Top off HELL

andrewprime1 · 08/01/2008, 01:38 AM

So because of a little miss hap while I was of town, which could have very well ended my tank, I decided that I need to get an auto top off working for me. I have tried gravity fed with little luck, and a float switch one wont work due to size constraints. This of course leaves me with an electronic pump type like melev's Here The problem is I don't fully understand how this works. I know its simple, but if someone could show me there set up from a different perspective, I think I can figure it out.

Thanks a lot guys, Andrew

EDIT:
I think what I should say is that I get how it works, but I don't understand how the flat switch is connected to the top off pump.

Aadler · 08/01/2008, 01:54 AM

1) Secure the float switch in tank (whatever tank that your water level varies in) at the height you want.

2) you need to splice the power cord (melev shows the extension cord) to create a break in the circuit (caused by the float switch). you only need cut one of the two wires, thus when the float is floating (at the level you want) the circuit is broken and no power gets to the pump, but as soon as the water level drops and the float drops the circuit is completed allowing power to the pump.

3) put pump into ato container hooked up to some 1/4 tubing and run it into the tank. and plug the pump in.

andrewprime1 · 08/01/2008, 01:59 AM

Ok, so where does the extension cord plug into. I get the completing the circuit thing, there is just one little part I am missing a have a feeling.

Aadler · 08/01/2008, 02:00 AM

To try to make myself a bit more clear... Get an extension cord like the one shown in melev's picture. take a knife and cut about 6 inches down the middle (NOT cutting any wire).

Then cut one of the two wires (both are coated in that plastic) you will need a wire stripper to strip about 1/2" off each side of the wire you just cut.

then take the two wires from the float switch and attach one to each of the cut and stripped ends. Take the two wire nuts and secure the two wires together. Also if you want you can use solder and shrink wrap for a bit nicer look (if you are handy that way). at least wrap with electrical tape to keep water out.

plug the pump into the extension cord and you should be good to go.

BTW I would say shell out the money for the tunze ato and be done with it. some of the best money i have spent on this hobby!

Aadler · 08/01/2008, 02:02 AM

extension cord goes to the outlet and the pump plugs into the extension cord.

Outlet ----> cooo.. (float switch) ..rrrd ----> pump ----> Tube ----> tank

andrewprime1 · 08/01/2008, 02:03 AM

OHHHH, its like a V8 moment, I totally get it. Ok thanks Aadler, your a great help.

Aadler · 08/01/2008, 02:04 AM

glad to help. let me know if you get it working.

kau_cinta_ku · 08/01/2008, 02:25 AM

I run the same way melev does it works great.

but my question is you said "a float switch one wont work due to size constraints"

how is this gonna work then?

Saltz Creep · 08/01/2008, 04:36 AM

Melev learned it from me

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...5&pagenumber=5

snorvich · 08/01/2008, 06:29 AM

Bioballs??????

cdness · 08/01/2008, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by snorvich
Bioballs??????

ha ha! That's the first think I saw too...

Nice float switch though. I will be building one soon for my tank.

08/01/2008, 01:38 AM	#1
andrewprime1 LSF Undercover Agent Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 169	Top off HELL So because of a little miss hap while I was of town, which could have very well ended my tank, I decided that I need to get an auto top off working for me. I have tried gravity fed with little luck, and a float switch one wont work due to size constraints. This of course leaves me with an electronic pump type like melev's Here The problem is I don't fully understand how this works. I know its simple, but if someone could show me there set up from a different perspective, I think I can figure it out. Thanks a lot guys, Andrew EDIT: I think what I should say is that I get how it works, but I don't understand how the flat switch is connected to the top off pump.

08/01/2008, 01:54 AM	#2
Aadler Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,336	1) Secure the float switch in tank (whatever tank that your water level varies in) at the height you want. 2) you need to splice the power cord (melev shows the extension cord) to create a break in the circuit (caused by the float switch). you only need cut one of the two wires, thus when the float is floating (at the level you want) the circuit is broken and no power gets to the pump, but as soon as the water level drops and the float drops the circuit is completed allowing power to the pump. 3) put pump into ato container hooked up to some 1/4 tubing and run it into the tank. and plug the pump in. __________________ MiniBow 7 - WooHoo

08/01/2008, 02:00 AM	#4
Aadler Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,336	To try to make myself a bit more clear... Get an extension cord like the one shown in melev's picture. take a knife and cut about 6 inches down the middle (NOT cutting any wire). Then cut one of the two wires (both are coated in that plastic) you will need a wire stripper to strip about 1/2" off each side of the wire you just cut. then take the two wires from the float switch and attach one to each of the cut and stripped ends. Take the two wire nuts and secure the two wires together. Also if you want you can use solder and shrink wrap for a bit nicer look (if you are handy that way). at least wrap with electrical tape to keep water out. plug the pump into the extension cord and you should be good to go. BTW I would say shell out the money for the tunze ato and be done with it. some of the best money i have spent on this hobby! __________________ MiniBow 7 - WooHoo

08/01/2008, 02:02 AM	#5
Aadler Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,336	extension cord goes to the outlet and the pump plugs into the extension cord. Outlet ----> cooo.. (float switch) ..rrrd ----> pump ----> Tube ----> tank __________________ MiniBow 7 - WooHoo

08/01/2008, 02:04 AM	#7
Aadler Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,336	glad to help. let me know if you get it working. __________________ MiniBow 7 - WooHoo

08/01/2008, 01:59 AM	#3
andrewprime1 LSF Undercover Agent Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 169	Ok, so where does the extension cord plug into. I get the completing the circuit thing, there is just one little part I am missing a have a feeling.

08/01/2008, 02:03 AM	#6
andrewprime1 LSF Undercover Agent Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 169	OHHHH, its like a V8 moment, I totally get it. Ok thanks Aadler, your a great help.

08/01/2008, 02:25 AM	#8
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	I run the same way melev does it works great. but my question is you said "a float switch one wont work due to size constraints" how is this gonna work then?

08/01/2008, 04:36 AM	#9
Saltz Creep Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hickville, FL Posts: 3,728	Melev learned it from me http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...5&pagenumber=5

08/01/2008, 06:29 AM	#10
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	Bioballs?????? __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~