Rune
New Member
Bangor
Posts: 70 
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Post by Rune on Dec 3, 2014 13:17:57 GMT -5
So I'm going to be gone over the holidays for 3 weeks and I'm trying to figure out an auto topoff system for my 4 gallon office tank. I don't have one on my home tank, so I don't really know what I'm doing...I know you can make one but I don't have time right now. Any suggestions? What do you guys with smaller tanks use? I was looking at the Tunze nano system but I'm worried it's going to be too big...
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Dec 3, 2014 13:21:58 GMT -5
Get a float valve and plumb it into a bucket or clean container. That's all you should need.
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Post by jasonandsarah on Dec 3, 2014 13:35:53 GMT -5
Like Ryan said if you have a float switch just splice a cheap extention cord and put the float switch on it. If you have the parts then you can make a cheap Ato in mins.
Float switch
Cheap extention cord
Small pump
Bucket
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Dec 3, 2014 13:57:40 GMT -5
I'm assuming when you say "top off system" Your meaning a way to replenish evaporated water with RO or RODI a water to keep salinity from fluctuating? What I was referring to is just a cheap RO style float valve that doesn't requre power, plumbed into a bucket with a small bulkhead fitting. This is the cheapest method and is generally pretty fail safe. If needed you can mix additives into your top off water like calcium, mag and alk as well if you've got a high demand for those. The problem with using things like a dosing pump or electric float switch is the obvious concern for loss of power if your going to be gone for three weeks.
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Rune
New Member
Bangor
Posts: 70
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Post by Rune on Dec 3, 2014 15:16:02 GMT -5
Oh, interesting. I haven't thought of that. Yeah, I'm just looking for a way to replace evaporated water while I"m gone. I was a little worried that the power would go out and I would come back to a flooded desk. I'll look into it. Thanks!
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Post by spotfin on Dec 3, 2014 19:45:42 GMT -5
Anyone else going to be in the office that can take care of the tank for you?
I used a gallon milk jug once to top off a 15 gal tank. Drilled a hole in the cap and used an IV line to drip water into the tank. Had the jug sitting on a shelf above the tank.
What ever system you use, get it set up and tested now.
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Rune
New Member
Bangor
Posts: 70
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Post by Rune on Dec 3, 2014 20:46:53 GMT -5
thanks for all the suggestions! Yeah, it's sounding like there will be at least a week where no one is in the office, so I'd like it to be as self sufficient as possible. Guess I have a project for the weekend!
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Post by jess on Dec 15, 2014 10:21:32 GMT -5
Ive sealed the top of my tanks as tight as I can. I've been using that press n stick saran wrap lol. But it works. The light is diminished slightly but not enough to bother anything.
I've only been away a week at a time, lose about a pint of water with this method. I top it literally to the very top and seal it tight as possible. Mine are 5 gln picos
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Post by scoobnoob on Dec 15, 2014 14:27:04 GMT -5
Son & Sand reef offers tank sitting while your away. PM me for details. I can add you to my route.
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Rune
New Member
Bangor
Posts: 70
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Post by Rune on Dec 15, 2014 20:03:22 GMT -5
Scoobnoob, that's great. I will definitely do that next time. I ended up moving the tank home this time (it's small, so not that big of a pain) so my neighbor can watch it along with my other 2 tanks...I will let you know next time I'm out of town though, because I would definitely feel better knowing someone who knew what they were doing was watching them.
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Post by spotfin on Dec 15, 2014 21:34:06 GMT -5
Ive sealed the top of my tanks as tight as I can. I've been using that press n stick saran wrap lol. But it works. The light is diminished slightly but not enough to bother anything. I've only been away a week at a time, lose about a pint of water with this method. I top it literally to the very top and seal it tight as possible. Mine are 5 gln picos Sent from my HTC6525LVW using proboards Don't you worry about gas exchange? |
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Post by jess on Dec 28, 2014 10:16:10 GMT -5
No, I can't get a air tight seal so it's able to still exchange. I also take it off once a week to top off. I kept a tiny micro tank, sealed tight. Once a week open for exchange and close it back up. Was kinda neat.
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