JBJ auto top off

ceci1357 · 06/19/2009, 02:53 PM

Anyone have any pros and cons on theJBJ auto top off system?

THE ROOK · 06/19/2009, 03:09 PM

Pro - Adjustable via switches

Con - circuit board failures

I prefer the autotopoff.com dual float setup. Utilizes a simple relay that can be replaced for a few dollars. It's also alot cheaper.

ceci1357 · 06/19/2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks rook, thats a better way to go looks like, and more dependable.

THE ROOK · 06/19/2009, 03:54 PM

A good pairing is a Tom's aqualifter pump ($15) & some silicone airline tubing. The silicone tubing stays flexible. That pump is dead silent & can run dry without failure. But it's really only good for reservoirs that are right next to the tank as it's not very powerful.

ceci1357 · 06/19/2009, 05:16 PM

I might need something a little stronger, since I have an unusual setup. I have an elevated sump, so my make up water tank is actually below my sump.

sjm817 · 06/19/2009, 08:18 PM

The Aqualifter is good for 30". If you need to go higher, put 2 of them in series. I use them this way pumping ~ 5'.

sunsetSPS · 06/19/2009, 09:35 PM

it works fine for me, once the control unit stopped working and JBJ replaced it free, I'm still using it and will switch over my DA lite controller for top off if it breaks again. It may be a good time to buy a controller and use for everything + top off if you don't have any of them just my 2c

ceci1357 · 06/20/2009, 07:21 PM

Thanks scott and sunset. I think I'll use the two pump setup with the rook's float suggestion. The elevated sump is much bigger than what I had and the evap rate is much more so I need to get going on it before "water jug tote itis" kills my back.

Indymann99 · 06/20/2009, 07:45 PM

My JBJ has been working fine for over a year.

my 0.02

DaveG99 · 06/20/2009, 08:20 PM

I agree that autotopoff.com is the best. I got the double switch with run dry protection for $90.

atlantisaquari · 06/20/2009, 08:32 PM

i have several tanks using the jbj auto top. they work as described. i believe they have a switch on the inside that turns on the audible alert when your reservoir is empty. also it has a computer that automatically shuts off the pump if it runs for more than a predetermined amount. this actually has come in handy when a skimmer begins overflowing or some other event. its like it knows that it must be something other than evaporation and shuts off. you just jiggle the sensor to reset it.
also the additional sensor shuts off the pump to keep it from running dry.

Nereaga · 06/20/2009, 09:16 PM

+1 on the Autotopoff.com double switch. I have been running it for about 1.5 yrs now, with no problems. I do clean the main float switch monthly to ensure proper working order....

Brad

Aquaticadvisor · 06/21/2009, 12:33 AM

Another +1 for autotopoff.com.....snail gaurds help and clean every other month...

ceci1357 · 06/21/2009, 07:05 AM

Thats why RC is so great. A common interest provides agathering point for helpful people with a wealth of knowledge. I like the jbj features, but I also like the simplicity of the auto top off. I have a friend of a friend who does tank service for some high end customers, one who a has a manual written for his tank when he is away. He said it was 20 pages long. I don't want to get THAT complicated. Already, the complexity of my simple situation sometimes gets on my nerves. But please keep posting. Scott and the Rook have helped me many times even though they weren.t aware.

06/19/2009, 02:53 PM	#1
ceci1357 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: florida Posts: 178	JBJ auto top off Anyone have any pros and cons on theJBJ auto top off system?

06/19/2009, 03:17 PM	#3
ceci1357 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: florida Posts: 178	top off Thanks rook, thats a better way to go looks like, and more dependable.

06/19/2009, 05:16 PM	#5
ceci1357 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: florida Posts: 178	top off I might need something a little stronger, since I have an unusual setup. I have an elevated sump, so my make up water tank is actually below my sump.

06/19/2009, 08:18 PM	#6
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The Aqualifter is good for 30". If you need to go higher, put 2 of them in series. I use them this way pumping ~ 5'. __________________ - Scott

06/20/2009, 07:21 PM	#8
ceci1357 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: florida Posts: 178	thanks Thanks scott and sunset. I think I'll use the two pump setup with the rook's float suggestion. The elevated sump is much bigger than what I had and the evap rate is much more so I need to get going on it before "water jug tote itis" kills my back.

06/19/2009, 03:09 PM	#2
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	Pro - Adjustable via switches Con - circuit board failures I prefer the autotopoff.com dual float setup. Utilizes a simple relay that can be replaced for a few dollars. It's also alot cheaper.

06/19/2009, 03:54 PM	#4
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	A good pairing is a Tom's aqualifter pump ($15) & some silicone airline tubing. The silicone tubing stays flexible. That pump is dead silent & can run dry without failure. But it's really only good for reservoirs that are right next to the tank as it's not very powerful.

06/19/2009, 09:35 PM	#7
sunsetSPS Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 355	it works fine for me, once the control unit stopped working and JBJ replaced it free, I'm still using it and will switch over my DA lite controller for top off if it breaks again. It may be a good time to buy a controller and use for everything + top off if you don't have any of them just my 2c

06/20/2009, 07:45 PM	#9
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	My JBJ has been working fine for over a year. my 0.02 __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

06/20/2009, 08:20 PM	#10
DaveG99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Forney Texas Posts: 1,597	I agree that autotopoff.com is the best. I got the double switch with run dry protection for $90.

06/20/2009, 08:32 PM	#11
atlantisaquari Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: montgomery Posts: 351	i have several tanks using the jbj auto top. they work as described. i believe they have a switch on the inside that turns on the audible alert when your reservoir is empty. also it has a computer that automatically shuts off the pump if it runs for more than a predetermined amount. this actually has come in handy when a skimmer begins overflowing or some other event. its like it knows that it must be something other than evaporation and shuts off. you just jiggle the sensor to reset it. also the additional sensor shuts off the pump to keep it from running dry.

06/20/2009, 09:16 PM	#12
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	+1 on the Autotopoff.com double switch. I have been running it for about 1.5 yrs now, with no problems. I do clean the main float switch monthly to ensure proper working order.... Brad

06/21/2009, 12:33 AM	#13
Aquaticadvisor Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: L.I New York Posts: 64	Another +1 for autotopoff.com.....snail gaurds help and clean every other month...

06/21/2009, 07:05 AM	#14
ceci1357 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: florida Posts: 178	thanks Thats why RC is so great. A common interest provides agathering point for helpful people with a wealth of knowledge. I like the jbj features, but I also like the simplicity of the auto top off. I have a friend of a friend who does tank service for some high end customers, one who a has a manual written for his tank when he is away. He said it was 20 pages long. I don't want to get THAT complicated. Already, the complexity of my simple situation sometimes gets on my nerves. But please keep posting. Scott and the Rook have helped me many times even though they weren.t aware.