What you will need - DIY (Do It Yourself) Automatic Top Off System
Auto Top Off
Graphic by Stan Hauter
Here is a reliable automatic top off system which is simple to install with only a couple of tools. This Do It Yourself automatic top off system can take less than an hour and can cost less than $50. This system feeds filtered water to the tank/sump in small amounts as it is needed, reducing water parameter swings. This DIY Automatic Top Off System consists of a saddle valve to tap into an existing cold water pipe (usually found under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom), a length of 1/4" plastic (NOT copper) tubing from the saddle valve down through the floor, under the house, then up through the floor under or behind the aquarium. A float valve is installed either in the tank or in the sump. A tap water filter is installed in the water line at either the aquarium or saddle valve end. Tools needed:
Before you start this DIY project, take a few minutes to look at your potential water supply and tank locations. Can you easily access the water supply? Begin by determining where you will be tapping into your cold water supply. The cold water pipe (between the shut off valve and the sink faucet) below the kitchen or bathroom sink works well. The bottoms of both kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets are normally raised a few inches above the floor, so you will be drilling through 2 layers of wood.
Check under the house before drilling any holes to make sure that you will not be going through either a pipe or wiring. Drilling about 1" away from where the pipe goes through the floor makes it easier to locate the hole from under the house. Next determine where you want the hose to go through the floor near (usually behind or under) your tank. Check under the house to make sure there are no obstructions (wiring or plumbing) to contend with. Next you will want to choose your water filter, saddle valve, float valve and 1/4" i.d. plastic tubing which are described in the following pages.
- Portable Drill
- 5/16" Long Shaft Drill Bit
- 7/16" Drill Bit
- Scissors
- Adjustable Wrench (or Box End, Open End Wrenches)
- Phillips Screw Driver
- Caulking
- Wire Staples
- Stiff Wire
- Tape
- Saddle Valve
- Tap Water filter
- Float Valve
- Electric Float Switch
- Solenoid Valve
- 1/4' Flexible Hose
Before you start this DIY project, take a few minutes to look at your potential water supply and tank locations. Can you easily access the water supply? Begin by determining where you will be tapping into your cold water supply. The cold water pipe (between the shut off valve and the sink faucet) below the kitchen or bathroom sink works well. The bottoms of both kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets are normally raised a few inches above the floor, so you will be drilling through 2 layers of wood.
Check under the house before drilling any holes to make sure that you will not be going through either a pipe or wiring. Drilling about 1" away from where the pipe goes through the floor makes it easier to locate the hole from under the house. Next determine where you want the hose to go through the floor near (usually behind or under) your tank. Check under the house to make sure there are no obstructions (wiring or plumbing) to contend with. Next you will want to choose your water filter, saddle valve, float valve and 1/4" i.d. plastic tubing which are described in the following pages.
Pick a water filter - In line tap water filter
Ice Maker Water Filter
Photo by PriceGrabber
There are a number of in line tap water filters which will work well for this project. Two examples are the in line water filter, which is used to filter water for automatic ice makers in many refrigerators, pictured above. Another choice is an inline water purifier, such as the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter, which is pictured of the following page.
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