Top off Units

[cat23]

It's been awhile since I have visited this site. I have a 225 gal in-wall tank and have been toping off with a liter meter. I have another tank sitting beside this one that the liter meter is topping off as well with the small add on for it. The main meter broke and now I have to replace it.

Before doing so, I thought I'd look in to units that are out there.

What is everyone here using for auto top off?

The larger tank usually gets about 1-1/2 - 2 gallons per day added to it and the smaller one about 1 gallon.

Teri

 

[adtravels]

tunze osmolator, cheap and very reliable. excellent sensor only needs a vinagar soak every few months

 

[cat23]

Can it be used for more than one tank? I'll have to look into it.

 

[useskaforevil]

at $200 i think that might actually be the most expensive ato i've ever seen.

 

[The_Browns]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11935306#post11935306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adtravels
tunze osmolator, cheap and very reliable. excellent sensor only needs a vinagar soak every few months

+1

 

[clevername]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11935306#post11935306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adtravels
tunze osmolator, cheap and very reliable. excellent sensor only needs a vinagar soak every few months

Keep in mind this guy spent $450 on a skimmer for a 60 gallon tank. His idea of cheap has lost reality.

Reliable is true, +1 for that

 

[Skeptic_07]

This place is where its at for cheapness:

http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html

I use an aqualifter pump on a float switch for top off, its been working well so far. don't copy me though, i'm a noob.

 

[bach2pilot]

I bought this a few years ago and it works like a champ. No moving parts, simple setup, and you use your own pump.

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_alc_p3.htm

 

[adtravels]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11937070#post11937070 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clevername2000
Keep in mind this guy spent $450 on a skimmer for a 60 gallon tank. His idea of cheap has lost reality.

Reliable is true, +1 for that

Ok not so cheap per se but i believe you most often get what you pay for, the skimmer was only about 170 pounds, and it is the most important bit of kit in the tank. Plus the dollar is so terrible against the stronger european currencies, especially when purchasing superior european goods. So yeah, i too would think twice if I were paying in dollars.
thanks

 

[The_Browns]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11936839#post11936839 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The_Browns
+1

I got mine from Ebay $160 brand new, thats including shipping. I can sleep better at night knowing I have the backup sensor on them that will shut the ATO down so no overflow will occur. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR..

 

[cat23]

Thanks for the feedback. I know this is an expensive unit. I have the "add on" part as well and this thing has been working perfectly for me non stop for over 5 years. I hate to make a change. BUT i also hate to have to replace it at 365.00. (That Fish Place)

It is taking care of 2 rather large tanks!

I'm contacting Spectra Pure to see if I can repair the one I have. I think if I replace the tubing and the unit that the tubing sits in, this may jsut do the trick. Don't know right now. Tonight, I'm going to tear it apart and see.

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11945434#post11945434 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adtravels
Ok not so cheap per se but i believe you most often get what you pay for, the skimmer was only about 170 pounds, and it is the most important bit of kit in the tank. Plus the dollar is so terrible against the stronger european currencies, especially when purchasing superior european goods. So yeah, i too would think twice if I were paying in dollars.
thanks

PERFECT response! :thumbsup:

Dennis

 

[Nanz]

You can get a decent float sensor from AutoTopOff.com for around $50 or less... Then add an Aqualifter pump for another $15 and a plastic storage tank from U.S. Plastics. The whole setup will cost less than $75.

I use an ATO from JBJ but if I would have known about Autotopoff I would have purchased theres.

I believe Tunze has good equipment but we all agree its way over priced.

 

[InLimbo87]

I've had good success with my JBJ Auto top off unit so far. Been using it for about a year

 

[lilchris]

try this. They are expensive. http://www.oceanussystems.com/

 

[MarkD40]

I have a Kent float valve attached to the overflow in my sump hooked up to my RO/DI unit. Water level goes down, valve opens and bleeds water in. I never have to top off. $26.00 tops. I have used the same valve for 8 years with no problem. Very reliable. People will tell you that the valve is prone to failure leading to leaks but I use two in my system with no problems ever. Yo need to be sure your connections are tight that's all.

 

[besl]

JBJ ATO has worked well for me.

 

[MarkD40]

Also the Kent valve works even if the power goes out and costs nothing to operate.

 

[adtravels]

I too went the way of cheap float switches, and had the following problems
1. wires corroded got a nasy electric shock.
2. unit poorly sealed, nasty electric shock
3. pump failed
4. reversed polarithy some how and got stuck in on, dumped 2 gallons of kalk into tank
5. snail crawled on it (in tank) and held it down.

 

[MarkD40]

The Kent valve is mechanical. No electricity involved. They work great for top off if you can hook them up to your RO/DI.