low cost auto water level control system

[ajacinth]

I have a small sump and have to fill it with water three times a week. So I was looking for a method to auto fill it if I'm away for a few days. I've asked several fish store how this is accomplished. To my dismay no one knew. So here is what I came up with.

I found a toilet fill valve system call QuiteFill by Korky ($5.99). Then bought 5 foot 1/2 inch tubing (34 cents). After I shaved the bottom threads off a bit, so that it would fit in my sump, I attached the tubing with the plastic ballcock and friction ring made by Plum Pak (70 cents). The one that came with the fill valve wasn't snug enough. I ran the tubing into the bottom of a plastic bucket ($3.99). I sealed the tubing to the bucket via a hole I cut, along with two additional 1/2 inch friction rings and compression fittings ($1.80). Then I sealed the bucket with silicon for added measure.

The valve was placed in the sump at the water mark indicated on it. The bucket needs to be at a higher level than the sump so it the water can flow down via gravity. Thats it. So far its worked great no issues. I double checked the valve for metal by taking it apart. However, I make no claims to any issues that may arise if this is implemented on ones tank.