autotop off above fish tank level

bawla47 · 01/29/2006, 07:13 PM

hi, i plan on running a float switch setup with a powerhead as my topoff.

my problem is im going to be having my top off tank, 5 ft above my sump level.

how would i go about running my water output from the powerhead to my tank, so that it wouldnt keep flowing water once the powerhead is off.

is some type of shutoff solenoid my only option? my dad brought up some type of u shaped design, but i just cant grasp it too well.

anyhow, thanks in advance for your help

Jaymie

Simms142 · 01/29/2006, 07:18 PM

umm you would need to use a mechanical float switch for that. If thats the case then drill a hole in the bottom of the container and plumb it down with the float switch will shut things off, much like a toilet fill. If you are using electrical, you would want to incorporate a big siphon break. IE if you are using 1/2 pipe, drill a big hole in the pipe above the pump and waterline so when the pump turns on, it can barely push water out of the container because most of it is coming out the hole, then when the pump stops, you will have no siphon as well. Any reasons for not putting you container on the ground instead of above the tank?

bawla47 · 01/29/2006, 07:52 PM

no space really. the topoff tank is actually going to be on the opposite side wall of my tank, above my refrigerator. i have a dual switch electronic setup so it turns on the powerhead when the switch is used.

do you think this would work fine?

putting a T at the top. i can probably set the pump output low enough so it doesnt go shooting out the top you think?

what do you guys think?

DirkG · 01/29/2006, 10:16 PM

why not put a 90 deg elbow at he top of your holding tank pipe. then a tee facing down with a cap on it with a small hole drilled in it for siphon brake, ( water will run back into holding tank when pump is on, when pump shut off this should stop the water flow) then just follow the rest of you drawing.

This works in my head, not sure on your tank!

Hope this helps,
Dirk

DirkG · 01/29/2006, 10:35 PM

DirkG · 01/29/2006, 10:37 PM

like this

Kathy55g · 01/30/2006, 08:29 AM

why use a pump when gravity will do. Just use a float valve in the sump. Set up a siphon or tap an inch off the bottom of your top-off container.

rick s · 01/30/2006, 11:11 AM

I second the gravity feed. That's how mine is set up. Simpler is better when it's an option.

ktkreegs · 01/30/2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kathy55g
Set up a siphon or tap an inch off the bottom of your top-off container.

could you explain more on this or show a picture? I thought gravity would be easier and was thinking of doing the same.

daytonians · 01/30/2006, 02:58 PM

Where can you get a Float Valve?

JER-Z · 01/30/2006, 03:03 PM

a dosing pump does not allow back siphoning...another option

01/29/2006, 07:13 PM	#1
bawla47 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: fort lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,190	autotop off above fish tank level hi, i plan on running a float switch setup with a powerhead as my topoff. my problem is im going to be having my top off tank, 5 ft above my sump level. how would i go about running my water output from the powerhead to my tank, so that it wouldnt keep flowing water once the powerhead is off. is some type of shutoff solenoid my only option? my dad brought up some type of u shaped design, but i just cant grasp it too well. anyhow, thanks in advance for your help Jaymie

01/29/2006, 07:18 PM	#2
Simms142 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SE PA Posts: 334	umm you would need to use a mechanical float switch for that. If thats the case then drill a hole in the bottom of the container and plumb it down with the float switch will shut things off, much like a toilet fill. If you are using electrical, you would want to incorporate a big siphon break. IE if you are using 1/2 pipe, drill a big hole in the pipe above the pump and waterline so when the pump turns on, it can barely push water out of the container because most of it is coming out the hole, then when the pump stops, you will have no siphon as well. Any reasons for not putting you container on the ground instead of above the tank? __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 5.5 Reef in my Dorm, Mushrooms and ric dominated, 15 mixed reef

01/30/2006, 11:11 AM	#8
rick s Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 2,993	I second the gravity feed. That's how mine is set up. Simpler is better when it's an option. __________________ Rick Current Tank Info: Reefer Emeritus

01/30/2006, 02:58 PM	#10
daytonians Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 394	Where can you get a Float Valve? __________________ Thanks, Matt I'ld rather be in Daytona! Avatar: Photo taken with model Asia Williams posing on my car. Current Tank Info: 45 Gallon, LR, power head, custom hood with 140 watts PC light & 175 MH, basement has 29 g. fuge with 6" sand & caluerpa, 20 g. cryptic fuge with 4 inch sand bed & LR, carbon & Phos remover, 55 gallon sump.

01/29/2006, 07:52 PM	#3
bawla47 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: fort lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,190	no space really. the topoff tank is actually going to be on the opposite side wall of my tank, above my refrigerator. i have a dual switch electronic setup so it turns on the powerhead when the switch is used. do you think this would work fine? putting a T at the top. i can probably set the pump output low enough so it doesnt go shooting out the top you think? what do you guys think?

01/29/2006, 10:16 PM	#4
DirkG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: New Jersey exit 98 gsp Posts: 183	why not put a 90 deg elbow at he top of your holding tank pipe. then a tee facing down with a cap on it with a small hole drilled in it for siphon brake, ( water will run back into holding tank when pump is on, when pump shut off this should stop the water flow) then just follow the rest of you drawing. This works in my head, not sure on your tank! Hope this helps, Dirk

01/29/2006, 10:35 PM	#5
DirkG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: New Jersey exit 98 gsp Posts: 183

01/29/2006, 10:37 PM	#6
DirkG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: New Jersey exit 98 gsp Posts: 183	like this

01/30/2006, 08:29 AM	#7
Kathy55g Moved On Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,249	why use a pump when gravity will do. Just use a float valve in the sump. Set up a siphon or tap an inch off the bottom of your top-off container.

01/30/2006, 03:03 PM	#11
JER-Z Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 877	a dosing pump does not allow back siphoning...another option