Auto Top-off Anyone?

[90galguy]

I have found a bidillion different options when it comes to an auto top-off system. Does anyone have a recommendations here? I'd like to run my line from my Brute storage container that will be in my garage. It's actually on opposite side of the wall that my tank will be on however it will sit approximately 4' below the level of my sump, so a gravity fed system won't work.

First question: What size pump will I need to submerge in my container to pump the water up to the sump?

Second question: What automatic system would suggest? I'd like it to be fully automated, but I'm a little leery of a system failure. Cost will also be a factor of course.

Third question: This one doesn't actually pertain to the auto top-off. I plan on running my water changes from this same location. I assume a 1-1/2" line from the container to the sump? What size pump here? Again, I'm only about 4' below my sump and no longer than a total of maybe 6-8' of total distance.

I'm brand new to the hobby, so any instructions and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[smallblock]

Check out the tunze osmalator or something, also auto top off dot com. I use a maxijet 1200 with a 2 sensor unit from auto top off .com. Fairly cheap but the tunze is not but it is bulletproof. Basically the one I use has 2 sensor the main one floats when the sump is full over time it evaporates and the float drops. When it reaches its lowest it kicks a relay on that turns on the maxi jet. When it sees the float, float to its highest position it cuts it off. The top sensor is for if the bottom sensor fails.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

JBJ ..... hasn't failed me yet. Comes with two sensors and will power virtually any size pump you attach to it. Not as price as the Tunze unit. You can usually find one for around $50 to $70.

 

[hammcd]

i also use jbj ATO

 

[merkywater]

The Tunze is by far one of the best I have used.

 

[jeffmuse]

I like the Tunze... it is pretty much fail safe with the optical sesor and the second float switch. If you do not want to wory about flooding, the Tunze is the way to go.

The ONLY knock that I have on the Tunze is that I wish they included a stronger pump... if you stage your RO water supply very far away from the tank, the pump is not strong enough to supply water to your main system. I have gone through 3 of the Tunze pumps, and they are just not made to push water more than a couple of feet.

 

[90galguy]

That would be an issue. I'm needing to pump about 6-8' to my sump. It's also below level about 5 of those feet. Are there any power options with the pumps? I guess that will be my research this weekend.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[dme330i]

How about a maxijet 1200 and this kit - http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html">http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html</a>

I've used this kit on my 2 previous tanks and now on my current tank with no issues. I like the redundant fail-safe 2nd float switch.

Edit: I've used MJ600's and 900's with mine, but with your 4', I think you'll need a 1200.

 

[ichthyoid]

This-

 

[jennm]

:lol:

Hi Steve!

I just realized you'd registered under our nickname for you!!!

Welcome to ARC!

And thanks for an early morning chuckle - glad you embraced our little "term of endearment" for you!

Jenn

 

[kilo32]

You can use this head loss calculator from reef central. Just enter in all the factors such as pipe length, elbows, valves etc and try different pumps from the drop down menu and it'll gve you GPH.

 

[90galguy]

Very nice. Thank you!