What do y'all recommend for ATO? I'm running a 65 gallon with another 20 in the sump ( nominal ) and get a decent amount of evaporation. Though I've been cycling it with the hood off, I assume when its on and the MH's are running it will be around the same amount. I dont want to break the bank on it but I do realize its an important piece of equipment, especially when I came back from the weekend and saw my pump almost sucking air.
Looking for recommendations on ATO
- Thread starter jejton
- Start date
OctaviousMonk
Sucka Free Reefin' !!!
- Location
- Westwood, NJ
I love the Tuze one but it is pricey. I hear good things about the JBJ and then you can always DYI like many others on here. Check out autotopoff.com
- Location
- NY
Personally I put the ATO as my #1 piece of equipment. It makes staying in this hobby bearable (as far as maintenance/upkeep is concerned).
I use DIY methods of ATO and have been very successful.
swimmer
I use DIY methods of ATO and have been very successful.
swimmer
- Location
- NY
I use a standard float switch, minijet 404, vinyl tubing and a holding reservoir. KISS
Sometimes I complicate it just a tad and add a digital Intermatic timer. I have it cycle on every four hours (six times a day) for just one minute. This is a fail safe I've come up with that will only allow the water to come on for a minute, so if the float switch fails in the 'on' position it can only dump one minute of water in the system (minijet 404 can't pump too much water in one minute), so it's a safe bet nothing can go drastically wrong.
swimmer
Sometimes I complicate it just a tad and add a digital Intermatic timer. I have it cycle on every four hours (six times a day) for just one minute. This is a fail safe I've come up with that will only allow the water to come on for a minute, so if the float switch fails in the 'on' position it can only dump one minute of water in the system (minijet 404 can't pump too much water in one minute), so it's a safe bet nothing can go drastically wrong.
swimmer
I was planning on going with that type of setup as well but use it on a regular timer so it can only go on so many times a day. after looking at the website you posted, I'm thinking of getting a float switch for the resorvoir and a reverse float switch for my return pump in case the water level gets too low ( already happened but I caught it quickly ) it will shut off instead of burn out. Considering I'm going to use a cheap pump I have laying around and a 5 gallon bucket is it worth getting the double float switch?
- Location
- Florida, NY
autotopoff.com ....... I agree with masterswimmer ........... KISS
- Location
- Marine Park
I too used www.autotopoff.com it's a bit pricey for what it is but worth every penny if you, like I, lack the skills to make it yourself.
Solace Aquatics LLC
Advanced Reefer
- Location
- Charleston, SC
I personally do not trust float switches because they can become lodged with debris and may jam, thus causing a flood.
I primarily use pressure switch systems such as Spectrapure sensor. It costs a little more, but you are buying piece of mind and reliability.
I primarily use pressure switch systems such as Spectrapure sensor. It costs a little more, but you are buying piece of mind and reliability.
- Location
- Marine Park
What I don't like about spectrpure:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~SP5113.html
Is that they use a highly sensitive, precise piece of equipment (good thing) secured by suction cups (bad thing). I was too afraid that the suction cups they use would be like all of my other suction cups and eventually fall off causing a disaster.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~SP5113.html
Is that they use a highly sensitive, precise piece of equipment (good thing) secured by suction cups (bad thing). I was too afraid that the suction cups they use would be like all of my other suction cups and eventually fall off causing a disaster.
Ala minor precautions.
1. Limit the size of freshwater reservoir, so that in the event the ATO is stuck in the on position only a limited amount of water can be pumped into your system. (this is the most important one in my book)
2. Use a double float switch, that way two switches need to interfered with in order to have a serious problem. (Also very important in my book)
3. Many people, (not me) put their ATO on a timer (as per Master Swimmer's advice) limiting the amount of time that water can be pumping into their system. (The problem with this is that you may not realize there is a problem)
Use what you like.
- Location
- NY
Yes, me.
Edit: I've had first hand experience with autotopoff.com, not any bad experience.
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I have as well.
Just ordered another solenoid from autotopoff.com and a float kit from aqua hub, http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html. Ordered both on Monday and both were delivered today. First time with aqua hub but so far very happy, autotopoff I've used before and products have worked very well.
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