I like my float switch....I really do. I even built a 20 gallon fresh
water reservoir. Just recently the float switch got stuck in the on position
by some caulerpa in the sump. All I can say is it's a good thing the
reservoir only had about 3 gallons of water in it. Not I don't keep more
then 6 to 8 gallons in the reservoir. That means I have to fill the
reservoir up every 3 to 4 days but at least I won't be waking up to a
totally soaked carpet.
Steve
BTW - I know a Doctor that destroyed his Beverly Hills home having his tank
hooked up to an RO unit 10 months later he is just now moving back in.
During his 7 day vacation the RO unit sprung a leak. He doesn't even know
how much water leaked. He said that the unit was installed on the second
floor & he had a 90g tank under the house (just storing it) & it was full of
water.


"Raymond" wrote in message
om...
(thrugoodmarshall) wrote in message
m...
"Jim Reynolds" wrote in message
news:o2xjb.792901$uu5.139648@sccrnsc04...
Can someone explain how a top off system works or point me to a site
that
explains the mechanics of the system ?

Thanks,
Jim Reynolds

The other posters have explained it pretty succinctly.

The only thing I have to add is a suggestion of how to implement one.

I had a reef tank for about 3 years, and it did *really* well-inverts
spawning, etc. To top it off, I purchased a float valve (all plastic,
no metal at all) from a plumbing supply. I teed off of my RO filter,
and ran the hose to the sump.

Dead level all the time. Salinity never varied, never leaked or
overfilled for 3 years.

Cost a total of about$10.00, including the reducing fittings and hose.

I added my two cents on this subject in another thread so I guess I
just as well add it here two.

This will work well until the float valve fails. Then you have a
unlimited supply of fresh water that will not stop until you find the
failure. As long as this is quick your tank may survive. The float
valves are fairly dependable. I have heard people claim in excess of
five years and more with out problems. And I don't think they are
lying or anything but I also know that it isn't a matter of if they
will fail. It is a matter of when.