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How often do you top off?
- Thread starter Sunny
- Start date
I have a much smaller tank then you.....55 gallons.....I top off about 1.5 gallons every 3 days or so....I get lazy with it and only do the top off when the filter starts making more noise (whisper filter and if the level gets low then it makes a longer drop between the water's surface and the filter output...sounds like a louder trickle).
i have a 120 display with about 30 gallon sump - i had a 55 gallon drum for ATO while I was away the past 2 weeks and I came back and there was about 15~20 gallons left. So about 25 gallons evap - but both my sump and display have no cover (sump sits in a separate room). About 1.7 gallons a day.
Inky - invest in an ATO - it really is a time saver and will help keep your salinity levels stable. I know it's not convenient in a condo to have this big tub of water sitting there - but even a small jug under the tank will help.
Inky - invest in an ATO - it really is a time saver and will help keep your salinity levels stable. I know it's not convenient in a condo to have this big tub of water sitting there - but even a small jug under the tank will help.
The Reef Fanatic...with the cheap aqualifter pump. Works like a charm.
I think most are good, having two 30 G brutes I use one for ATO and one for water change. When I do my water change I unplug the aqualifter, drain out most of the water for the water change, then plug in a bigger pump that pumps up the saltwater for the change right in controller...shuts off when it gets back to normal level really terrific.
I think most are good, having two 30 G brutes I use one for ATO and one for water change. When I do my water change I unplug the aqualifter, drain out most of the water for the water change, then plug in a bigger pump that pumps up the saltwater for the change right in controller...shuts off when it gets back to normal level really terrific.
Between my DT, Fuge, & Sump I probably have about 250 gallons of water. All three are open top, and the DT has a large fan that kicks on when the tank hits 78 degrees, which is pretty much whenever the MH's are on. So, my ATO will drain my 55 RODI reservoir in about week or so. I should get an ATO for my RODI reservoir. Total automation,
JRWOHLER said:
How do you deal with cleaning the gravel and rocks when doing water changes this way? I've seen a few reefers mention they have this type of setup and while I have considered it... the main reason for my water changes are to export/suck organics/debris from the bottom and rock.
Well the draining is done the old fashion way, I blow the gunk off the rocks as best I can and syphon the water till the sump starts to be empty in the return section. I then unplug the return and continue with draining the water out of the DT. I try to do 10-15G per week. When I am sort of close to the end I plug the refill pump in and it pumps water into the sump....when the sump is full(I usually play games with the float valve to get it extra full) I plug the return pump in water is going back into the DT and then water is coming into the sump at the same time. The only small issue is the Mag 12 is a lot bigger pump then my refill pump so if I don't get enough water into the sump I run the risk of draining the sump till the refill pump catches up if that makes sense.
hmmm..thanks for the tip, hawk...I'll look into it
ATO is one of the best investments I made. I use to wake up in the morning to gurgling sound and add water. come home from work, same thing. Due to powerful return pump (external dolphin) and it,s set up a little high in return section. not much room for evaporation. I was doing 2 gal. a day with open top, halides and 3 fans across top and one in sump on a 150. now its all automated. ;D
I top off as necessary so the salinity doesn't vary too much. I use a Tunze Osmolator connected to a 3 gallon RO/DI tank the Tunze adds water as it evaporates in my 120 it seems to add 1 quart every 2 hours or so in the hot weather and less in the winter I have fans on a thermostat blowing to increase evaporation which keeps my tank within 1 degree of my desired temperature.
As anyone knows you should keep the level consistant as possible so the Salinity does not fluctuate too much.I think everyone who has a reef tank should have an auto top off system.I think they not only save you the hassle of adding water by hand everyday but keep your levels in check.I like Tunze Osmolator its worth its weight in gold.