Controllers and ATO

[A_Z]

Hi everyone I need some suggestions about how to automate my system, I have thought several options as follows (also other suggestions welcome)

RKL Level 1
JBJ ATO

RKL Level 3 + float switches

RKE + float switches

RKL Level 1
Tunze Osmolater

Apex Jr.
JBJ ATO

Apex Lite + Float switches

how should I go about automating my system? also what float switches should I get for the Apex?

 

[scarface70706]

i have the tunze osmolater. Works really good. as for a controller im in the same boat as you but i think im going to go with the apex since it sends you emails and you can turn equipment on and off from your smart phone.

 

[aleonn]

For my Apex, I purchased the break-out box and connected the sump double float switch from autotopoff.com (it comes highly recommended by other RC'ers, and I agree). There are sample ATO codes in the Apex Unofficial User Guide that I copy and pasted, and things have been working great.

 

[DaveMorris]

Either controller will work for you. If you went with a RKL you do not need another ATO device. You would need a minimum of a RKL Basic plus one of the following - SL1, SL2, SW5. You would also need at least one float switch (Autotopoff.com is my favorite) and a small pump. The biggest advantage of getting an Apex or RKL/RKE is you can use them to do multiple things in addition to ATO. A JBJ or Osmolater is limited to just topoff.

 

[A_Z]

Either controller will work for you. If you went with a RKL you do not need another ATO device. You would need a minimum of a RKL Basic plus one of the following - SL1, SL2, SW5. You would also need at least one float switch (Autotopoff.com is my favorite) and a small pump. The biggest advantage of getting an Apex or RKL/RKE is you can use them to do multiple things in addition to ATO. A JBJ or Osmolater is limited to just topoff.

thanks for the replies

if I went with the RKL Plus (Level 3) it has an SL1, what would I need from autotopoff.com? single or dual float switches and what kind of pump?

should I have one float switch in the pump chamber of the sump and one in the ATO container?

(thus meaning two float switches or should I need dual (4 switches) ?)

 

[rysher]

google reefangel.
it comes with 2 float switches, so you dont need to buy anything.
you can also have a built in fail-safe to the controller,
i.e. you can have it turn on at only X number of seconds everytime the ATO is triggered to prevent flooding in case the float switch get stuck.
Tunze osmolator have this feature, the osmolator automatically shuts off at 10mins.

it is $220 and you ahve everything, also the ability to control LED sunrise/sunset and lunar cycle.

nothing else to buy for $220.
btw, u need to buy the pump for the aTO, reefangel doesnt come with a pump.

 

[MTWiley]

Ideally you'd just put two in the pump area and one or two in the ATO container if you're concerned with running your pump dry. If you got that the RKL Plus with the SL1 I think you could just grab either the Digital Aquatics Float Switches (Single Switch no bracket, Single Switch w/ Bracket, Double switches w/ Brackets) or you can buy the AutoTopOff.com ones, which are Madison M8000 float switches they've got them at AutoTopOff.com for ~$28 shipped for 2 or I found them cheaper on ZoroTools.com ~$23 shipped but I'd not heard of them before. I ordered a couple for a different tank that I'll be setting up and if you're interested I can let you know whether or not I receive them.

Another option you have though is the Avast ATO which is kind of unique and you might want to take a look. I just bought an Apex and the Avast ATO for my tank since they added the new features recently that allow it to connect to your controller rather than just having an outlet. If you want more details they can be found here and the Avast ATO can be connected to Profilux, Reef Angel, and RKL/RKE depending on which one you order.