Prep for Vacation

[Dmorty217]

Spectrapure makes the best ATO by a long shot. Will pull and pump water much further than any other brand and there is no eye sensor that can malfunction ( I had that issue several times when I used the Tunze 3155) also comes with a 5 year warranty.

 

[ssky]

Like I said I am looking for sub $100/ units. Many times I think of making my own using 5dc relays and pump and float switches. Will probably cost me a 30-40 bucks.

 

[Dmorty217]

Like I said I am looking for sub $100/ units. Many times I think of making my own using 5dc relays and pump and float switches. Will probably cost me a 30-40 bucks.

The reliability issue is what I would be concerned about is all. You won’t be very happy to come home to a dead tank because you only wanted to spend $100 on a ATO, have to think you have a lot more than that wrapped up in this hobby like the rest of us do. Obviously leaving for 3 days is no big deal if something malfunctions, but if you have to leave for longer it could be a costly mistake

 

[AlSimmons]

My UltraLife Float Switch has been in service for at least 18 years now without any problems. A "ROCK" for lack of a better word... Human error will always be there though, no matter what... (a hitchhiker in the sump?)

 

[ssky]

Good point DMorty. For clarification, my sump is completely empty just water. I am planning to put some live rock in one of the sections but definitely no snails and no kalk dosing so no issue there. If I make my own ATO using my own design I am confident that it will be of good quality. The only weak link would be the float switches. ATO are simple designs with a relay so as long as I can get a good quality float I think I should be okay.

So what I need is some encouragement for me to get my butt up and do it.

 

[Dmorty217]

Not trying to discourage you, just want you to look at the pros and cons of each. I have lost fish and entire tanks to silly mistakes that seemed good at the time but ended horribly. I have no doubt you can make your own reliable ATO system

 

[Frogmanx82]

Good point DMorty. For clarification, my sump is completely empty just water. I am planning to put some live rock in one of the sections but definitely no snails and no kalk dosing so no issue there. If I make my own ATO using my own design I am confident that it will be of good quality. The only weak link would be the float switches. ATO are simple designs with a relay so as long as I can get a good quality float I think I should be okay.

So what I need is some encouragement for me to get my butt up and do it.

What I like about the Avast system is the pressure tube switch, not a float. Seems less likely to have issues than a float.

 

[Dmorty217]

What I like about the Avast system is the pressure tube switch, not a float. Seems less likely to have issues than a float.

Same thing the Spectrapure unit has that I use.

 

[JTL]

I am used the Autotoff.com unit with two float switches and the low voltage module with an aqualifter pump on several tanks over the years and it has worked like a charm. I am evaporating about a 1 gal of water per day.

 

[ssky]

I was very much interested in it also but the cost of that comes pretty close to JBJ or hydrofill controllers hence dropped it. Their high voltage option needs splicing an extension cord which in my opinion is not the best and reliable way of doing things. I want something on permanent basis, cost effective and compact.