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kgwilliams View Drop Down
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Joined: November 26 2005
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    Posted: December 09 2006 at 11:16am
Are there timers that go down to the minute?  I'm thinking about using a tiny little powerhead (100gph) and having it only run for like two minutes a day to top off my tank.  Do you think this would work?  I only need like a gallon a day to top off my tank so I only need it to run for a minute or two.
75gal reef /sump/ref 150MH 2 96w CF
Perhaps I would be better at basket weaving. . . at least it would be cheaper!
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Mike Savage View Drop Down
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A few people here have use electric float switches. I would think that would be safer. I would be afraid that your method would gain just a little bit each day and overflow.


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Yes, electronic appliance timers (~$25) have one minute resolution.  But you can diy an auto topoff for not too much more then that.
Jon

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kgwilliams View Drop Down
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Points: 677 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kgwilliams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 09 2006 at 3:08pm
Okay, I will look into a diy auto topoff.  Anyone know any links to show me how to do it?
75gal reef /sump/ref 150MH 2 96w CF
Perhaps I would be better at basket weaving. . . at least it would be cheaper!
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Mike Savage View Drop Down
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Kindra, try here:
 


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Points: 207 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stephan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 09 2006 at 9:24pm
I have an auto top off with an electronic float switch that was very cheap to build. I put it on the same timer as my moon lights so that it only comes on twice a day and that way the powerhead isn't constantly going on and off and getting fried. That seems to work well.
Stephan Lovstedt
Camarillo, CA
65 Gallon Glass
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kgwilliams View Drop Down
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Yeah, I think I'm just going to spend the money and buy one.  There's no way that I can build that.  There's just something about spliting cords and water that I just don't feel right about.  Mind you, I'm a 20 year old female, with no guy around to help me! LOL  I'd be posting pics of me, fryed!
75gal reef /sump/ref 150MH 2 96w CF
Perhaps I would be better at basket weaving. . . at least it would be cheaper!
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jfinch View Drop Down
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Points: 7067 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jfinch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 10 2006 at 12:31pm
Hey, don't let the fact that your of the fairer sex keep you from playing around with wires LOL.  It's not as difficult as you might imagine... but by all means, if you don't have an interest in doing it go the prebuilt route.  Peace of mind is worth it's weight in gold.
Jon

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kgwilliams View Drop Down
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Points: 677 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kgwilliams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 10 2006 at 9:48pm

Well good news guys!  My grandma couldn't figure out what in the world to get me for Christmas!  So we sat down and I ordered a automatic top off!  There's nothing like picking out your own gift!  Wink  While I was at it I ordered a couple nice powerheads! LOL  Grandparents. . . ya gotta love em!
75gal reef /sump/ref 150MH 2 96w CF
Perhaps I would be better at basket weaving. . . at least it would be cheaper!
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Mike Savage View Drop Down
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Yes you do!


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