Auto Top Off in display tanks

[bobz]

I use ATO float switches on all my tanks with sumps. The only tank that I have without a sump, is my 30G Nano which has a HOB Bermuda Rogue Skimmer. I'm going to be on vacation in a couple of weeks and gone for 10 days. Normally, our pet sitter feeds my tanks while I am gone and I was going to ask her to top off the 30G every other day.

My other option is to put an ATO on the display tank, but I am worried that snails or crabs might get on the float switch and cause the pump to overflow the tank. I've got snail guards on the float switches I have but not comfortable that they will keep the litter buggers off the switch while I am away, in the 30G tank. I'm using there right now and they work well for me...
http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2">http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2</a>
I was thinking I could just put some netting around the whole switch as a precaution.
What are other people doing for top off switches in main display tanks? I would really like to get this automated before I leave and have some degree of certainty that it will work!
thanks
Bob

 

[blind1993]

autotopoff has one that is made for a DT.

 

[calireefer]

Tunze Osmolator going four years strong no problems. This thing is disaster proof. It uses two sensors, an optical and a back up float switch also has run dry protection in case my freshwater container runs out of water.

 

[bobz]

That Tunze is very cool! I had not seen it before. A bit pricey for a nano but probably worth it. I like the photo eye for level control. What is the purpose of the float switch if it has the photo eye?
bob

 

[bobz]

Thanks Annce. That is another option. Any one using this one from auto topoff.com
http://autotopoff.com/products/DT1/index.htm">http://autotopoff.com/products/DT1/index.htm</a>
that has good or bad experiences?

 

[liverock27]

I don't have that specific model, but I have one from ATO.com and it has been working great for a little over 3 months in the back of my Biocube14.

 

[purplegorilla]

bobz;164028 wrote: Thanks Annce. That is another option. Any one using this one from auto topoff.com
http://autotopoff.com/products/DT1/index.htm">http://autotopoff.com/products/DT1/index.htm</a>
that has good or bad experiences?[/QUOTE]

I have been using that for 2 months also..I got it used (don't know how old) . I did take it apart and clean it a little bit but it wasn't really dirty. I have it working with my aqualifter.

 

[calireefer]

bobz;164025 wrote: That Tunze is very cool! I had not seen it before. A bit pricey for a nano but probably worth it. I like the photo eye for level control. What is the purpose of the float switch if it has the photo eye?
bob

The float switch shuts the fresh water pump if for some reason the optical sensor malfunctions, it also activates a very loud audible alarm. The optical sensors never malfunctioned but the float switch is nice for the peace of mind and it functions as a high water alarm to let me know somethings wrong.

 

[olds350racer]

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1613">http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1613</a>

I use the Reef Fanatic It's nothing fancy, but I like that it has two float swithes. It give me some peace of mind.

 

[jhutto]

autotopoff.com is a great one. Use an aqualifter pump and timer and it will never have a problem. Been using mine for over a year and it works great.