JBJ ATO - which "mode" do you use?

[iwishtofish]

The instructions point out that I can either have two float switches in the return section of the sump, or one in the return section and one in the ATO reservoir.

I am thinking the latter would be safer (although I'm using an Aqua Lifter and I'm guessing it might be somewhat ok if that runs dry), but I'm concerned that if there is only one switch in the sump the pump will be turning on and off constantly.

Which is really the best way to go?

 

[Rockys_Pride]

I use the top setting. That said, I don't find mine very useful. One of the switches always fails. I either get low on water or too much. Ato.com sounds like the way to go.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[iwishtofish]

I use the top setting. That said, I don't find mine very useful. One of the switches always fails. I either get low on water or too much. Ato.com sounds like the way to go.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Not thrilled to hear your experiences with the switches, Rockys_Pride. Any theory on the cause of the problem?

 

[sjm817]

The best mode is one they dont show you. Use the instructions for the Reef Fanatic and set it up the same way.

http://www.reeffanatic.com/products/float-switch-and-level-control/ct_rflc.pdf

Use Mode A using both float sensors in the sump (recommended)

 

[iwishtofish]

The best mode is one they dont show you. Use the instructions for the Reef Fanatic and set it up the same way.

http://www.reeffanatic.com/products/float-switch-and-level-control/ct_rflc.pdf

Use Mode A using both float sensors in the sump (recommended)

That's interesting - I'll have to explore whether or not the JBJ controller needs to have been programmed the same way!

 

[125mph]

I use one float in the sump and one float in the resevior. The JBJ has worked flawlessly for me since I set it up.

I had used the more expensive Tunze Osmolator for two weeks prior to purchasing the JBJ but it kept failing. The infrared sensor kept saying my water levels were low even though they were not. This was either caused because of microbubbles or a bad sensor. Either way, I had enough of the infrared technology and wanted physical switches which I knew were not going to fail.

 

[iwishtofish]

125mph, is it necessary to set the float switches different ways, such as one for bottoming out, and one for topping-out?

 

[d0ughb0y]

I use the mode with just one float switch in the sump. I use aqualifter, and as you said, there is no harm for it to run dry. it does not turn on and off constantly.

 

[iwishtofish]

I use the mode with just one float switch in the sump. I use aqualifter, and as you said, there is no harm for it to run dry. it does not turn on and off constantly.

Good to know. Is it necessary to set the float switches any particular way? Is one different than the other?

 

[sjm817]

I think its more worth while to have 2 floats in the sump. One as the primary and the other as a failsafe backup if the primary sticks or fails. If you use an Aqualifter, it will be fine if run dry and is actually a noisy alarm alerting you if it does when it is pumping air, so I dont see a benefit for one in the topoff container.

 

[allsps40]

I use mode A with one switch in the sump and one in my top off bucket.

 

[iwishtofish]

I think its more worth while to have 2 floats in the sump. One as the primary and the other as a failsafe backup if the primary sticks or fails. If you use an Aqualifter, it will be fine if run dry and is actually a noisy alarm alerting you if it does when it is pumping air, so I dont see a benefit for one in the topoff container.

Scott, is the "fail-safe" option something that needs to be factory-programmed into a specific ATO controller? In other words, doesn't the controller have to treat each switch as if they perform the exact same function, but in the event of failure, also recognize the fact that one is working and one is not? I guess it's obvious I don't understand this very well. I think with the JBJ controller, when the two switches in the sump option is chosen, one switch is specifically designated to recognize the low set point, and the other the high set point.

 

[sjm817]

The way it works is the primary float performs the topoff. It is both the low and high level sensor. The protection of an ATO needs to be from overfill. The secondary float acts as an override failsafe. If the primary float sticks on or fails in the on state, the level in the sump will rise enough to activate the secondary float. The secondary float overrides the primary and shuts off the flow. This is a very common redundant ATO configuration. The JBJ is capable if this, but for some reason, they neglect to have this in the documentation.

 

[iwishtofish]

The way it works is the primary float performs the topoff. It is both the low and high level sensor. The protection of an ATO needs to be from overfill. The secondary float acts as an override failsafe. If the primary float sticks on or fails in the on state, the level in the sump will rise enough to activate the secondary float. The secondary float overrides the primary and shuts off the flow. This is a very common redundant ATO configuration. The JBJ is capable if this, but for some reason, they neglect to have this in the documentation.

Ok, great - thanks for that info!

 

[shelby_cos]

I have JBJ and use mode A, sensor 1 goes in the sump, sensor 2 goes in res. You dont have to worry about fail safe mode B as the JBJ only runs for 4-5mins before it stops and needs to be reset, which can be done by switching to modeB then back to mode A.:thumbsup:

 

[iwishtofish]

I have JBJ and use mode A, sensor 1 goes in the sump, sensor 2 goes in res. You dont have to worry about fail safe mode B as the JBJ only runs for 4-5mins before it stops and needs to be reset, which can be done by switching to modeB then back to mode A.:thumbsup:

Yes, I had heard that it has a safety timeout, and I am confirming this right now (as I try to use the ATO to raise my water level enough to trip the switch)! I have been turning it off and on again to reset. Thanks for the tip.

 

[rxcomm]

Mode A

Put sensor 2 upside down in your sump to trigger above sensor 1 and below the flood line.

Sensor 1 regulates the water level (as usual). Sensor 2 is a failsafe - if the water level gets high enough to trigger sensor 2, the pump shuts off.

Not my idea, but its a good one. Two failsafes - a pump timer and an overflow trigger - plus sensor 1 makes three things that have to fail to have a flood.

Dave

 

[d0ughb0y]

thats a good idea if the pump can pump water fast enough to trip sensor 2 before the timer shuts off the ATO.

 

[iwishtofish]

thats a good idea if the pump can pump water fast enough to trip sensor 2 before the timer shuts off the ATO.

Well, if I'm not mistaken, in the scenario Dave is discussing, sensor 2 is only there in case the controller's "time out" safeguard fails. The bottom sensor (1) is the one that will control the top-off function exclusively.

My understanding is that in one of the 2 methods advertised in the JBJ users guide (the one recommended if you don't want a sensor in the freshwater reservoir) is to have two switches in the sump - one to trip the pump when the water gets low, and one to turn it off when the pump raises the water level just a hair.

 

[d0ughb0y]

I have never heard of the timer fail. The timer shutting down the ATO is more of a problem than it not shutting down the ATO.

BTW, a solution suggested for resetting the timer is to connect the ATO to a timer outlet that will turn it off and on at least once a day to reset it. with that solution, I can see adding the second sensor upside down will make more sense, in case sensor 1 is really stuck.