ATO pump

[gmlee]

Looking for some ideas on an ATO. Can't seem to decide on what to get for some automation. Have an apex lite controller that I also purchased earlier but still learning. Kind of leaning on a peristaltic pump and want to keep it simple but to also have it controlled by apex.

 

[ryeguyy84]

I use my apex with a break out box connected to a float switch. For the pump i use an aqualifter pump. it's a great little pump, and for $5 you can replace the diaphragm so it should last until the motor goes. I've had mine for 5 years now and it's still going strong.

 

[panhandler01]

+1 on the Aqualifter. I have one running with a JBJ ATO and I love it. Peristaltic dosing pumps are nice but for the difference in cost I think the Aqualifter is the way to go.

 

[ryeguyy84]

And you don't have to worry about them running dry. It just turns into an air pump haha

 

[hkgar]

I have an Apex and use the Avast Marine pressure switch connected to Apex to turn on my Cole Parmer peristaltic pump. I use that pump in order to pump 500 ml per minute. I have a 180 tank and a 40 G sump

 

[kmbyrnes]

Aqualifter. Inexpensive and reliable. One of the few things in this hobby that is.

 

[gmlee]

Thanks for the suggestions. If I go the aqualifter route then I have to continue looking here in Canada for one. Not having good luck so far finding retailers selling them unless I check amazon or ebay. As for float switches looks like some of u just use one. If I want more safety could I use more or perhaps an optical as well? Is it even worth using more than one in a small tank and just make sure it's cleaned regularly? Thanks again

 

[gmlee]

The cost will be the same whether I go with the aqualifter or the Peristaltic pump after all is done....hmmmm.

 

[gmlee]

Oh great ......finding theses aqualifter pumps on ebay some come with CPR overflows I see. I like this idea for I do not have a sump. Any thoughts on these?

 

[BillNye]

I love my smart ato. Plug and play, doesn't need to take up a spot on your apex lite. I've had mine for two years with no problems.

 

[hkgar]

Consider this for a smaller tank

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/index...top-off.html?gclid=CJ6oy-qFw8kCFYM8aQodax8M3Q

I use it for my QT (30 G) and fill from a five gallon old salt mix bucket.

 

[Indymann99]

I would totally go with using your APEX for ATO. Breakout box and some floats. You should read the APEX manual on ATO. lots of options.

 

[gmlee]

Yes thats what I want is to use the Apex for the ATO but of course u still need a pump.

 

[gmlee]

The floats, the breakout box is fine. Probably end up placing some leak detectors as well so the box would be a good purchase but what the hell I'm I going to use for a pump

 

[Indymann99]

Toms Aqua Lifter pump. works great. Mine has been pumping ATO for 5yrs (last 2yrs with Kalk in the ATO).

 

[homer1475]

Tunze osmolator nano. Set it up and forget it. Rock solid and one of the most reliable pieces of equipment I have.

All it has is a small "brain" box, a pump, and a float switch. Way easier to setup then a breakout box and float switches, and probably more reliable. I do have mine hooked up to my apex, but only to control it during feed modes(cleaning mode so when doing water changes it doesn't come on).

Not sure on pricing, but I'm going to assume(we all know what assuming means), a tunze osmolator would be cheaper then float switches a breakout box, and a pump.

Edit:
After looking up pricing, they are about even depending on what you choose for a pump, and how many float switches you end up with. With that said, you can use the breakout box for more then an ATO too.

 

[gmlee]

Good grief.....looks like I opened a can of worms. Well it's a good thing I don't have to decide anytime soon. And I thought going with a smaller tank would be cheaper!

 

[Church75]

The toms aqualifter is pretty easy to find in Canada. Jlaquatics out west, reefsupplies.ca in Montreal, bigals all carry them, will only run about $25.

 

[gmlee]

Yeah I noticed reef supplies has it. Didn't find it at JL.

 

[gmlee]

Tunze osmolator nano. Set it up and forget it. Rock solid and one of the most reliable pieces of equipment I have.

All it has is a small "brain" box, a pump, and a float switch. Way easier to setup then a breakout box and float switches, and probably more reliable. I do have mine hooked up to my apex, but only to control it during feed modes(cleaning mode so when doing water changes it doesn't come on).

Not sure on pricing, but I'm going to assume(we all know what assuming means), a tunze osmolator would be cheaper then float switches a breakout box, and a pump.

Edit:
After looking up pricing, they are about even depending on what you choose for a pump, and how many float switches you end up with. With that said, you can use the breakout box for more then an ATO too.


AND HOW DO U CONNECT THE TUNZE TO THE BREAKOUT BOX????