Auto Top Off

Seems pretty solid to me. The only thing I don't like is the splicing of the pumps power cable. But it looks like a solid design to me. Much better than the ones without relays.

BTW - for $10 more, I would get the deluxe model. I like the fact that you can use it to protect your pump when your reservoir runs dry. Unless you're like me and you have a 44G reservoir. But if you like, me, you're paranoid, and you have a huge reservoir and a float switch to protect the pump. :D

Minh
 
Last edited:
Thanks Mihn. The only problem is that i have absolutely ZERO experience with ATP systems. Do you think that even a noob like me can do something like this? If so, is it possible for me to get all of these items to make a DIY ATP system locally rather than buying it online? Or should i just get it online because it comes with instructions? So many questions!!! :eek1:
 
It's pretty easy to put them together or you can get one from autotopoff.com and that one is just plug and play.
 
Yeah - it's pretty easy to put together. But if you really need help, and you're willing to come over to my place, I'd be happy to help. BTW - just noticed that you are in Davis, so we could just do it in the evening.
 
Instead of splicing the pump cable. Just have it control a normal 120 plug. I used a residential blue electrical box to house my relays and such, and then put a plug on it and used a cover plate.

Self contained and you can use any pump you like in the future..

Let me go see if I can find my thread on that..
 
Aquahub makes it so dang simple. Now you got me looking for some cheaper items to build my own. I know relays are dirt cheap and you can pick up a transformer at any garage sale for a quarter. Looks like all you really need from Aquahub are their float switches. I think I'll build one of these for my AP12.
 
That's pretty much what I do now....
Just get the FS's from aquahub and then build the rest myself..
Hoh and the "Mold a hold" stuff is really good from them too...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11098841#post11098841 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1
That's pretty much what I do now....
Just get the FS's from aquahub and then build the rest myself..
Hoh and the "Mold a hold" stuff is really good from them too...
Click to expand...

Thats what I did also. BTW if you are looking for a pump I highly recommend a Aqua Lifter (Click here for Marine Depot;s Site) . It seems to run forever, very cheap, and can run dry without any problem. If you use it to dose anything I also recommend the filter to keep it clean.
 
I would never use it to dose anything other than ATO water.
There are WAY TOO MANY nightmares stories here on RC where people tried this..

I also use the aqualifters..
I have 3, one for each tank ;)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11099179#post11099179 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1
I would never use it to dose anything other than ATO water.
There are WAY TOO MANY nightmares stories here on RC where people tried this..

I also use the aqualifters..
I have 3, one for each tank ;)
Click to expand...

Some people put Kalk into the ATO water and it seems to work for them. I personally agree with you Steve and limit my ATO tank so if something should go wrong there is only a limited amount of RO/DI that can go into the tank. I also have an "over fill" float to turn off the ATO pump if the sump level gets higher than normal.
 
So I'd still need a pump even if i bought this system right? Does it have to be any kind of special pump or can it be one of those pumps that you would hook up an undergravel filter with?
 
yes- you would have to purchase a pump separately. It doesn't have to be a special pump per se, but the pump does have to move water the distance and height that you want. If the reservoir is right next to your sump, then a maxijet will probably work just fine. Aqualifter is another choice. If your reservoir is quite a distance away from your sump (like in my case), you would have to get a more powerful pump (Ehiem). What ever you do, don't get a Mag pump for top off. Their impeller breaks very easily when it is constantly cycling between on and off.
 
And what is the transformer for? As you can tell, i am a super-noob with ATP systems! Reefugee, I will probably be PMing you next week for help since you are a fellow Davisite!
 
How much power does an aqualifter have? If the resevoir is in the stand below the tank, can the aqualifter move the water up to the tank? This might be 3 feet of head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

FOX-FACE fanboy….
OK, I got a really good deal
Replies
5
Views
538
Timfish
Timfish
M
Automatic Feeders for Nano Aquarium. Ideas?
Replies
3
Views
538
Dr. Reef
Dr. Reef
M
Need Opinions on Hydros for 24gal Nano
Replies
12
Views
1K
n2585722
n2585722
R
DIY AI-coded ESP32 based aquarium controller
Replies
0
Views
947
ronnyking
R
Mel-E-Mel
Time to retire the hobby
Replies
6
Views
995
Mel-E-Mel
Mel-E-Mel
Back
Top