Auto Top Off with the Apex REVISITED

[Hurricane Ivan]

What kind of pump are u guys using? I have a aqua lifter but it seems to stay on even when I manually turn off the power?

Looking for something that can put a line into a 5 gal jug.

 

[cb684]

That is a good discussion thread. And the idea of a high water switch will work well if your peristaltic pump, or your solenoid valve get stuck ON. But what about if there is a major leakage in the system or your protein skimmer produces a lot of wet skimmate? Shouldn't we have a third floater for low water that would turn of return for the aquarium and skimmer?

 

[luamada]

Ok great tread. I am totally out of computers but need your help. I got the Apex and I am in the process of installing it and endless to say going crazy with it) BUT I need to buy an auto top off to run with it. What do you recommend? I liked the acrylic parts in the picture how do I get them? Please give me name of the auto top off and where do I buy it. I already bought the apex. Thank you
Lu

 

[Mark Bianco]

I can not be 100% sure but they look like the same I have Digital Aquatics Float switch holders and switches.

When you say buy an ATO are you referring to one already made system or are you referring to buying the separate float switches and a small pump such as an AquaLifter?

 

[In Color]

I’m having trouble with my ATO program and would appreciate some feedback. Here’s how my system is configured:

Sw4 - ATO Level (OPEN if ATO tank is empty)
Sw5 - Water Level (OPEN if aquarium needs water)
Sw6 - Leak detector (CLOSED if leak detected)

My program, which is not working is:

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
OSC 000:00/000:10/059:50 Then ON
If Sw4 OPEN Then OFF <—OPEN means ATO is empty
If Sw5 CLOSED Then OFF <—CLOSED means aquarium level good
If Sw6 CLOSED Then OFF <— CLOSED means leak detected
Min Time 010:00 Then OFF

I read this as Fallback OFF, then every ten minutes turn ON, but turn off if ATO is empty, aquarium doesn’t need water or a leak is detected. Run for 10 seconds, then turn OFF.

My ATO never turns on. What am I doing wrong?

 

[In Color]

My working solution:

Outlet: ATO_Pump_5

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If WaterL CLOSED Then ON <-- Water Level low
If ATO_Le OPEN Then OFF <-- ATO level not ok
If Leak CLOSED Then OFF <-- Leak detected
If Outlet ATOmax_A1 = ON Then OFF <-- VO run for 12 seconds
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF <-- wait 30 minutes before looping

Virtual Outlet: ATOmax_A1

Set OFF
If Outlet ATO_Pump_5 = ON Then ON
Defer 000:12 Then ON