ATO Horror Stories

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15493965#post15493965 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LEGENDARY_ENG
most problems i have seen are DIY projects no or little maintenance as cleaning float assemblys or solenoid valves, suction cups coming loose or holder. snails on floats, The biggest is a mechanical floats as kent floats or same type. To much of a load on a 300ma float switch using it to turn on and off a pump.

I agree. To forestall the kind of problems you are describing, I have two aids: a check list (that I go through every morning) and a maintenance schedule. The check list currently has 14 points including such things as the water level in the sump, the status lights on the ATO, etc. The maintenance schedule ensures that the float switches are cleaned regularly, the electronics tested, pumps cleaned and tested, etc. After you've had enough years in this hobby you realize that the question is not IF something bad is going to happen, it's WHEN. The more you do, on a daily basis, to keep your system running smoothly, the longer the "disaster" free periods will be. It's just common sense.

 

[Pyrrhus]

I have seen floats valves develop a leak and fill with water, lose buoyancy and flood the sump.

 

[das75]

look for the open bottom baffle type (~1/8" plastic molded walls) that trap air rather than the sealed float (ball)

 

[Jgoal55]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15495347#post15495347 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by das75
look for the open bottom baffle type (~1/8" plastic molded walls) that trap air rather than the sealed float (ball)

never seen these. do you know where to get them?

 

[Waterobert]

A lot of people have great results with Tunze ATO. It uses some kind of optical switch. I am thinking of getting it, any problem with that one?