Most reliable ATO?

[EndlessSummer]

I have about a half gallon evap. per day, maybe a little less. I love my brother, but dont trust him with remembering to top off when I'm away so I was wondering what the most reliable top offs you have used. Is it more beneficial to use a doser instead? I hear horror stories of snails turning units on/off. Please give me your input! Thanks!

 

[BeanMachine]

I have about a half gallon evap. per day, maybe a little less. I love my brother, but dont trust him with remembering to top off when I'm away so I was wondering what the most reliable top offs you have used. Is it more beneficial to use a doser instead? I hear horror stories of snails turning units on/off. Please give me your input! Thanks!

tunze osmolator, pricey at first but by far more reliable than the jbj. tunze is the best. i would highly recommend it.

I got mine from the Marine depot sidewalk sale, and they pop up from time to time for cheaper used.

 

[pciscott]

Tunze +1

If you ever do have a problem Roger at Tunze will take care of you as they have great customer service.

 

[Enjoy]

Tunze Osmolator all the way :thumbsup:

 

[EndlessSummer]

Well I guess I know what works now. Thanks!

 

[TrojanScott]

The Tunze pump will go out though. Mine has, and I've read about it being an issue. Still, it's not a pricey thing to replace. I love my Tunze ATO.

 

[NVTE]

Tunze is my best bet, but if you want affortable one, Autotopoff dot com have dual switches for $50. I had mine for couples years and still kicking right.

 

[rhkingsfan]

autotopoff plus a aqualifter. cheap and reliable.

 

[bad santa]

autotopoff plus a aqualifter. cheap and reliable.

+1. A couple of years on mine with no issues

 

[rroselavy]

autotopoff plus a aqualifter. cheap and reliable.

+1

I have a Dual float switch unit with snail guards plus an Aqualifter, running for two years now without fail. Always have redundancy.

My autotopoff unit does not have a low-voltage (12v) relay, which can be purchased as an option. I have a GFCI on all my tanks, so I am no more worried about the ATO than I am about any pump or heater in my tank.

The Aqualifter cannot handle much head pressure at all, but is a nice slow pump that keeps a steady water level and does not create splashes.

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Also, I have a dual- float switch Reef Fanatic unit (with Aqualifter) on my main tank. Has a 12v relay for safety, and has LEDs so I can see when the switches and pump are actuated. Has also worked without fail for two+ years. The mounts use suction cups (not my favorite), so I ditched those and made a bracket to hold the mounts to.

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The Tunze ATO has a great rep, so if you do not mind spending the dough, then get that one.

 

[805reef]

I have 2 float switches and an aqualifter pump and use my apex with breakout box as my ato. works perfect.

before that i had an autotopoff unit, but something inside it died and they said i had to order another unit. so i went with the breakout box instead.

 

[solitude127]

I've been using a ReefFanatic ATO for about 4 yrs now and it hasn't had any problems. I also use float switches attached to my RKE for ATO on my DT.

 

[alexwbush]

autotopoff plus a aqualifter. cheap and reliable.

I agree! I have the one with dual float switches in case something happens to the first. As long as you have a guard around it, snails shouldn't be a problem.

 

[vdubfiend]

Tunze is my best bet, but if you want affortable one, Autotopoff dot com have dual switches for $50. I had mine for couples years and still kicking right.

Ive had my autotopoff.com for about 4.5 years now-
dual switches with snail guards included

works great

 

[savethereef]

My Reef Keeper with Float switch. Worked for the past 3yrs never failed.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I made my own and has been working great for 2 years with no problems. I use an aqualift pump, 2 float switches and a relay from radioshack

Here is the schematic:

Very simple to make.

 

[Ian]

Spectrapure, no float switches and very reliable....

 

[next_generation]

Autotopoff.com and a maxijet 900...............trouble free for years.

 

[paraphish]

I love my tunze osmolator. I like that it has both the optical sensor and the float valve. Only problem I have ever had with it is the float valve got a piece of chaeto in it and stuck. Otherwise, very reliable.

 

[ktrandc]

I have the BRS one and the ATO.com one. Both work great.