Ok, summer's coming again and so will the heat and my aux fan.
I used this on my 12g SPS tank.
Someone was asking about my fancy auto-top off unit.
It cost me like ~$500~ j/k
This can work for a sump also for a larger tank, if you play your cards right (i.e. 5gal bottle).
I don't like noise, IV drips, electric ATO ($$$), etc.
Pro's
-gravity fed/no power
-easy to maintain
-adding water only every 10-14 days
-no float switches
-no pumps
-cost almost nothing, from stuff laying around
Neg
-becareful prior to water changes
TIME: 30 min
MATERIALS: 1/2" acrylic tubing (plastics store) or pvc is fine
1/2" pvc valve (optional)
Weld on #3 or #4 or pvc cement
I had to drink the whole bottle of grape juice, but any flavor will do.
Clear bottles are easier to see.
simple setup
ridgid airline tubing Dosn't work, must be larger, I used 1/2" for less noise
and faster delivery, proper air/water exchange
-cut hole in the bottle
-heat bent 1/2 acrylic tubing
-inserted ridgid acrylic tubing 1" into bottle
(farther into bottle, takes more time for air/water exchange. If you put the tubing right at the bottle then after filling the bottle it will run out fast)
-glued on (weld on #4 or #3, I don't rec silicone too weak)
-secure tubing (wire, airline, whatever you have handy)
-cut the tubing after placement to water level you want
-You can add a valve at the drain for easy maintenance
-water just must be above water, I made a stand
=Filling=
-lock the lid/cap air tight (could even glue it on)
-invert bottle and fill from the drain
-use your finger to plug when inverting and place into tank
-test it by removing water
-check for leaks
I would start with plain water for 24 hours, if good then one could move to Kalkwasser (like I did)
=Caution=
If you don't add a valve.
When doing water changes make sure the drain is plugged or you'll get hyposalinity all over the place
If you add a valve then, turn off, do water change, turn on
There are many variations of this:
Sun Tea Jar
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...554&hl=sun+tea
Just looking at the sun tea jar mod, I can see disasters happening
K.I.S.S.
Happy Reefing