What's a good ATO set up?

[WGardiner]

I would like to purchase an ATO in the near future and was wondering what system/setup would be best?

 

[Nereaga]

I have been running the Autotopoff.com double float switch with a MJ1200 for over 2 years with no problems. Keeps the water level very stable in my sump.

As with all float switches regular cleaning every few months should be done to prevent any accidents...

Brad

 

[SnowManSnow]

Tunze OSMOLATOR

you won't regret it.

b

 

[jdrabek]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15633984#post15633984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SnowManSnow
Tunze OSMOLATOR

you won't regret it.

b

+1 on the Tunze. It has worked great for 1.5 years. One of the best purchases I have ever made.

 

[Kaos]

Tunze Osmolator. I've abused mine for years and it has worked flawlessly.

 

[shumoco]

I bought one of these a couple of years ago and haven't had any problems. It's $40 and fun to build. You don't get the street cred of the Tunze, but it's fun to build.

http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html

 

[DaveG99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15633974#post15633974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nereaga
I have been running the Autotopoff.com double float switch with a MJ1200 for over 2 years with no problems. Keeps the water level very stable in my sump.

As with all float switches regular cleaning every few months should be done to prevent any accidents...

Brad

+1 great stuff from them and wont hurt your bank account too bad

 

[sjm817]

Another good one is the Reef Fanatic dual level controller. Very stable sump level and a backup float switch for safety. You use your own pump. I like Aqualifters for topoff pumps.

 

[WGardiner]

Thanks keep the advise coming.

 

[saintperez]

Does the Tunze Osmolator come with a pump?

 

[saintperez]

Here's a DIY http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

 

[in_focus]

Just remember that all those DIY systems have 110 volts going directly to your tank and they are using the float switch to turn on and off pumps with no relays and nothing is grounded you may get the shock of your life not good. No float switch is made to turn on and off a pump or motor they are all rated with a very small amp rating and they will fail.

 

[cabrego]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15636494#post15636494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by in_focus
Just remember that all those DIY systems have 110 volts going directly to your tank and they are using the float switch to turn on and off pumps with no relays and nothing is grounded you may get the shock of your life not good. No float switch is made to turn on and off a pump or motor they are all rated with a very small amp rating and they will fail.

That is misleading, many of the DIY such as the aquahub kits come with a relay that makes the unit very safe and reliable.

I have used the aquahub unit with good success, very easy to put together and good documentation on the website. If you are a bit of a DIYer then it is for you, if not spend the EXTRA bank on the more fancy units.

 

[jimnrose]

Another approach (if the suply tank is above the sump tank) is to rely on gravity feed and use a float valve. The float valve above the sump tank will require cleaning (remove salt creep). The float valve from the RO/DI should also have a solenoid valve (in series) & timer be control (reduce) the frequency of turning on the RO membranes. Lot's of options. Jim

 

[justinm0424]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15636494#post15636494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by in_focus
Just remember that all those DIY systems have 110 volts going directly to your tank and they are using the float switch to turn on and off pumps with no relays and nothing is grounded you may get the shock of your life not good. No float switch is made to turn on and off a pump or motor they are all rated with a very small amp rating and they will fail.

Almost all kits have 12volt systems with relays. where did you find one that uses 110volt? I have the JBJ ato and autotopoff.com and i'd much rather have the autotopoff.com one. It was a lot of fun to build, A lot cheaper and haven't had a problem at all. whatever you get makesure it's for 2 float switches. redundancy is the key.

 

[cabrego]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15637308#post15637308 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by justinm0424
Almost all kits have 12volt systems with relays. where did you find one that uses 110volt? I have the JBJ ato and autotopoff.com and i'd much rather have the autotopoff.com one. It was a lot of fun to build, A lot cheaper and haven't had a problem at all. whatever you get makesure it's for 2 float switches. redundancy is the key.

I believe he is talking about the DIY switches that are used directly inline with the pump. Any commercial kit will use a relay, and most DIY KITS come with a relay too. It is the barebone DIY switch only that are the problems...

 

[solitude127]

+1 for the Reeffantic for me.

 

[LUVSPS]

Tunze Osmolator all the way!!! I love mine!

 

[JRoweNole]

I have used the Ultralife 2 float switch method whereby one float switch is placed higher than the other in my 20 gallon sump in case the lower float switch becomes stuck. The lower float switch activates a maxijet pump placed in the bottom of my RODI holding tank.

I have used this method for 8 years with no problems (lower float switch has never stuck either).

I do soak float switches in vinegar every few months or so to clean.

 

[WGardiner]

Again thanks for the insight still looking for more.