Suggestions for an ATO.

[vman181]

I want to buy an Auto Top Off in the next few days. I haven't started looking yet but I was going today at work. Anyone have any suggestions? I thought about just buying a few float switches and running it that way. Any and all help is great :-)


Kevin

[mikedelgado]

tagging along

[Robb_in_Austin]

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

There is a DIY guide there also.

The other option I see get passed around is the Tunze Osmolator; but it's $200.

[vman181]

$200??? WOW. I don’t think the banker would like that too much hahahaha. What about the ATO Controller? ( http://www.aquahub.com/store/atoreadytouse.html )Is this just the controller or does it come with the float valves also?

[Robb_in_Austin]

My banker either! ;)

With just about all the ATO systems, the Tunze is the exception, you have to provide the pump and tubing.

There are a bunch out there: Tsunami, Autotopoff.com(I thought this one shut down, but the site is back up now), the A.T.O., and others. (I'm still sorting it out myself, so don't take my word as the final one.)

I've not really seen any negative reviews on any of them.

[longhorn_20m]

I love my Tunze, never had an issue with it. I use mine to drive my Kalk Reactor.

I was shocked by the pricing too but it more than makes up for it with the dependability and no issues thus far.

[vman181]

The only two I have looked at thus far are the JBJ and Tunze. I understand why most like the Tunze over the JBJ but it seems almost the same.

I have an extra MJ1200. So far I have read people use a MJ600 for the JBJ. Would you think the 12 would be too much? I could always dumb it down with a ball valve.

[msmith619]

Mike's automatic top off program:
*Draw a line on the sump where the water level starts and the salinity is correct. (Use a wax pencil and you can change the lines)
*Check the water level to the line mark each morning when I feed.
*Grab a cup and fill with R/O water, add to tank 1 cup at a time till water is back at the line.
*erase line, check salinity and draw a new line each week.
COST: the price of my r/o water. Since I am always watching and feeding. I just add water as I feed and clean the protein skimmer each morning.
Mike
*not trying to be a smart-*****. I am just cheap!:)

[Big_Pun]

i do the manual top off also, but summer is comeing up and i dont have anybody that would understand what do when i take trips. so im also looking for something cheap and easy.

[wkada]

I use the dual float valve ATO from autotopoff.com. I had been using their single float ATO for a while but decided to get the dual valve just in case it got stuck (which it never did). You need to order the pump as well. I use the Tom's Aqualifter with no problems. Total cost for dual float valve setup, pump, tubing, snail guard was about $80.00 shipped. All you'll need is a water container.

[GoldCorals]

Here you go. Nothing fancy but it comes complete and does the job.
$65 shipped.

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1022

[vman181]

I manually do it now and that’s not a problem what so ever. But I come down to SA often on weekends so I’m trying to find out what’s best. I probably wouldn’t use it all the time. Just when I leave for a weekend here and there.

[vman181]

I've spent a good part of the day looking online and I think I will go with the JBJ and use my MJ1200. I'll just have to use a ball valve and slow it down a little. I have also read people put this on timers so it will only kick on when the timer is on just in case it gets stuck open. Has anyone done this? If so does it work out okay?

[vman181]

I just order a JBJ ATO for $81.98 shipped from here http://www.jbjnanocube.com/index1.html? ... tml#p10776 I'll let everyone know how it goes.

[vman181]

For those thinking about getting an ATO here is an update.

Since I have installed the ATO on my system back in May it hasn't let me down till two days ago. Now it is NOT the ATO's fault but my own. Through out the months I would keep an eye on the float switches to make sure they were functioning properly and they have been. I also would keep an eye on the crud build up. Well it go too much the other day and the one wouldn't work right. It dumped about 7 gallons in to my sump at once. Now I planned for this, so it wasn't a big deal as nothing went wrong with my tank and the floor staid dry. All I did was take the switch out, clean it with vinegar water and put it back in.
I knew I had to do this from the start, I just didn't. I also wanted to see how long I could go before it really needed to be done and now I know. So all in all I would say buy one if you are on the fence. The ATO has been great for me.