Which Top Off is Best?

[Bamm Bamm]

Tsunami Auto Top Off System
Price: $59.95
Auto Top Off System - Uses powerhead or pump (not included) to keep constant level in sump. Prevents pump burn out from low water levels. Includes level sensor. Uses a vacuum pipe which has no moving parts. It senses the change in vacuum when your water level drops. This type of system is less likely to "stick on", but is not as sensitive as a float, on average it will let your sump water level drop about 1" before kicking on the refill pump.

OR
UltraLife Float Switch
Price: $59.95

This 'reed style' 'Float Switch' will operate in both high-water and low-water applications. The design allows for simply turning over the barrel float to change how it performs. The switch can handle multiple pumps with a combined amperage draw of up to 10 amps. Each switch is equipped with a 6 ft grounded cord and adjustable suction cup mount for the switch. They are excellent for water top offs or to prevent pump damage from sumps running dry. Very accurate, within 1/8 inch.

SO which is Better I am sick of refilling my sump everyday, but I would mind refilling say a 20 gallon reservoir I could place next to it heck I might even get like a 30 gallon. I was wondering if anyone has either of these systems and what your experiences and recommendations are?? Thanks In advance, Dan

[PerryinCA]

I don't trust the vacuum ones at all. I would go for the float switch. You might want to call and talk to Cameron at aquarium concepts. Last time I was there he had some that were exactly like the ultralife for half as much. Same switch and everything. They could probably ship it if you don't want to pick it up.

-Perry

[SCETT316]

I got the Nurse 16 gal. and so far I love it.

[Tcook]

I had the Tsnumai AT-1 and the Kent float valve. Neither were trust worthy in my tanks using kalk for top-off. The LifeReef switch is far superior. Never have had a problem with it.

[Northman_with_reef]

I use a Deltec Aquastat model P.

It is extremley accurate, and hand made.
I love mine, one of the best investments I've made so far.

[Bamm Bamm]

Damn this is an old topic.. Just curious though since I still haven't purchased one where you bought it pricing etc...

[Northman_with_reef]

I bought it over the nett from a Danish company(www.akvarieudstyr.dk).
I gave 1700kr for it(About 200-250$).

I'm not sure of any dealers that carry deltec in the US....

[organicreefer]

aquatic reflections in san ramon has deltec stuff-im about to buy a fluidized ca reactor /nilsen reactor

[Northman_with_reef]

I've gotmone of those too!!!
The KM500 Its great too...
Nothing beats handbuilt german Quality

[organicreefer]

yeah -im banking on it -or should i say -breaking the bank on it


yes i plan on getting the km500 nilsen and the pf500 fluidized ca reactor.cant wait .

[Minh Nguyen]

I use a Kent float switch. I cean it every year or so and have no problem with it since 1997. Always keep the sump chamber at the same level. It cost me 20 dollars and I have to drill a hole in my sump chamber ( the devide, not the tank)
Minh Nguyen

[organicreefer]

minh-did you mean the kent float valve?-ive been using one for a few years now -i think its the best thing to keep youre water level-i also drip kalk -but less than i evaporate -so the float valve keeps the water level where it needs to be.

[Minh Nguyen]

Yes I mean the float valve. I have a 5 g reservoir high up. I use the float valve to add water into the tank as the water evaborate.
Minh

[KingNeptune]

where can one find the nurse, I would do a google search for "nurse" but afraid of what will come up, I'm sure everything but what it is I'm looking for. Thanks

[John Schmelzkopf]

Almost foolproof and super accurate. About $160 for 3155 and $90 for Kalk dispencer. The IR sencer is backed up by a Mag float switch for overflow protection. The entire system works on 9 Volts the pump will work on 9 Volts or 12 Volts depending on head height. Comes with a 9/12 Volt ac adapter.

[scubadude]

Kent float valve hooked up to pressure tank and shutoff valve is my choice....Works great and fairly reliable especially if you take extra care in setting your float valve in a manner that wont come clogged by algae or snails etc.

Rocky

[Bamm Bamm]

Good threads never die I guess. I'm still in search of a top off now for my tank move and resetup..

[Papa Doug]

You guys never have any problems pushing kalk through a float switch. Would it not be prone to plugging up?

[scubadude]

You guys never have any problems pushing kalk through a float switch. Would it not be prone to plugging up?

Within time I could see where it would...you just have to keep it clean and keep an eye on it...you will most likely see the buildup. I have had no problems but I did clean them periodically (about once every month)