extra precaution for auto top off

Abynum1 · 02/25/2007, 11:56 AM

Someone has probably already thought of this, but here my idea:
Let your tank go for 12 hours during the day without topping it off then turn on your auto top off and time it to see how long it takes it to top off.
Do this again 12 hours later, say 8am and 8pm.
Then put your auto top off on a digital timer for 8am and 8pm for the length of times it took to top of the system at each particular time of day.
Add a few seconds if you want just to allow for extra evaporation.
This would be an added safety feature in case the auto topoff gets stuck.
Even if its stuck it would only run (roughly) the amount of time it takes to top it off.
Of course if it doesn't need the full time allowed on the timer the top off will shut it off anyway.
Unless of course they both malfunction

Is this a good idea? It seems like you get a whole new level of protection for just the cost of a timer.

Abynum1 · 02/25/2007, 12:05 PM

Also you could have it come on every six hours for shorter lengths of time, in order to keep from adding so much water at one time.

Abynum1 · 02/25/2007, 06:00 PM

Anyone care to comment?
I would really like to know if it's ok to do it before I set it up.
Thanks

aclos3 · 02/25/2007, 06:09 PM

That does seem like a good idea. You can also safeguard by running another float switch, higher up in the sump (or tank). Configuring that switch to be in "normal off" mode will shut the pump off if the water rises past a certain point. Adding another float switch to a DIY top off system is probably cheaper than adding a digital timer.

To be even safer, you could do both options, but that seems to be getting a little anal.

I like your idea though, and I would surely make it come on 4+ times a day, to reduce the salinity variation. Also, you've got to count on days with higher evaporation. Ambient temperature and humidity factors.

rjboyer · 02/25/2007, 06:13 PM

sounds like a good and cheap idea

Abynum1 · 02/25/2007, 06:16 PM

Thanks guys!

dsltech · 02/25/2007, 07:30 PM

good idea...

02/25/2007, 11:56 AM	#1
Abynum1 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ellisville, Ms Posts: 469	extra precaution for auto top off Someone has probably already thought of this, but here my idea: Let your tank go for 12 hours during the day without topping it off then turn on your auto top off and time it to see how long it takes it to top off. Do this again 12 hours later, say 8am and 8pm. Then put your auto top off on a digital timer for 8am and 8pm for the length of times it took to top of the system at each particular time of day. Add a few seconds if you want just to allow for extra evaporation. This would be an added safety feature in case the auto topoff gets stuck. Even if its stuck it would only run (roughly) the amount of time it takes to top it off. Of course if it doesn't need the full time allowed on the timer the top off will shut it off anyway. Unless of course they both malfunction Is this a good idea? It seems like you get a whole new level of protection for just the cost of a timer.

02/25/2007, 12:05 PM	#2
Abynum1 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ellisville, Ms Posts: 469	Also you could have it come on every six hours for shorter lengths of time, in order to keep from adding so much water at one time. __________________ Livestock: 1 YellowTail Blue Damsel, 1 Lawmower Blenny,Pair of Maroon Clowns, 1 BTA, 2 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Skunk shrimp,1 Tuxedo Urchin, 1 Pistol shrimp&Hi-fin goby,clean up crew. Current Tank Info: 110 gallon 72" 20 gallon fuge w/Chaeto & Liverock. 100 or so pounds of live rock. 2 96 watt 10k and 2 96 watt blue PCs. 2 Hydor Koralia #4 powerheads. Tunze 9010 Skimmer

02/25/2007, 06:00 PM	#3
Abynum1 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ellisville, Ms Posts: 469	Anyone care to comment? I would really like to know if it's ok to do it before I set it up. Thanks __________________ Livestock: 1 YellowTail Blue Damsel, 1 Lawmower Blenny,Pair of Maroon Clowns, 1 BTA, 2 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Skunk shrimp,1 Tuxedo Urchin, 1 Pistol shrimp&Hi-fin goby,clean up crew. Current Tank Info: 110 gallon 72" 20 gallon fuge w/Chaeto & Liverock. 100 or so pounds of live rock. 2 96 watt 10k and 2 96 watt blue PCs. 2 Hydor Koralia #4 powerheads. Tunze 9010 Skimmer

02/25/2007, 06:16 PM	#6
Abynum1 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ellisville, Ms Posts: 469	Thanks guys! __________________ Livestock: 1 YellowTail Blue Damsel, 1 Lawmower Blenny,Pair of Maroon Clowns, 1 BTA, 2 Peppermint Shrimp, 1 Skunk shrimp,1 Tuxedo Urchin, 1 Pistol shrimp&Hi-fin goby,clean up crew. Current Tank Info: 110 gallon 72" 20 gallon fuge w/Chaeto & Liverock. 100 or so pounds of live rock. 2 96 watt 10k and 2 96 watt blue PCs. 2 Hydor Koralia #4 powerheads. Tunze 9010 Skimmer

02/25/2007, 06:09 PM	#4
aclos3 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 394	That does seem like a good idea. You can also safeguard by running another float switch, higher up in the sump (or tank). Configuring that switch to be in "normal off" mode will shut the pump off if the water rises past a certain point. Adding another float switch to a DIY top off system is probably cheaper than adding a digital timer. To be even safer, you could do both options, but that seems to be getting a little anal. I like your idea though, and I would surely make it come on 4+ times a day, to reduce the salinity variation. Also, you've got to count on days with higher evaporation. Ambient temperature and humidity factors.

02/25/2007, 06:13 PM	#5
rjboyer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Long Beach Posts: 42	sounds like a good and cheap idea

02/25/2007, 07:30 PM	#7
dsltech Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newark,ca Posts: 30	good idea...