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cheap top off?
- Thread starter ryanpal
- Start date
People have had a lot of success with these:
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/
These are the new wave of topoffs that use pressure instead of switches. These you don't have to worry about the float valves going bad or a snail pressing on them. These have become popular recently:
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/Top-off-Kit
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/
These are the new wave of topoffs that use pressure instead of switches. These you don't have to worry about the float valves going bad or a snail pressing on them. These have become popular recently:
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/Top-off-Kit
I can vouch for the Avast Marine switch as a quality product. I have one and it works great.
I'm not exactly using it for a top-off, but actually as an auto shut-off switch for my skimmer for those times when they go crazy. I put the pressure sensor in my skimmer collection container (it's located outside my sump and is filled by the collection cup drain tube) so that it will shut the skimmer pump off before overflowing the container.
Basically, when water enters the tube that the sensor is in, it stops power on the pump plugged into the included receptacle adapter. So, if you set the sensor at your desired water level in your tank or sump, then put a pump in a container full of RODI water to pump into your tank/sump, and plug that into the adapter... then the pump will run until the sensor is tripped (at your set height). As soon as your tank level drops below the sensor, the switch will trigger the pump on and it will shut back off once the water enters the sensor tube again.
The sensor is very responsive and easy to set due to the included magnet holder. No need for mounting brackets because the magnet holds the sensor in whatever spot you place it. This magnet is VERY strong too and I suggest placing both sides against the glass and then sliding together or else it will get sucked in fast from inches away. You don't want to risk breaking your glass.
All in all, it's a quality product made from high quality materials. The parts all have that "rugged" feeling like they were made to last. I'd recommend it for sure.
I'm not exactly using it for a top-off, but actually as an auto shut-off switch for my skimmer for those times when they go crazy. I put the pressure sensor in my skimmer collection container (it's located outside my sump and is filled by the collection cup drain tube) so that it will shut the skimmer pump off before overflowing the container.
Basically, when water enters the tube that the sensor is in, it stops power on the pump plugged into the included receptacle adapter. So, if you set the sensor at your desired water level in your tank or sump, then put a pump in a container full of RODI water to pump into your tank/sump, and plug that into the adapter... then the pump will run until the sensor is tripped (at your set height). As soon as your tank level drops below the sensor, the switch will trigger the pump on and it will shut back off once the water enters the sensor tube again.
The sensor is very responsive and easy to set due to the included magnet holder. No need for mounting brackets because the magnet holds the sensor in whatever spot you place it. This magnet is VERY strong too and I suggest placing both sides against the glass and then sliding together or else it will get sucked in fast from inches away. You don't want to risk breaking your glass.
All in all, it's a quality product made from high quality materials. The parts all have that "rugged" feeling like they were made to last. I'd recommend it for sure.
I've been using the JBJ one, and it works great so far. I keep the water in a 5g orange home depot bucket next to the tank. I cut out a piece of the lid, soo all the wires and hose can get out of the bucket, while the bucket is covered. It keeps the freaking cats out pretty well that way. I don't remember how much it was, but I think I got the controller for less than $100 (well Jane bought it as a birthday present, I think she paid less than 100 ;D). the pump was another 20 or so. The setup has the controller and 2 float switches, the pump and hose you have to purchase seperately.
