Auto Water Change Kamoer X2SR + Reefactory Level Keeper: Brainstorming how to disengage Level Keeper/ATO while Kamoer X2SR operating

[reefsaver]

I've been wanting to set up auto water changes for a while now, but before I buy the X2SR I can't figure out how I'm going to set it up.
If worst comes to worst I'll just make it drain and fill simultaniously.
I would preferably take the most efficient option and drain directly from the sump, then refill it. But the problem is if the sumps water level drains, the automatic water top off turns on for evaporation so if i did a drain to waste, and refill, my level keeper would fill the sump until the new water is entirely filled into the sump up to the float detectors.
I had the thought that I could program the X2SR to do the waterchange at say midnight and then plug a digital seconds timer into the level keeper to turn off the pump off at midnight every night weekly for a specified amount of time. They're about $50 the HydroAxis digital seconds timers but I mean it's all I can think of.

 

[JayM]

You can buy a smart a smart plug for less than $10 and program it to be off at the same time you have your AWC programmed to be on.

 

[topjimmy]

I've been wanting to set up auto water changes for a while now, but before I buy the X2SR I can't figure out how I'm going to set it up.
If worst comes to worst I'll just make it drain and fill simultaniously.
I would preferably take the most efficient option and drain directly from the sump, then refill it. But the problem is if the sumps water level drains, the automatic water top off turns on for evaporation so if i did a drain to waste, and refill, my level keeper would fill the sump until the new water is entirely filled into the sump up to the float detectors.
I had the thought that I could program the X2SR to do the waterchange at say midnight and then plug a digital seconds timer into the level keeper to turn off the pump off at midnight every night weekly for a specified amount of time. They're about $50 the HydroAxis digital seconds timers but I mean it's all I can think of.

I have mine do both simultaneously. It's the default option I think.

 

[reefsaver]

Yeah I figure that's the likely road I'll have to take. It's a little simpler and I won't have to program anything or buy something to auto switch off the level keeper. But in doing that I/you might be losing some of the clean water you're putting in as it circulates into the water column. Making it less efficient than to drain it, and then fill it.
And honestly call me cheap but I really try to save as much money as I can in this hobby because it's really a never ending money sink for me right now. I'd love to get maybe a trident apex combo, GHL KH controller, Roller Mat, the X2SR, I want a Milk Fridge to attach all this equipment to, and then automate liquid feedings from the milk fridge to my tank using a Reef Factory 4x doser. I'm not rich, I'm definately poor and this equipment is bought slowly and usually in 4 payments. But automation is my goal because in my heart it feels most important.

 

[topjimmy]

I take water from the sump in the first chamber and put it in the return section. I do 1 liter at a time, takes maybe a minute. I don't think that I'm remotely close to removing the new water.

 

[louisp]

Depending on your setup, even if you run them in and out together it wont be exact so you will still have the same problem. I have my X2SR in the basement with the fresh saltwater. Pumping up is slower than pumping down. Kamoer accounts for this by running the new saltwater pump a few minutes extra.

FWIW, the X2SR comes with an optional ATO pump and sensor feature that will disable the ATO when a water change is in progress. I tested it a few time and it seems to work well.

I have a smaller AIO and don't use their ATO feature. I currently run mine manually once a week and try to remember to turn of the ATO power before I run. I have a backup smart switch that will automatically cut off the ATO power if it senses the AWC pump is running.

I have since moved to apex and system and am going to sell my xs2r and just use a DOS pump to reduce apps I am in.