Can we add a DIY forum?  I have a few things to put in there.  Tanks alot. hehe

yes, please... I have a couple of things I could put in there too... like my auto topoff :-)

All these @$@%!% handy people.  I have to buy everything.  This would be a great forum to have, just in case I get the courage to try one, like the auto top off.

"reefaquarist"

John Fletcher

John,  The auto topoff was way easy.  $4 float switch, $20 aquaglobe power head, some wire and tubing and a tub for water, and a few hours of my time and it was done.  It works perfect.  Before I had to add water daily or in my lazy case a gallon every 3 days, so I'm sure my salinity was all over the place.  Now I just have to add water to the tub once a week or so.

Do you have a sump under your corner aquarium?

Dave

Sarnack, where did you find a float switch for $4?  Attached is a picture of mine using a float switch from Grainger (around $10-$12).  http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/productdetail.jsp?xi=xi&ItemId=1611760105">http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/productdetail.jsp?xi=xi&ItemId=1611760105  I've got mine wired to a RIO 90 in a 5 gallon bucket.    Add DI water once a week and forget about it.  It's limited to a 30 watt pump/powerhead, if a larger power load is required a relay would need to be incorporated.  I know where small (I think ca. 100 gph) pumps that would be perfect for this can be had for $5, just saw 'em today.

Here's the pic...the only tools required are a saw, torch (for bending), weld-on glue, drill and 1/4" tap, wire nuts or solder.  If it were going into a tank I'ld build a shield around the float to keep snails away, in a sump it's not a problem.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20755&item=2310810351">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20755&item=2310810351

The thing I like about my set up is the aquaglobe is run on 14DC where you are running 115AC through the floatswitch.  I know the floatswitches are rated to handle it but it still makes me nervous.  Mine is in a sump so no snail guard.

I got the pump from http://www.customaquatic.com">http://www.customaquatic.com

also, for my bracket (just to give others ideas) was a hanger for a maxijet pump, just used a lighter to bend it and drilled a hole in it for the float and since the material is a little thinner than the acrylic you used I could get the nut on instead of using a tap to make threads...   Yours will probably last longer though and it looks more pro :-) 

What pumps are you talking about?  Would they pump water up 40 inches or so would they? (My sump is built in to the back of my tank)

Quote: Originally posted by Sarnack on 12 March 2003

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What pumps are you talking about?  Would they pump water up 40 inches or so would they? (My sump is built in to the back of my tank)

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There is whole box of small pumps at NPS out by the airport (I go there every couple weeks on my lunch break and scrounge around).  They were priced around $5 and sizewise are similar to a RIO 90.  My RIO 90 would not be able pump up 40 inches, it's all it can do to get the water out of a 5 gallon bucket :).

BTW, if you're the kind of person that likes to tinker/build things on your own, NPS is a nice place to find "stuff".  Pricewise, it used to be better then it is now so buyer beware.  I've seen people spend more then retail for something used.

Jon,

What is NPS? are they still around?  do you still shop there?  And, where are they?  SLC, or Utah County?

Um.... this is the DIY forum...

Hey Rodney - I am actually interested in if NPS is open still or not also. What a cool place - I heard it was actually a bunch of mis-shipped UPS stuff. They also used to do auctions out there. Anyone know if they are still open or not?