Top off system?

[jimsflies]

I've been using a Tunze Osmolator for years. However one of the potential locations I am going to setup my new tank, I would prefer to have the topoff reservoir away from the tank. It would require about 12-feet of lift from the reservoir to the tank. The stock Osmolator pump only can handle a few feet of head. I know they make an adapter to use other pumps, but frankly, it seems very clunky...to look at it, it almost looks like a fire hazard with all the adapters that are used to plug in a typical USA style plug.

I figured by now Neptune would have a module for the purpose, but I don't see one.

So I'm wondering what everyone is doing these days for top offs?

[skuttduck]

I've been using a Tunze Osmolator for years. However one of the potential locations I am going to setup my new tank, I would prefer to have the topoff reservoir away from the tank. It would require about 12-feet of lift from the reservoir to the tank. The stock Osmolator pump only can handle a few feet of head. I know they make an adapter to use other pumps, but frankly, it seems very clunky...to look at it, it almost looks like a fire hazard with all the adapters that are used to plug in a typical USA style plug.

I figured by now Neptune would have a module for the purpose, but I don't see one.

So I'm wondering what everyone is doing these days for top offs?

I'm still on my osmolator. I had to replace it once as Tunze switched pumps and my old unit wouldn't power the new pumps properly. At any rate, what pump adapter would you need? As the Tunze pump is DC, you should in theory be able to run those two wires to a relay and have that switch on the power to whatever pump you need.

[ksfulk]

Look into top offs that use a peristalic pump, such as the ATO by Avast Marine (http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/Top-off-Kit). Those pumps can handle 20'+ without any type of issue, and they are very reliable in terms of not having to worry about syphoning and you can get them with a contol (Apex, Reefkeeper, etc). I purchased the Avast ATO for my 180, because I have to run the tubing from the DI barrel across the room to the sump, and I can run the lines up the wall with this one, instead of across the floor. I have a Tunze for my 70 gallon, and it works great. Ive also used a couple of float switches and an Aqualifter before.

[jimsflies]

Here is a photo of the tunze adapter(s).


10530

I wonder if I can directly control/power a peristalic pump using the Osmolator?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

A break out box (BOB) with a float switch and a strong enough pump plugged into the EB8 would do the trick. Though the peristaltic pump would probably be much quieter.

Tom

[jimsflies]

The 'nice to have" feature is a pump that fits into the standard water jugs so I don't have to pour the water into a 5 gallon bucket. I think that request gets a bit tougher to fill as the required lift increases.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The 'nice to have" feature is a pump that fits into the standard water jugs so I don't have to pour the water into a 5 gallon bucket. I think that request gets a bit tougher to fill as the required lift increases.

If you go the peristaltic pump route there will be no pump in the the reservoir at all. Only the tube will be in the reservoir.

Tom

[jimsflies]

Right...but the tube will drop in the standard water container (no transfer of water to bigger jug), right?

Its not that I have to have a pump in the jug, its the transfer of water from the standard jugs I want to avoid.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Right...but the tube will drop in the standard water container (no transfer of water to bigger jug), right?

Its not that I have to have a pump in the jug, its the transfer of water from the standard jugs I want to avoid.

I would think so. I don't have experience with that type of ATO (I'm an Osmolator guy too), but if they are like the BRS dosing pumps it is just plain airline tubing.

Tom

[skuttduck]

A break out box (BOB) with a float switch and a strong enough pump plugged into the EB8 would do the trick. Though the peristaltic pump would probably be much quieter.

Tom

Wouldn't the float switch do the exact opposite (shut off the system) versus top off the water? I suppose if there is a float switch that turns on when in the lowered state that would work.

At any rate the osmolator pump is 12volt DC and I measured mine yesterday, I was getting about 8 volts DC. A 12 volt relay should work for this using the existing osmolator.

[jimsflies]

I found some 12v DC perastalic pumps online. Seems like those might work if directly connection to the osmolator?

Like this for example:
DC 12V Dosing Pump Peristaltic Dosing Head for Aquarium Lab Analytical Water DIY | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-Dosing-Pump-Peristaltic-Dosing-Head-For-Aquarium-Lab-Analytical-Water-DIY-/131273566619)

[Poseidon]

How fast does that one pump Jim, I didn't see anything on eBay? Did you ask the seller, it looks like a great deal.

For the record, I use a MaxiJet 1200 to push water from the kitchen to the sump. I use a BOB and float switches from Digital Aquatics.