Auto Top Off your thoughts????

DRC Archive DIY Projects
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Looking for any input on doing a ATO I have one that I am leaning toward.

http://www.aquahub.com/store/product27.html

with maybe this pump http://www.aquahub.com/store/product31.html

and something similar to this Black Four Gallon Bucket - Aqua Hub

would like your thoughts on it. also what are you using? brand? diff parts? Pics would be awesome ::drool::

im really limited on space and trying to keep it contained under main tank, that includes the sump. Tank is just inside main door

that everyone uses, so it is first thing you see when walking in.

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was also looking at this model of ATO Aquarium Water Pumps for sale | eBay

JBJ A.T.O. Water Level Controller - Bulk Reef Supply

Karen found the first one pictured on the Garf.org web site and we are leaning towards something like this instead of a bucket under the DT. just gotta figure out how the pump will work to get water out?

or maybe

3

You are using a RO/DI unit, correct.

4

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Tunze-USA-3152-000-Automatic-Osmolator/dp/B00AR1A7ZU. Of course my tank is only 45 gallons, so this might not work for you, but there is a Tunze top off that’s rated for bigger systems. The links you posted look ok, but I don’t have any experience with that brand. I read a ton about top offs before purchasing one because I was terrified of it back firing and overflowing the tank. So far the Tunze has done a great job.

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Here is a link to a good read…http://www.melevsreef.com/node/684

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I have been using this one for 8 years now.

http://autotopoff.com/products/SS1/

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Something else to think about is placement. I have my float switch in my sump. When it activates, the hose goes to the display tank next to my overflow box to top off, above the water line. This way I won’t get any reverse siphon action when the switch turns off.

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Put the container in the basement! Poly tubing is very cheap and easy to do! I would help you just gotta ask

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[quote=“houndsbayman, post:3, topic:7780”]
You are using a RO/DI unit, correct.[/quote]yes

[quote=“patrickmacbride, post:4, topic:7780”]
I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Tunze-USA-3152-000-Automatic-Osmolator/dp/B00AR1A7ZU. Of course my tank is only 45 gallons, so this might not work for you, but there is a Tunze top off that’s rated for bigger systems. The links you posted look ok, but I don’t have any experience with that brand. I read a ton about top offs before purchasing one because I was terrified of it back firing and overflowing the tank. So far the Tunze has done a great job.[/quote]I did look at these but man they are pricey, this is the one I was looking at Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 - Bulk Reef Supply
yea I kno you get what you pay for!!!

[quote=“houndsbayman, post:5, topic:7780”]
Here is a link to a good read…http://www.melevsreef.com/node/684[/quote]saw this john, good read, actually where I got my link at bottom of his page

[quote=“houndsbayman, post:6, topic:7780”]
I have been using this one for 8 years now.

http://autotopoff.com/products/SS1/[/quote] Iv seen this one before and lost it in the shuffle of web pages. I like this better than the one I posted in first post of this topic Thanks for posting this might just be the one I go with

[quote=“patrickmacbride, post:7, topic:7780”]
Something else to think about is placement. I have my float switch in my sump. When it activates, the hose goes to the display tank next to my overflow box to top off, above the water line. This way I won’t get any reverse siphon action when the switch turns off.[/quote]Thanks Patrick yea I have read where people have this problem, have to cross that bridge when the time comes. still undecided whether to put something next to tank or pump it up from basement, gonna talk to Jason on this one and see what ideas he has

[quote=“beadlocked450r, post:8, topic:7780”]
Put the container in the basement! Poly tubing is very cheap and easy to do! I would help you just gotta ask[/quote]If your out and about give me a shout maybe stop by and ill show you what I have to deal with to get it up to our DT from our cellar, Help is always welcome and especially Appreciated

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Lee, I use avast marine ATO, they make several models from directly connecting to a controller, to plug and play. They also have a model that has a backup switch incase something happens to our main switch. They are also one of our sponsors.

I would go with what Jason said and run it from your basement, would be very easy.

11

Whats the day look like tomorrow?

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[quote=“BigCase, post:10, topic:7780”]
Lee, I use avast marine ATO, they make several models from directly connecting to a controller, to plug and play. They also have a model that has a backup switch incase something happens to our main switch. They are also one of our sponsors.

I would go with what Jason said and run it from your basement, would be very easy.[/quote]Hey Casey Im guessing this is the one you are talking about http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/Top-off-Kit But with the extra pump Diaphragm Pump – Avast Marine Works would this be the best pump? pushes water up to 130 feet being that it would be in the cellar correct me if im wrong total price with backup is like $150.00

This would also be nice Barrel Tender V2 – Avast Marine Works for in the basement

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Let me know if your free tomorrow,i will swing by

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Yes I use the first one lee, minus the backup float switch (wish I had got that added).
You could always use any old internal pump you have laying around that will push water that far.

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[quote=“beadlocked450r, post:11, topic:7780”]
Whats the day look like tomorrow?[/quote]maybe tommorow afternoon?

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Yea if you have a spare pump laying around we can test it to see if it will work. Text me when you get home tomorrow

17

Well, Marty has been using a real oldschool , no brainer top off for at least the past 15 years. works great. he just has a 5 gallon water jug on a stand next to the tank, and an 1/8 inch air tube syphon hose from the jug to the sump. one little plastic micro air valve on the end set to what ever number of drops per minute you need to make up your general evap rate. at one drop every 3-4 seconds, it keeps his sump steady and lasts about 3 days on a fill. You can figure about 20 drops per ML. and scale up to gallons per day with an online conversion. like;;;

http://www.onlineconversion.com/

or you can count the drops from your valve, to see how many they take pr ml or 5 ml in a test tube. not all drops are created equal. depends on the valve opening a bit. gravity never fails. but sometimes dirt can clog your valve seat. so i suguest an air stone on the suction line. to filter out jug crub a bit. or a fine sponge filter.

DRIP…DRIP…DRIP?

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Ken i think you might want to see a dr about that drip drip drip! ::rofl::

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I use a 35g brute trash can and a MJ1200 connected to my controller. It can last about 7-10 days.

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Ive been running a natureef auto top off for 9 years running perfectly ,but looking at his site he doesnt offer it anymore.