Auto Top Off

[ArizonaReefer]

Looking for opinion on the follow two top offs

This one seems that it will keep the water level a little tighter, maybe within a half inch or so

This one is also adjustable but is there an advantage of having two floats, is the higher one a backup or does the lower one turn the pump on and when the water hits the top one in turns the water off?

 

[JeffKirk]

I'm running this ATO with much sucsess.
Top off Kit

It keeps the water level within less than 1/2". You set one float for the water level, another at max water level (in case the first one fails) and the third is for your water storage tank minimum water level so you don't burn up your transfer pump.

My resivour is higher than my sump so I am not using a transfer pump. I have a water valve for a refrigerator ice machine that opens to allow water to siphon into my sump. It can be picked up cheap @ Art's Parts in Phoenix.

 

[vanmle]

I like the two float. A litle insurance is always good.

I think the second one is just as or nearly as tight as the first. The second float switch just turns off the water just in case the first one is stuck for some reason.

 

[Kentanner11]

IMO I was thinking about getting the bottom one for me, down the road. The place I was looking at it was www.drsfostersmith.com

From what it looks like on the pic above, the top one is the primary switch, but I guess if that one malf. the bottom one wold bring it on.

What I would do would be to just put them next to each other.....

 

[KRASHPD]

I use the JBJ one and it is nice. The second float can be used in the sump as a backup for the water level or it can be put in the top-off water container to shut off so the pump never runs dry. I put it in the top-off container and have had no problems. I am going to add a float switch to aquacontroller for a backup for max filling in the sump soon.

 

[random_ryan]

I have the second one. and its unreliable. thats JMO

 

[Philwd]

I know it's $ but the Tunze Osmolator is very reliable and has a very short throw. It will keep water level within 1/8-1/4". IR sensor for low water level and a float valve out of the water for high level. 10 min shutoff timer. Can be used to drive a kalk reactor.

 

[rljlll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10825845#post10825845 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Philwd
I know it's $ but the Tunze Osmolator is very reliable and has a very short throw. It will keep water level within 1/8-1/4". IR sensor for low water level and a float valve out of the water for high level. 10 min shutoff timer. Can be used to drive a kalk reactor.

I also have it and i would never get anything else. this is one of the best investments i have made. i also have the JBJ and it works very nice too.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10825354#post10825354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by random_ryan
I have the second one. and its unreliable. thats JMO

Ryan if you dont mind can you please expound on your reasoning of your opinion?

 

[random_ryan]

My JBJ always and I mean always never shuts off right. I have had it a year. and taken very good care of it. at first it worked right. but 3 to 6 months down the road it started over filling my sump . I have it so it reads the levels in both my sump and my resivior. I have burned pumps up becouse the resivor side don't shut down. maybe I got a bad one. If I was going to buy a ATO it would be tunze. due to the fact that I have never heard anyone have any issues with it. I know people who have boughten ATO's from small componys and have had better luck with them. I bought Aaroons custom built ATO... It was the best ATO I have boughten. He built his. its a very very nice unit and works great. thanks aaron.