BostonMike7 Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 A few years ago, I built a little 20 Long with 10g sump in a stand. Got the setup plumbed up and set to run, but ultimately never filled it due to wanting to sell my condo and purchase a single family home. Fast forward to now. I've done that, and can now finally set the tank up. Found a spot, and since it's been empty for at least 2 years, decided to run it with tap water just to make sure things were OK. Found my first issue. Water evaporation. With the heater set to 78 degrees, I lose water fast in a dry (30% RH) environment. The last segment in the 10G sump isn't big enough and losing a little water drops the level down. I'd say every 2 days I'm adding about 1 red solo cup of water. Not a huge deal, but sometimes i'm away for business for a week or so, so i'd like to extend that time out just in case. Space is a concern. It's an enclosed stand so not a lot of room to play with. I'd rather stay away from an automated setup. I was actually thinking something along the lines of a bottle, suspended upside down in the corner. When the level drops past the mouth, water automatically flows out of the bottle until the mouth is covered again. Just need to devise a good bottle holder though. Any ideas on other paths to pursue? Link to comment
Benny314 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 You want something like this. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auto-top-off-Water-Filler-dont-need-power-easy-install-/271875569212?hash=item3f4d0bf63c I have a 5 litre bottle in a cupboard next to my tank with the pipe running into the stand and the float valve in my return chamber. All you have to do is keep an eye on the bottle, but if it does run out, you won't burn any pumps out etc and with it being a physical ball float valve, it can't stick open and risk over filling the sump. Link to comment
gulfsurfer101 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 HOW TO: $12 Aquarium Auto Top Off (ATO) Automation: Best to get a 5.5 or 5g bucket and a small fountain pump from ebay and do a floatwitch ato If yo your looking to do a diy ato. Link to comment
BostonMike7 Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share Posted January 29, 2016 Thanks guys. This gave me some ideas Link to comment
Tbass3574 Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 I just constructed the same one that gulfsulfers video shows. If you have any questions let me know it works great Link to comment
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