Best Auto Top Off aroudn $100

FishieNut · 04-20-2006, 01:04 AM

I've been searching for the most efficient auto top off system around $100. I've come up with these:
TSUNAMI
AUTO TOP OFF.COM
MER MADE
AQUAMEDIC NIVEAUMAT
REEF FANATIC

I'm kinda leaning toward the Reef Fanatic - double switch, or the Niveaumat.

Anybody have any comments or suggestions?

prow · 04-21-2006, 10:09 PM

humm, i just use a timer and a powerhead and a 10gal tank with a sealed top. do need to refill the 10gal once a week, but the water level in the main tank system stays at a constant level. something to thnk about anyway. i got the 10gal for $10 at the LFS. the timer was $12 and the pump i had. but you can buy a little one for $10-15. so only would cost $30-$40, that is if you dont have a extra powerhead.

Steven Pro · 04-22-2006, 09:28 AM

I pour water in myself from a bucket. I like to keep things very simple. But a friend of mine has a Tsunami and raves about it.

**Poseidon** · 04-22-2006, 10:16 AM

Check these guys out:

http://www.oceanussystems.com/

smidoid · 04-22-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prow

humm, i just use a timer and a powerhead and a 10gal tank with a sealed top. do need to refill the 10gal once a week, but the water level in the main tank system stays at a constant level. something to thnk about anyway. i got the 10gal for $10 at the LFS. the timer was $12 and the pump i had. but you can buy a little one for $10-15. so only would cost $30-$40, that is if you dont have a extra powerhead.

Heath Robinson would love that! It's a great idea but how did you work out how long to run the pump for? You wouln't have to be that far out on your timings before you get a flood - or the tank level drops so low you have to refill manually anyway.

tray262 · 04-22-2006, 09:40 PM

do you have a sump ?

FishieNut · 04-22-2006, 09:44 PM

I've got a 35 gall sum/fuge and I'm connecting a Nilsen.

I'm leaning towards the JBJ ATO and the Reef Fanatic. And, if it's a must, the Tunze - which is twice the money. If it's twice as safe... No question about it. I've also got an AquaController Jr and I'm trying to get familiar with all this before I put it all together. I'm getting close. I'm planning on filling the tank and connecting the plumbing this week (best laid plans).

smidoid · 04-23-2006, 07:21 AM

I'm currently thinking on a backup plan to drill the fuge and run an overflow straight into the drains. (My setup is close enough to an outside wall to do this, and even then the missus will proably ask some odd questions. Not everyone has this luxury.) I'd prefer to lose some salinity rather than flood the living room with seawater! This potentially is the problem with any auto top off - they could, presumably, overfill the system.

FishieNut · 04-26-2006, 02:11 AM

The oceanus products look pretty good. Lots of choices.
Thanks all.

04-20-2006, 01:04 AM	#1
FishieNut Tenant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 62	Best Auto Top Off aroudn $100 I've been searching for the most efficient auto top off system around $100. I've come up with these: TSUNAMI AUTO TOP OFF.COM MER MADE AQUAMEDIC NIVEAUMAT REEF FANATIC I'm kinda leaning toward the Reef Fanatic - double switch, or the Niveaumat. Anybody have any comments or suggestions?

04-22-2006, 10:16 AM	#4
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,539	Check these guys out: http://www.oceanussystems.com/ __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

04-23-2006, 07:21 AM	#8
smidoid Alas, poor Nemo... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "Smoggy", England, UK Posts: 665	I'm currently thinking on a backup plan to drill the fuge and run an overflow straight into the drains. (My setup is close enough to an outside wall to do this, and even then the missus will proably ask some odd questions. Not everyone has this luxury.) I'd prefer to lose some salinity rather than flood the living room with seawater! This potentially is the problem with any auto top off - they could, presumably, overfill the system. __________________ Marc "Mom! Dad's got that stinking rock in the bathtub. Again!" [Science is under attack in our schools. Act now! www.marcdraco.co.uk ]

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04-21-2006, 10:09 PM	#2
prow Citizen Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: california Posts: 243	humm, i just use a timer and a powerhead and a 10gal tank with a sealed top. do need to refill the 10gal once a week, but the water level in the main tank system stays at a constant level. something to thnk about anyway. i got the 10gal for $10 at the LFS. the timer was $12 and the pump i had. but you can buy a little one for $10-15. so only would cost $30-$40, that is if you dont have a extra powerhead.

04-22-2006, 09:28 AM	#3
Steven Pro Mayor Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 672	I pour water in myself from a bucket. I like to keep things very simple. But a friend of mine has a Tsunami and raves about it.

04-22-2006, 09:40 PM	#6
tray262 Council Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 355	do you have a sump ?

04-22-2006, 09:44 PM	#7
FishieNut Tenant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 62	I've got a 35 gall sum/fuge and I'm connecting a Nilsen. I'm leaning towards the JBJ ATO and the Reef Fanatic. And, if it's a must, the Tunze - which is twice the money. If it's twice as safe... No question about it. I've also got an AquaController Jr and I'm trying to get familiar with all this before I put it all together. I'm getting close. I'm planning on filling the tank and connecting the plumbing this week (best laid plans).

04-26-2006, 02:11 AM	#9
FishieNut Tenant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 62	The oceanus products look pretty good. Lots of choices. Thanks all.

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