Top off

[SuperDave]

Was wondering if anyone has tried to set up a drip line directly out of an RO/DI system. Just kicking this around. Was told it can't be done because you will never be able to match the evaporation rate.

 

[robbrouse]

I've heard of it being done with a float valve. The pad part is if someting fails the amount of water that dumps into your sump and or tank and or ATO will never stop..

 

[evolved]

Not advisable.

If something goes wrong, you have a potentially endless water supply at hand.

 

[boehm742]

Evaporation rates change day to day and especially with season so dripping would never work. And afloat valve sticks then your gonna dump water till the well runs dry. Save up for a nice ATO and be at peace!

 

[Coraloliseffect]

Many have done this with controllers and all sorts. But violates a two safety rules for me.
If it fails open tank may desalinate and everyone inside doesn't make it
If if fails open my house could flood.
As you should have routine maintenance. Just make either flipping a valve to refill a reservoir or manually fill the reservoir part of your weekly ritual

 

[SuperDave]

Not with a float valve. Just a petcock cracked open to a slight drip.

 

[Chris Aldrich]

It can certainly be done, but as mentioned, you run the risk of dumping copious amounts of fresh water into your aquarium if something fails. Always plan on something failing because more than likely it will at some point.

An ATO and reservoir are the way to go for peace of mind. You're not manually topping off every day (just checking levels) and your salinity will remain very stable. It's a win-win!

Of course an ATO can fail, as well. However if you use a reservoir properly sized for your system, even all the water dumped from it to the display should not produce a detrimental shift in salinity.