Auto top off

[KyleV]

I'm looking for a ATO for my 33 gallon and have never used one before.

What are some that you have used and is there a possiblility of overflowing?

I want to put a powerhead in a 5 gallon bucket for draw from. Is this possible?

[Ram_Puppy]

kyle,

get one that has two float sensors, one that detects low, and one that detects high... that will keep it from overflowing.

[LoneStar]

Tunze Osmolator

Ok Ok I know your thinking its pretty expensive, but this thing rocks! Very precise on keeping the water level in your tank or sump constant. It utilizes a optical sensor to measure the water level. It also has a secondary float switch that once triped, will shut off power the pump and will produce and audible alarm indicating the water level is too high. Also, the unit will not run more than 15 min. So lets say from some strange reason the pump stays on and won't turn off, the main unit will shut down the power to the pump (to prevent it from overfilling the tank). Also, if your top off container runs out of water, the pump will turn off too (due to the 15min safety setting) and won't burn up the pump.

[villjr]

kyle,

get one that has two float sensors, one that detects low, and one that detects high... that will keep it from overflowing.That's how I have my JBJ ATO set up.


I want to put a powerhead in a 5 gallon bucket for draw from. Is this possible?I have a maxijet 1200 in a 6 gallon bucket that i have to refill every 6-7 days.

[KyleV]

$175 was more than I was hoping to spend but if it the most reliable I might go that route. I don't like floods.

I like the 15 minute shut off too.

[Ram_Puppy]

i had a nice one i got from some guy in MARSH... i can't remember what his name is though... i will have to look at the packaging...

it's nice, has stilling wells and what not to keep levels accurate.

[KyleV]

Cool thanks!

[Darth-Tater]

http://www.aquahub.com/store/autotopoffcomp.html These guys sell a kit for $39.00. I have one at school and one on my wife's tank. It has not failed it has two sensors. You can buy the pieces to put one together.

Tater

[TAXMAN]

I dont like the float types. I used one and it had gotten some algae growth on the inside where you couldnt see it. It then dropped with the water level and stuck down there. It didnt come up with the water while filling and it flodded the floor until my fresh water can was empty. I'd spend the money and get a good one.

[caferacermike]

Kyle I think I have some electronic floats that they use to build the ones you can buy. We should be able to make you one, well I just did so I know we can.

[brewercm]

I have used the kent float (non electrical) for years without a problem, I feed mine off of my RO unit directly to it. The key is to set the float valve so the water inlet is above the water level so no algae grows on it. Not to mention the fresh water being forced through keeps salt creep off. The only time it did malfunction was my own fault for leaving the pumps power cable resting on top of the float.

How many times has your toilet tank overflowed because the mechanical float went bad?

[brewercm]

BTW, I've had two different electrical types go bad and flood my tank with fresh water. Just my .02

[JimD]

Just like anything else,
the electrical float switches need regular maintenance and or replacement every so often I replace mine every year, at 6 bucks a pop, its a wise investment. Ive never had an issue in all the years Ive used electronic float switches.

[TAXMAN]

I didnt have the nice float flitch. I had the small plastic type that was like a little enclosed barrel with holes in the sides. It had to be submerged in the water to work. Maybe the other types shaped like tubes are better. I'm going to be getting the infra red type this time.