auto top off for pico

[harleychic]

Looking for some ideas or links here for a 3 gal. Pictures too!
Thanks!

[leezer]

I'm using a makeshift gravity auto topoff. I have a 1 quart plastic container from walmart with a piece of 1/4" airline tubing coming out the bottom. At the end of the tubing is a regulating knob for controlling airflow. I have it set to refill about 4 ounces of water every 24 hours...just about the same amount that evaporates on the average day. Yesterday it was a bit warmer and more water evaporated than usual, so the specific gravity did go up from 1.0245 to 1.0251, but it would have probably just to 1.026 if it wasn't for the drip system. I'll post pics after I get home tonight if you're interested. The whole system (assuming you have the airline tubing) should cost you less than $5.

[spsfreak]

I also use a gravity fed system. I used a 5 gallon water container (one I used to use for RO water when I bought it from stores many moons ago) and installed a drip kit into the bottom of it. I have changed it from the typical medical knob control that you move down for tension to squeeze off flow to a T valve. After chaning out to the T valve it took me one day to assure it was dialed in. I have went all week now and haven't had to add nor remove any water; it keeps it perfectly topped off. THis is much better than doing by hand, and besides that I am going to the beach Thursday and wanted to assure it was being tended to while I was gone...this seems to work perfectly. I'll post some pics later tonight when I get home.

EDIT: Oh, almost fogot - mine is a 3g pico too.

Matt

[leezer]

Hey Matt,

Would you mind posting pictures of your valves so I can see just how you've got it set up and regulated?

Jon

[HappySkittles]

on my 3 gallon pico

plastic bottle
hole in lid
air line tubing down to the bottom
two little valves with plumbing tape to keep it from leaking

here is a pic :) i can take a pic close up of the valves if you want

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b230/LizzyCat/th_100_0525.jpg (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b230/LizzyCat/100_0525.jpg)

click for larger image

easy to make and VERY cheap :P to get the water flowing you gotta suck on the bottom but it isnt that bad especially if its freshwater
when i drip acclimate stuff its awful D:
if you could get something that you could flip upside down that would be good too but im not crafty enough with sealing things

[leezer]

HappySkittles: why the two valves? I'm just curious because I'm only using 1 right now, but if 2 has some advantage I'd definitely give it a try...I've got enough of those things laying around, that's for sure.

[HappySkittles]

i used two because one didnt drip it slow enough for me
this way i have ALOT more control of the drip rate

[spsfreak]

Leezer, The one I use is akin to the one Happyskittles is using; the only difference is mine is black. On the other hand the one I am using can completely stop the flow, and does drip slow enough to assure for proper water levels. I will get pics tonight after work.

[leezer]

Got it. Sounds like I'm on the same page as the two of you.

So, to answer the OP's request...I vote for a gravity fed drip system controlled by an air control knob or two. It is cheap. It is fairly reliable.

[spsfreak]

Here are a few pics... I dont care for the big 5g container but I want to assure that I have enough water while I'm gone to the beach. I will probably make a smaller version for day to day water drip; but for now this works well.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02195.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02196.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02197.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02198.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02199.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n338/spsfreak1/DSC02206.jpg