[adviner]

I just placed my new refugium in my tank and noticed that i'm having to have to add a cup of water every two days. The problem i have is that i'm going on vacation next month and so want something that doesnt have to be manually looked at. Does anyone recommend a top off /float kit for my 55 gallon tank? Any diy plan or kits available?



Thanks

[WILLIAM1]

This is the top off that I use on my 90 gallon but should work great for a 55 gallon. Is your refugium under the tank or is it a hang on?

ATO Auto Top-off: Aquarium Supplies - Aqua Buys

[adviner]

My refugium is under the tank. Does that make a difference?

Thanks

[WILLIAM1]

Thats perfect if you get the ATO hook it up to the refugium. Figure out where you want the water level set it up with a fresh RO water holding tank/bucket/old used tank/rubbermaid container besically anything that holds water. remember to order the pump they should be able to reffer one to you. Record how much water is evaporating and find a holding tank to handle the legth of time you will be gone. Good luck.

[adviner]

Thanks for the great information.

[WILLIAM1]

Your more than welcome. Anytime.

[adviner]

Is building a diy ato safe. Since dealing with electiricty and water scares me a bit. Also, are the diy any safer then the kits? I'm just throwing it out their.
I guess is a kit like
How to build your own aquarium auto top-off system
for $39.00 is as safe and reliable as the
ATO Auto Top-off product for $80.00

Thanks

[WILLIAM1]

Should be okay many people DIY. You should have a GCF plug.

[joelq]

I built my ATO setup with the Double-Switch Controller from autotopoff.com, a 10 gallon Rubbermaid trashcan, a MicroJet powerhead, and some tubing. Works great!

I have the float switch from autotopoff.com mounted in return section of my sump. It controls the MicroJet powerhead that's in the bottom of the trashcan. The return section of my sump can hold about 4 days worth of water before my return pump starts gasping for water, and my 10 gallon trash can holds about 7 days worth. I just came back from an 8 day vacation, and the whole setup worked great!

[adviner]

Thanks for the info, i will be going the diy option and i've already ordered my kit.

Thanks