ATO for 14BC?

[KeysKid]

Anyone know a good Auto Top Off system for a 14 biocube?

Saw the JBJ ATO system, and was wondering how good it fits. Will the sensors fit in my back chamber? Also will I have to drill in the top of the lid for the tubing?

Any input or other systems you would prefer?

 

[corrado007]

You could do a DIY one for about half the price and it would be customized to fit your tank. You'd just need a relay, 12v power adapter, a few float switches, and and an aqualifter pump. That is, if you're a DIY type of person. Otherwise, I've read that the JBJ is a decent system.

 

[corrado007]

hey man sorry for bothering but im new to this whole forum thing and I sorry for answering a question with a question but I really want to know how to start my own threads. I guess you could say im sum what slow or what have you but I have a whole bunch o questions I need answers to please help

Logiq, go to what ever forum is appropriate for the question you have (nano question in nano forum, equipment question in equipment forum) and just click create new thread in the upper corner. There's also a frequently asked questions section you can read that will explain a lot of this stuff. Here it is:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb3_board_faq#faq_vb3_board_usage
Good Luck!

 

[NEsparky101]

i've had a BC14 for a year now and IMO it's such a small amount of water that evaporates that i don't think an ATO is needed. I'm talkin like a cup of evaporation in 2-3 days. I guess that also depends on if it's a regular stock BC14 with a hood. if it is an HQI or has an open top then it may evaporate alot more water than mine.

just my 2cents, but good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[KeysKid]

Right now its just the stock hood and lights, but eventually I will probably upgrade to a MH. But I'm also away during the weekends sometimes and could really use the ATO.

About being a DIY person, not sure how good of a ATO system I could make considering I've yet to see one in person. Ive looked them up on youtube but it really doesn't help me understand it too well.

If I were to get the JBJ system, I see that it does not come with a pump, so which pump would you suggest me to get? And would I also have to purchase some type of tubing to go to the tank and the DI water?

 

[eXcite95]

Right now its just the stock hood and lights, but eventually I will probably upgrade to a MH. But I'm also away during the weekends sometimes and could really use the ATO.

About being a DIY person, not sure how good of a ATO system I could make considering I've yet to see one in person. Ive looked them up on youtube but it really doesn't help me understand it too well.

If I were to get the JBJ system, I see that it does not come with a pump, so which pump would you suggest me to get? And would I also have to purchase some type of tubing to go to the tank and the DI water?

i use a mini jet 606 for my auto top off

nick b

 

[KeysKid]

Still thinking about getting an ATO unit, or possibly making one myself.

Has anyone made one for their biocube? or bought one that fits in their biocube? such as the jbj?

 

[Colin]

I use one like this. Use an Aqualifter for the pump and a 2L soda bottle for the reservoir. I have the switch in the return pump chamber.

http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html

Another design, cheap and dirty but effective.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945766

--Colin

Still thinking about getting an ATO unit, or possibly making one myself.

Has anyone made one for their biocube? or bought one that fits in their biocube? such as the jbj?

 

[Shane5223]

I've been doing research on this as well. I hear the Aquahub one is great and has 2 relays to help from overfilling if your top off float gets stuck...

If you are going to go the DIY route...here is a step by step guide.

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/diy/64681-chipmunks-diy-ato-guide-step-step.html

 

[KeysKid]

I truthfully do not trust myself making this with the wiring and stuff. So I will probably have to go the expensive route and buy one. So has anyone used a ATO unit that can be purchased already made that works good in a biocube?