODI over the rim of the tank, perfecto.)

Where can I get the 30 dollar kit?

My mistake, $40.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/produc...it-premium.html

Good kit. I use it myself.

That kit's better anyhow, as it includes a project box and power supply.

floatswitches.net used to have a really barebones kit that had to splice the relay directly into a power cord and tape it all up. ghetto.

I built this one for about $30 bucks and it worked great. Parts are available would have to order the float switch.
Relay can be picked up from Radio Shack for about $12 bucks.

Amazing feedback. Thanks everyone. So initially I had though a foot pedal would be inexpensive now, for the same price I can do the ATO. very happy.

I still think I will set up a food pedal pump for water changes. I like the idea of having two hands available and adding water with the tube rather than pouring into the tank. Since I do not have a sump.

I have a biocube 29G. Will be replacing my stock pump with a Rio HF6 but am thinking I could place the stock pump in 2 & 3 Chamber and run that on the foot pedal. Have a tube with shut off for removing water.

For not a whole lot more than the ATO, you can automate your water changes as well. Link is in my signature. ATO is built in.

500