Automatic Top Offs?

[Raistlin]

I'm looking to buy an ATO and I would like to know what everyone has on their systems. I'm currently looking at a plug-in-play type on ebay. It is a JBJ ATO for around $70. Does anyone have an opinion on this type?

Thanks,
Chad

 

[Bebo77]

do you like it? if so keep it...

i hear the tunze one is the best... but it costs a ton...

 

[OzarksReef]

Hi Chad,

I have the JBJ ATO on my system and it works great. I'm just using one switch and haven't experienced any problems - they can use two switches (hi & lo) to prevent accidental overflow. I didn't have the hanger for the switches, but made one out of PVC that works well. I'd definitely recommend it!

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Ditto from OzarksReef. I've had mine for over a year and haven't had any problems. The switch hangers should come in the box.

 

[aquaconnect]

I have the Tunze and love it, no problems at all. I even dose kalk w/my top of and have had no issues.

 

[triggerjay]

You would laugh if you saw my ATO.... but it has no switches to fail! Basically, I have a 55g drum, an Aqualifter pump,.. and a loop of airline tubing running out over my sump with a T, and back to the 55g drum. under the T, I have a regulator that controls a steady drip into my sump. Works like a charm. Parts, including the pump, cost me about $15.00.... Yeah, I know.. I'm cheap! lol. To make it a little easier to understand, I painted a pic real quick...:

I also tried to use a dosing pump, but the crazy thing kept erroring out on me...

Jason

 

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Love the CAD graphics Jason!

 

[prugs]

Tunze Osmolator all the way.

 

[triggerjay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12157626#post12157626 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Red Sea Purple Tang
Love the CAD graphics Jason!

lol, I did that in paint...I need to get good at google sketchup... Thats a neat little tool...

Jason

 

[Raistlin]

Thanks for all the information guys. I think I'll go with 2 JBJ ATO's. I'll use on for the top off and the other for dosing. What do you all think. The JBJ's ar only $70 plus shipping each. The Tunze is around $200...What is the difference?

Thanks,
Chad

Also I'm in desperate need of getting some holes drilled in my new set up. I need four 1 1/2 inch holes drilled. Two in each tank.
I'm wanting to set it up and plumb it this weekend. Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[Raistlin]

Thanks for all the information guys. I think I'll go with 2 JBJ ATO's. I'll use on for the top off and the other for dosing. What do you all think? The JBJ's are only $70 plus shipping each. The Tunze is around $200...What is the difference?

Thanks,
Chad

Also I'm in desperate need of getting some holes drilled in my new set up. I need four 1 1/2 inch holes drilled. Two in each tank.
I'm wanting to set it up and plumb it this weekend. Any suggestions/recommendations?