Diy Gravity Auto Top Off Aquarium
Keeping an aquarium is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it requires a lot of maintenance. One of the most important tasks is maintaining the water level in the tank. A low water level can lead to pump failure, burned out heaters, and even fish deaths. That's where an auto top off system comes in.
What is an Auto Top Off System?
An auto top off system is a device that automatically adds water to your aquarium when the water level drops below a certain point. This helps to maintain a consistent water level in your tank, which can prevent equipment damage and keep your fish healthy.
While there are many commercial auto top off systems available, they can be expensive. Luckily, you can create a DIY gravity auto top off system for a fraction of the cost.
Materials Needed
Before you start building your DIY gravity auto top off system, you'll need to gather some materials. Here's what you'll need:
- A plastic container with a lid
- A float valve
- A water pump
- Tubing
- A drill
- A silicone sealant
The plastic container should be large enough to hold enough water to top off your tank, but small enough to fit in your aquarium stand. The float valve will control the flow of water into the container, while the water pump will pump the water from the container into your tank. The tubing will connect everything together.
Building Your DIY Gravity Auto Top Off System
Now that you have your materials, it's time to start building your DIY gravity auto top off system. Follow these steps:
- Drill a hole in the lid of your plastic container that is the same size as your float valve.
- Insert the float valve into the hole and secure it with silicone sealant.
- Connect the tubing to the float valve and run it down to the bottom of your aquarium.
- Connect the other end of the tubing to the water pump.
- Place the plastic container in your aquarium stand and fill it with water.
- Plug in the water pump and turn it on.
That's it! Your DIY gravity auto top off system is now ready to use.
How it Works
As water evaporates from your aquarium, the float valve will open and allow water to flow into the plastic container. Once the container is full, the float valve will close and the water pump will turn on. The water pump will pump water from the container into your tank until the water level reaches the desired level.
Benefits of a DIY Gravity Auto Top Off System
Aside from the cost savings, there are many benefits to using a DIY gravity auto top off system. For one, it's easy to set up and maintain. It also eliminates the need for manual water top offs, which can be a hassle. Plus, it ensures that your aquarium's water level remains constant, which can help prevent equipment damage and keep your fish healthy.
Conclusion
A DIY gravity auto top off system is a great way to maintain the water level in your aquarium without breaking the bank. With just a few materials and some basic DIY skills, you can create a system that will help keep your fish and equipment healthy. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your aquarium maintenance routine.