Top-off system

[DaveC]

I need some advice or recommendations of which of these top off systems do you feel may be the best, or if you have used either of these...first is the Tsumani AT-1 and the other is the UltraLife FLoat Switch, both are from premimum aquatics and both are about the same price..the ultralife is a reed style which I believe have heard good and bad things about the reed style floats, the other I guess is some sort of electronic sensor?? I have a MTC HSA250 skimmer which is very sensitive to water level changes and even though I have a dedicated area for my skimmer in the sump when I add water sometimes I may add a little to much and then get alot of wet foam...was thinking that one of these may solve my problem..

Thanks
DaveC

[Katspaw]

I use a float switch bought from premium aquatics a few years back. The fresh water line goes into the same area as the return line from my tank. The float switch hangs in the sump next to the protein skimmer and I have to say that my salinity doesn't change. I go through over 25 gallons a week in the winter time due to evaporation. More in the summer time. I use a refractometer to check my salinity, and it stays right at 1.023. The nice thing is, when I do water changes, I stick the fresh water top off pump into the make up water and as I am vacuuming or removing water, the pump automaticly adds new water to the sump. Makes life with a big system so much easier.

Tracey

[DaveC]

Do you remember if it was the UltraReef Float or the Tsuami AT-1?? I heard that the ultrareef float was more acurate at keeping the water levels perfect, whereas the AT-1 would or could drop by an inch before activated...so if you can remember which one you have that would be good info..but thanks for the reply, sounds like it works out good for you..

Thanks
Dave C

[Chuck S]

I have always used Ultra-reef Floats and been very pleased. They keep the top off very accurate.

[tendar]

I used the AT-1 for 6 months and it worked perfect. I still have and will use it again when I get my new tank setup with a sump. I have not used any other type of top yet.

[Katspaw]

Mine is the Ultra reef, And I don't have a problem with it at all.

Tracey

[DaveC]

I have ordered a Ultra Reef top off for PA...thanks for your inputs...I also ordered a MJ1200 PH for this unit..I have a 30 gallon rubbermaid trash can that I use for RO water which is approx 5 feet away...will this pump fit my needs?? thanks

DaveC

[Personifer]

I have used the ultralife for a couple years with no problems.

[Flatlander]

I am very impressed with the Tunze Osmolator. One of the better top off devices I have seen.

[Katspaw]

It isn't the speed that thepump needs to push the water around, as long as you are not down to 0 on the head at five feet, I think you should be fine. I go through a lot of top off water, summer time, up to 7-8 gallons a day, but the pump is always turning on and off. I have a cheap little PH in the top off tank, and it has been working fine for 18 months without any problems. This surprized me, cause the cost was only $20.00 for the pump. I expected it to burn up with all of the on off it does.

Tracey