This is really not all that interesting, but
it did help out a lot! I used to use a container (similar to a trash can)
that was about 8 gallons for replenishing the evaporation of the system.
This worked all fine and well, but it didn't even last a week! Now that
I have linked the 55 gallon to this system as well as the 90 gallon, I
knew I needed more space for replenishment water. So all I really did
was put a hole in the wall to the room behind the tanks, and put the refill
system in there. Its out of the way, maintaining the nice look of the
living room, and it is so much easier to refill, not to mention that this
is a 25 gallon container which will last a bit over a week now. I have
this listed as a project simply for giving people the idea that this might
be something you'd want to do, to make your life a bit easier. It sure
will make mine easier!
Here it is, a hole
in the wall, and a tub of water. The refill goes to the sump under the 90
gallon Alpha Reef, and is controlled by an auto-topoff system. The air tube
for the autotopoff also runs through the wall, so the power for this setup
is right there with the container.
I will state again, this project is very basic
if you already have an auto top-off. If not, they run about $70. Mine
is a wide tube with a standard airline that runs to a sensor. It will
start refilling once the level of the sump drops about 1 inch. It has
worked flawlessly. I know we all want to make our lives easier taking
care of our tanks. I think this would fall into this category. I could
refill the smaller container that was next to the sump in the cabinet
under the 90 gallon tank every 4 days, but for a few bucks, I was able
to switch to this system, which makes it a weekly refill. Well worth it!
