I ordered this today. I'll reply with my thoughts once I receive it.
HydroFill™ Ti ATO Pro Kit 5 Gallon
https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/HydroFill™-Ti-ATO-Pro-Kit-5-Gallon-p184825727
Do you have pictures and more details on your diy ATO?The Osmolators have a long track record so that's what people normally recommend. There's s many newer ones now made by Autoaqua, Kamoer, Reef Breeders, Ice cap, XP Aqua, Innovative Marine, Hydor, etc., and as you've noticed mixed reviews. I really don't get why there is failure with these considering I've been using a DIY reed switch, relay, 9v battery, and a aquaclear 201 pump for nearly 20 years straight without a problem. My only guess is this fascination with using optical sensors but that is just a guess. Let us know what you decide on.
I've been thinking I might add another float switch (reversed so NC in the up position) in the bottom of the reservoir to the 9v circuit so it won't pump if it runs dry. Be an easy fix.Hey thanks a lot for the detailed write up. I never thought about running a 9V relay and kept looking into 12V DPDT ice cube style relays!. I should have a 9V connector with pigtails left from an Arduino project. Thanks again.
Great thought, especially since float switches are cheap.I've been thinking I might add another float switch (reversed so NC in the up position) in the bottom of the reservoir to the 9v circuit so it won't pump if it runs dry. Be an easy fix.
Definitely. Obviously you can test it as is by connecting the battery, that will tell you everything. You're reminding me I have bins of stuff like that I need to sort through lol.So I did some digging around and found a spare SSR (pretty sure it’s a China knock off, but for the low amp draw it should be fine). I always save parts of extension cords I don’t use, so I found a spare “set” for this project. Ordered 5 float switches on Amazon for $10, and I have some scrap acrylic for making float switch brackets. Other than the SSR is overkill, it should work fine, right? View attachment 32376306
Yep, I tested it with a fan instead of a pump plugged in. My thought though is if the power goes out for an extended time while I’m way and the float kicks it on I might drain the 9v?Definitely. Obviously you can test it as is by connecting the battery, that will tell you everything. You're reminding me I have bins of stuff like that I need to sort through lol.
Eventually it would drain it but how common is that scenario? Obviously you could power it with any old transformer over 3v DC instead. Even a USB charger is 5v DC.Yep, I tested it with a fan instead of a pump plugged in. My thought though is if the power goes out for an extended time while I’m way and the float kicks it on I might drain the 9v?
Well, winter is a great time to sort through things!
Yeah, I have a spare 12v power supply I might power it from down the road. You are correct, not likely to happen, but it did cross my mind. Thanks again.Eventually it would drain it but how common is that scenario? Obviously you could power it with any old transformer over 3v DC instead. Even a USB charger is 5v DC.