ATO What is everyone using

[yzfr6]

I need to purchase an ATO and was wondering what people recommend and where to order from. Thanks for your help.

 

[flamron]

I use a float valve and a 5 gallon tub. Safe, reliable, and no electricity to shock me.

 

[patsfan1130]

autotopoff.com

 

[Pawky]

JBJ Ato

 

[palawan]

Modified JBJ for RO/DI resevoir and Tunze Osmolator for ATO.

 

[Michael]

i usee tunze osmolator myself, and it feeds a seperate resevoir for kalkwasser as well

 

[seapug]

I use JBJ ATOs on my tanks because they are small and very simple to set up. The oldest one is coming up on 2 years and never had a malfunction.

 

[mnml]

I've been using the JBJ ATOs for about 2 years as well without any issues. Just make sure you keep the float switch clean so it doesn't get stuck.

 

[gowingsgo]

+1 autotopoff.com

 

[jefathome]

I have been using a VERY simple ATO.

-TOM's Aqualifter
-Home Depot timer that has little push buttons in 15min increments.
-Standard 5g water container

The Aqualifter puts out about 3g/hr I have it run for 15min in the AM and 15min in the PM. This puts in about 1 - 1.5g per day. Every 4-5 days or so, I change out the water container and make small adjustments to the overall water level.

This isn't as precise as some of the ATO units out there, but it is pretty much fail safe. I have never had a maunal timer "go bad" on me. just to be safe though, I limit my resovior to 5g. Enough that my sump can handle the whole load if needed.

 

[reeftivo]

+1 tunze osmolator. has static sensor electric eye and is very precise. Also fits in anything. Only drawback-not cheap!

 

[stanlalee]

tunze sensor is more reliable then the float valves but since I only use my top off for consistancy (only holds a few days worth of water with no possibility of even overflowing the sump i it goes haywire unless the top off reservoir is filled to the rim) and I check everyday regardless (obsessed in general) I'm not worried about failure. I've had two JBJ and neither has failed me yet. $80 vs $200 but if money is no object the tunze is best..

 

[anyuser]

I use an older version of this $35 one: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p360/Top-it-Off-Kit-Premium/product_info.html

I have a cheap pump plugged into it and it has worked like a champ for 2+ years.

 

[BrassMonkey]

float switch from a/c, relay from radio shack,transformer from phone.

 

[FirstContact]

i usee tunze osmolator myself, and it feeds a seperate resevoir for kalkwasser as well

Hi Mike,

How exactly is that set up?

I have a 100g Rubbermaid stock tank that I use as a sump. I keep about 30-40g in it. Would I be able to use the osmolator with this in combination with kalkwasser, or would a solenoid and float valve be better?

I don't really have the cash for an ATO and a nice Kalkwasser reactor (Geo/PM). Can I just do ATO and work around the reactor?

I apologize in advance if I am stealing this thread. My interest is in ATO and Kalkwasser without a $$Reactor$$.

Thanks,
FirstContact

 

[PrangeWay]

Pure Awesome

Pure Awesome

Tunze Osmolator

Optical level sensor, float valve overfill sensor, comes with a easily replaceable pump, controller, audio alarms. It's pure win. Had mine over 5 years now w/o a problem.


PW

 

[Wrobel278]

+1 on JBJ ATO. Purchased at AquaCave.com

 

[kelleyga36]

JBJ works great

 

[PRDubois]

autotopoff.com

 

[firefish2020]

Osmolator , worth every cent.