Best cheap ATO ?

[Vlado4x4]

I have been struggling with my ATO system lately. It's the common one with float switch.

I have been looking at the hydrofill, tunze, autoaqua and JBJ

Any recommendations ?

These week I'm buying an apex system. So I need the ATO to work with apex.

Thanks

 

[azjohnny]

I had a JBJ and an Ehiem compact 600 pump for 2 years and never had a problem, for PM I would clean the floats in vinegar once every 6 months

 

[Ahanix]

JBJ ATO is usually pretty solid. You can look at the avast-marine Auto Top Off Kit if you are wanting to DIY and save some money. I have the Tunze 3152 and it works flawlessly.

 

[Vlado4x4]

When I mentioned that I had issues that is with small snails that get in between the magnetic float.

 

[shifty51008]

get a snail guard

http://www.aquahub.com/store/product15.html

 

[Vlado4x4]

Mine is like this ...

 

[shifty51008]

yeah not sure how those snail guards will work for those types

 

[millionmanus]

Since your buying an apex. Just buy a float switch from an online vendor for 20.00. No sense in buying an ato unit for 80.00.

 

[Vlado4x4]

Sorry new to the apex world. Does it have a level sensor ? Don't know why you said I only need a float switch. I already have one as stated and snails are driving me crazy. Every two days I have to go check there's non in between the magnets

 

[millionmanus]

With an apex all you need is the switch and a pump and I/o break out box. If you buy an ato unit. You are paying for a "controller" to tell the pump to turn on or off. No need paying for that controller if you are going to run of an apex.

 

[spoon671]

That, or you can even go dual switches (low water level, high water level). Program them to control a dosing pump via Apex I/O breakout box.

I'm along side millionmanus. Plus, you don't really want to have a controller controlled by a controller.

A good place to poke around would be on Neptune's forums -- http://forum.neptunesystems.com/forumdisplay.php?18-Apex-Programming-for-Dosing-ATO-and-AWC

 

[Indymann99]

+1 add a breakout box (search the Neptune forum, I made a DIY box for $15), add some floats and you have an ATO that is able to be customized to your exact needs.

The same floats that control the ATO can be used to provide other control points.

 

[spoon671]

@Indymann99, care to post your ATO program?

 

[Indymann99]

Sure, here you go.

ATOPump8
Fallback OFF
If Outlet ATOSwitch_A1 = ON Then ON
If Outlet ATOSwitch_A1 = OFF Then OFF
If Outlet ReturnHi_A2 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet ATOResLo_A4 = ON Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then OFF

ATOSwitch_A1
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch1 OPEN Then OFF

ReturnHI_A2
If Switch2 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch2 OPEN Then OFF

ReturnLow_A3
If Switch3 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch3 OPEN Then OFF

ATOResLo_A4
If Switch4 CLOSED Then ON
If Switch4 OPEN Then OFF

code to shut off the return if the return section of sump gets to low.
Return1 (return pump)
Fallback ON
If Outlet ReturnLow_A3 = OFF Then ON
If Outlet ReturnLow_A3 = ON Then OFF

some extra controls to keep my skimmer from overflow if return pump failure.
Skimmer5
Fallback ON
If Outlet ReturnHi_A2 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet ReturnHi_A2 = OFF Then ON

my standard ATO res will go 3days.


With some extra 5g buckets I just finished 10days unattended. With the APEX setup for internet access I could monitor the ATO functions via the internet.

 

[spoon671]

Best cheap ATO ?

Absolutely perfect! This is exactly what I'm looking for. Gotta convince the lady that we can leave town for a couple weeks, and the tank be fine.

Thank you kind sir! Very awesome setup you have!

Edit: what switches are you using? I'm trying to put together an ATO right now.

 

[Vlado4x4]

Thanks guys for the input !!

Same Q as Justin ! Which float switch would do the trick ... i know everyone would do it, but is there a snail proof switch ?

 

[ca1ore]

I bought my floats from autotopoff dot com. They sell one with a snail guard.

 

[Indymann99]

I went with DigAquatics float switches.

 

[spoon671]

I went with DigAquatics float switches.

Thanks for that info!

I'd really like float switches that can be secured magnetically. I have an AIO and I'd like to have level sensors in the rear chambers of my tank, and I'd like to avoid bracketry if at all possible. Anyone know of any?

 

[zachts]

Spectra pure pressure switch, snail proof, I've been using one for many years. Also as someone mentioned the new JBJ system is all electronic, no parts for snails to mess with.