Best cheap ATO ?

[garyinco]

To speak up for the Hydor model. I bought one for a little all-in-one tank w/o a sump. IT functions OK for it but lets the water level drop enough that it negatively effects the HOB skimmer.

Planning on trying it w/ the sumped tank I'm setting up. It should work well in a sumps small return section. I'm not a fan of the mechanical float switches. In-between salt creep, snails, and normal gunk buildup they require too much maintenance. The Hydor use heat sensors between the fill/full/alarm stages. So nothing to get stuck, and they don't cycle pumps needlessly. So far so good. If I find a good reasonable pressure or optical switch I may convert over to using my Apex.

 

[MinnFish]

Tunze, you will be impressed.

 

[spoon671]

The Hydor use heat sensors between the fill/full/alarm stages. So nothing to get stuck, and they don't cycle pumps needlessly. So far so good. If I find a good reasonable pressure or optical switch I may convert over to using my Apex.

Where do you get these good switches?

 

[toky916]

I like the hydor also one sensor and been useing it with aqua lifter since it came out without any issue cheep and gets job done with out cluster.

 

[ghellin]

DIY float switch holder connected to Apex breakout board.

 

[spoon671]

DIY float switch holder connected to Apex breakout board.

Cool! Both high and low level! Got a link to the DIY? I'd like to make one just like that, but with a magnet.

 

[ghellin]

No link, but it is really easy to make. I just built the holder with acrylic scraps and drilled two holes for the float switches.

 

[Scorpius]

Best and cheap don't go well together. That being said I love my Tunze Osmolater 3155.

 

[FoxDaddy]

Skimmer sold.
House flooded. Lmao

 

[rrbigdog]

Simple 2 dollar float switch hooked up to breakout box. Pill bottle snail guard. Works great. And using aqua lifter pump.

 

[zachts]

Simple 2 dollar float switch hooked up to breakout box. Pill bottle snail guard. Works great. And using aqua lifter pump.View attachment 276849

ha!, I've got one of those......works great.

 

[Saquan22]

Go with a hydor smart level and a Tom Aqua lifter... Gets the job done and snail proof.

 

[toky916]

Go with a hydor smart level and a Tom Aqua lifter... Gets the job done and snail proof.

Agreed love it and cheep and one sensor don't have to worry about them.

 

[nemosworld]

here's another option, it can run independently or with your controller.
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/Top-off-Kit

 

[yagesz]

I run an apex but instead of float switches I measured my average evaporation over a week and put my aqua lifter on for 20 minutes a day. Water level stays perfect and don't have to worry about float switch failing

 

[flamron]

I run an apex but instead of float switches I measured my average evaporation over a week and put my aqua lifter on for 20 minutes a day. Water level stays perfect and don't have to worry about float switch failing

What about seasonal changes which affect evaporation?

 

[yagesz]

im in the cab enough that i am always looking at things. As the weather changes I can make adjustments. But between weekly water changes there is not so much difference.

 

[zachts]

I run an apex but instead of float switches I measured my average evaporation over a week and put my aqua lifter on for 20 minutes a day. Water level stays perfect and don't have to worry about float switch failing

I did this for a while but the aqua lifter fluctuates output too much to run on a timer and get consistent results without setting it low and still manually topping off each week.

 

[yagesz]

I plan to change pumps eventually but for a little 40 gal and 10 sump its perfect.

 

[MrSandman]

Just buy the double float assembly from autotopoff dot com. Been running mine on my AC3 and Apex for the last 8 years with no problems at all.

Personally I prefer a bracket over a magnet. Magnets can get accidentally bumped and cause the float to fall into the sump. If it falls in the on position, you're in trouble. With a bracket, it's solid and secure.