So this is something I've been thinking about for a while and Doug's post to Scott's build thread prompted me to create a post. The current pump I use for top off is a pump intended to be a misting system for reptiles and other tropical critters. I just have it setup to trickle water into my sump. But with my recent rebuild I've been thinking about installing some of misting heads over the mangroves to simulate rain. The only problem I thought I might have is the amount of time the pump would have to run then. Any suggestions you guys have on this? What are your thoughts on this method of top off?
Top Off Rain Shower/Mister
- Thread starter MuralReef
- Start date
I had seen that post as well, and thought what a cool idea. What type of top off system do you have? If your running on a controller, I would think you could just run a defer statement to have it run for as long as you think it takes to get a nice clean shower (within reason). As large as your system is, I would think you could add a couple minutes of mist from a couple sprayer heads once your float is triggered, and not affect your system that much. Even if you are only topping off a couple times a day instead of every half hour, I would think your volume would be hard to detect any real change.
I've been working on just this idea. My rodi system has pressure for a few second when you first open the valve, so I have solenoids operated via an apex to open for a few seconds everyday to mist the mangroves. Its hit and miss because if my top off reservoir is calling for water then there is no pressure and no mist. But like I said its work in progress.
So I ended up doing this at the beginning of summer and I think it helped my mangroves take off. The pump I've been using is specifically designed for this purpose. I bought it as a reptile misting system but originally just had it set up to flow into the tank. I added on two misting heads over the trees and it covers all 8 really well. I think it also allows for a gradual top off instead of doing it quickly. One of the mangroves has even extended roots above the water level. I take a snapshot tomorrow.
