DIY Automatic Topoff

I've had my tank up and running since last May or so and finally decided to put into place an auto Top off. I would have loved to hook it directly into my RO/DI system but since I'm terrible at pluming and my tanks not even remotely near where I have my RO/DI so I decided to go this route instead.

I purchased a Spectra Level Line Controller, and a couple Aqua Lifters(1 as a spare). Placed the Controller in my fuge and the Aqua Lifter above the fuge so I don't accidentally siphon water back into my holding tank. Then ran standard airline tubeing from the aqua lifter to a Magnetic Suction cup in the fuge(Also replaced both the regular suction cups that came on the Controller with Magnetic types), well above the water level, with the other end going into a 10 gal plastic holding tank under the Fuge.

Normally I top off about 4-5 gallons a week manually with 1 gallon jugs and I was always concerned about swings in salinity since I would usually add a gallon at a time. Now the Aqua Lifter only pumps about 3 gal an hour and it's never on for long since the water is added as needed based on the water level in the fuge.

So far the water level hasn't fluctuated more than 1/4 inch or so and it's been in place since just before Christmas.

And best of all I only have to refill my holding tank once a week, since I only fill it about 1/2 way, just in case

Seems to be a working Great so far and didn't break the bank.





Spectra Level Line Controller $59.99

SpectraPure Power Liquid Level Controller

Aqua Lifter 11.99

Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter—Dosing Pump

Magnetic Suction Cups 4.79 for 1
Aquarium Plumbing Supplies & Accessories: Zoo Med MagClip Magnetic Suction Cups

Cat4wisson

 

Cool. Thanks for sharing.