Apex ATO for my ATO

[Bassmaster116]

New to all of this i have the atk v2 and am wondering if im able to use an optical senson in my ATO container in conjunction with one of the solenoids to top off my ATO via my RODI. If so how would i go about writing the program just ive only had an apex about a month..

 

[SuncrestReef]

Yes, but typically you would need two optical sensors in your reservoir, one at the bottom and one at the top. Then use this code for the solenoid output:

Fallback OFF
If RO_Lo OPEN Then ON
If RO_Hi CLOSED Then OFF

Since you're new, take a look at my Apex programming tutorial series: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/neptune-apex-programming-tutorials.700483/

 

[Bassmaster116]

Yes, but typically you would need two optical sensors in your reservoir, one at the bottom and one at the top. Then use this code for the solenoid output:

Fallback OFF
If RO_Lo OPEN Then ON
If RO_Hi CLOSED Then OFF

Since you're new, take a look at my Apex programming tutorial series: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/neptune-apex-programming-tutorials.700483/

would this work as i will have a float valve as a back up. so the optical sensor will be the main source of topping of the ATO and the float will be a back up to prevent it from overflowing.

(RO_1 is what i named the optical sensor) This is in my output config for the solenoid.

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If RO_1 OPEN Then ON
Defer 000:10 Then ON
If RO_1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 000:10 Then OFF

 

[SuncrestReef]

would this work as i will have a float valve as a back up. so the optical sensor will be the main source of topping of the ATO and the float will be a back up to prevent it from overflowing.

(RO_1 is what i named the optical sensor) This is in my output config for the solenoid.

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If RO_1 OPEN Then ON
Defer 000:10 Then ON
If RO_1 CLOSED Then OFF
Defer 000:10 Then OFF

If you turn on and off the solenoid based on a single optical sensor, it will only fill your reservoir about 1/8" at a time, cycling on and off frequently. This is very hard on your RO/DI system. It's better to use 2 sensors so the RO/DI runs for a longer time to completely refill the reservoir instead of constantly just topping it off with a tiny amount of water.

 

[Bassmaster116]

If you turn on and off the solenoid based on a single optical sensor, it will only fill your reservoir about 1/8" at a time, cycling on and off frequently. This is very hard on your RO/DI system. It's better to use 2 sensors so the RO/DI runs for a longer time to completely refill the reservoir instead of constantly just topping it off with a tiny amount of water.

Ahhh i see what you mean now, makes sense! thats what im trying to avoid as i used a solenoid with my autoaqua for my top off and i blew through RO membranes and DI resin not to mention had terrible TDS creep. Decided to go back to a ATO container! Thanks much!

 

[SuncrestReef]

Ahhh i see what you mean now, makes sense! thats what im trying to avoid as i used a solenoid with my autoaqua for my top off and i blew through RO membranes and DI resin not to mention had terrible TDS creep. Decided to go back to a ATO container! Thanks much!

Watch this video from Terrence at Neptune about automating your RO/DI ATO refill: