Automatic Makeup Water For Aquarium

When going on vacation for more than a week you have to supply makeup water for your aquarium.  This sytem will supply up to 5 gallons of the water that evaporates.  It does not use pumps or electricity.  After trying several approaches this one worked well on our 2 1/2 week vacation.  The automatic fish feeder we have used for years is also shown.

Step 1 Main Element is a Poultry Water Feeder

The main device that supplies the makeup water is a plastic poultry water feeder.  It works on a principle of a vacuum forming at the top of the reservoir which prevents water from flowing out until air is allowed to enter.  In our case the air enters from a hose end that opens to the air as the fish tank water level reduces. These can be purchased at an Ag Store or on the Internet.  The one we used holds 5 gallons and has a removable base which will not be used.  Remember it must have an air  light lid.  This one uses a rubber gasket.  The yellow arrow shows the  3/8 inch plastic hose barb with 3/8 inch pipe thread that was screwed into the water outlet.  Made threads in the heavy plastic outlet with a 3/8 inch metal pipe plug.  Put silicon over the surface to assure there would be no leaks.

Comments

[Willard2.0]

Great idea, I love the simplicity of it.  I will probably implement something like this next time I go on vacation.  On a side note, where did you get the auto feeder, and how much was it?

Willard