auto top-off in a nano

C

Carabelli

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perhaps a stupid question (i hope), but, here it is ...

i am setting up a 20 gallon tank - it will have a hang-on refugium and no overflow - what is the best way to do an auto-top off?? in the past, i have used a float switch/solenoid setup, but, i don't see this working on a smaller tank - suggestions? Thanks.
 
I saw one recently that was totally hacked, but it worked- the guy had a 20 ounce water bottle mounted above the tank with two bits of rigid tubing installed in the cap, one slightly longer than the other. When the water level was low, the upper tube let air in, which let water out the other tube. Once the water level came up, that sealed it off and no more water came in.
 
my biggest issue with the float switch is i really prefer two of them - one as a back-up just in case ... look like i have some fun with acrylic ahead of me - maybe marc can put something together for me

how do those jbj auto top-off switches work that are sold with nanos all the time?
 
Check at Home Depot or one of the crafts stores. I've used the wreath hanger for my solenoids. Cut off the hanger end, the other one fits perfectly on the side of the tank (my sump is a 29-gallon).

Peter...
 
a quick update -

i ended up fabricating some simple acrylic brackets for the top off switches - they are staggered for so the back up switch will prevent an overflow if for some reason the first mal-functioned.
 
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