Auto top off

[ReeferItIs2]

So yesterday there were a few people that said the best thing for a smaller tank would be to invest in an auto top off...i have no idea why I didn't ask this question to them yesterday but which ato would be good for my 20g? Nothing too expensive but nothing too cheap either...Everyone enjoy their Sunday as I go top off my tank...

 

[Dapg8gt]

Cheapest option is most likely the jbj w/aqualifter pump but it's bulky. I'd suggest the tunze nano I've had the Ozmolator for almost 7 years well worth the investment.

There are a few new options out there that look great for a smaller tank like the new smart Ato. It's tiny.

There is a few new guys in the game that seem to have a nice product I know the tunze so that's what I recommend =). The nano is on par price wise to most others I believe. You Def won't regret the Ato it is one of the best investments in saltwater period.

 

[zeroinverse]

The problem with buying an ATO is when you upgrade to a bigger tank, you'll buy a controller which will then have a different way you could do ATO. JBO(sp?) ATO and the Pirate ATO are ones I have heard of. JBO has a safety mechanism that is useful in certain ATO configurations.

 

[Rarend99]

I also prefer the tunze ATO

 

[ReeferItIs2]

2 for tunze but I will do my research on the ones Ron mentioned too...thanks for the help guys

 

[Dragonvale]

+1 on a tune ato. I have a nano ato that's rated up to a 50 gallon tank. Love how small it is.

 

[lokii_37]

I read good reviews here on RC for autotopoff.com. mine is only a few weeks only a few weeks ole but i am lovin it. it has 2 switches so if the first one sticks the second one will shut off the pump before it floods. They sell tanks and sump mounted units.

 

[gonzalez78]

I'm going to set up my own using 2 float switches and an aqualifter pump already ordered the switches just need to buy the aqualifter and pre-filter. Anyone have any they are not using anymore?

 

[AMAYEU]

I use autotopoff.com with two float switches in conjunction with an aqualifter. It's about 30-40 bucks if bought with used parts.

If you are willing to spend more then go with the tunze osmolator 3155 or the cheaper version of the tunze nano osmolator.

 

[zeroinverse]

I'm going to set up my own using 2 float switches and an aqualifter pump already ordered the switches just need to buy the aqualifter and pre-filter. Anyone have any they are not using anymore?

Don't set up your own. That is 110volts AC on the float switch. Not the safest way to do it. Either you or your fish can get a fatal shock

 

[woodnaquanut]

I have ATO and aqualifter. Works OK. I'm switching to floats connected to a Apex BOB.

The ATO is workable if you don't have a controller. It limits how long a TO pump can be on so if you use an aqualifter it will be harder to fail via a flood. Not impossible with such a small volume though.

Osmolator looks cool. Quite a bit more $$.

Many years ago I had a float connected to line voltage and directly controlling a small PH. Not technically 'safe', see ^^^^^, it worked fine for many years.

 

[coralfarmer]

An ATO is not the place to go cheap with your tank . One malfunction an the tank is done. I like the Tunze Osmolater.

 

[ReeferItIs2]

I went to autotopoff.com and as a new guy I had no idea what I was looking at so I just went and order the tunze nano, can't wait for it to get here I'm tired of topping off my tank...my next buy will be a Rodi unit cause I'm also tired of going to get ro water from my lfs every other week...thanks guys for all the help it is greatly appreciated

 

[Dapg8gt]

You won be disappointed with the tunze. It's an awesome piece of equipment. I would suggest that you check and clean it on a schedule to keep it up to par.

 

[ReeferItIs2]

I'm really big on maintenance always have been...i look at my fish and now my coral like my kids so my philosophy is I know I wouldn't let my child run around with a dirty diaper on so I wouldn't do that to my wet pets...I'm probably one of few that love doing maintenance just as much as i love staring at my tanks...

 

[Ssteve]

Picked up a used jbj with aqualift pump for $50.. Cool little setup.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Good for you!

 

[lokii_37]

Sweet buy!!

I love my ATO. I didn't think it was that much work to top off until I didn't have to do it any more.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Sweet buy!!

I love my ATO. I didn't think it was that much work to top off until I didn't have to do it any more.

+1

My big challenge is remembering to check the TO container! Amazing how fast a week goes by. All the fancy ATO won't work unless there is water in the TO container!!

 

[SWBeginer]

+1

My big challenge is remembering to check the TO container! Amazing how fast a week goes by. All the fancy ATO won't work unless there is water in the TO container!!

a better way is to connect your RO/DI to your TO container and you are done.