ATO-DIY or Store Bought?

[92GallonReefer]

I am down to just a few things left and was looking around for a ato. Does anyone have any advice on a diy ato or any good brands that dont break the bank? Thanks

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I have used the Tunze and the JBJ and love them both...

I would just buy one already ready..

 

[143gadgets]

Tunze Osmolater. Best one ever made!

 

[rroselavy]

I have a single sensor Elos Osmo on my 55g that has an electronic controller for fill duration (user programmable - acts as an extra safety measure). Has worked like a charm for 9 months.

I also bought an inexpensive dual-sensor ATO and Aqua-Lifter pump from autotopoff.com for my QT. Holes on bracket obviously hand-drilled but otherwise serviceable and sturdy. Snail guards impermeable. Shipped on time. No complaints about this small company.

Lastly, I keep hearing good things about Level-Loc ATO. Never used it, and it looks a bit gangly, but may be worth a look into.

 

[Nate82]

i plan on DIYing it myself save the $70 bucks

 

[oceanparadise1]

nate, hit me with ur idea for the DIY, id be interested in seting one up like that as well

 

[Nate82]

think i'm going to get one of the powerheads that suck in air from a tube that way it'll be below the tank and just valve the tube and adjust it so it works

 

[oceanparadise1]

cool that will def work, hit me up when ur ready we can make them at the same time

 

[Nate82]

that's the beauty of it no real making necessary ha just need some airline a 50 cent air valve and an empty bucket but ok

 

[oceanparadise1]

hahah well i didnt know what you had planned sounds easy enough to me!

 

[92GallonReefer]

Does anyone know of a small float valve that takes a 1/4 " hose that is similar to http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10631/product.web if so i think i have a great ATO idea

 

[Aloha Corals]

i have the DIY one from the website mentioned earlier. It's only been running for two months but have never had any problems at all.

Not much electrical knowledge needed to put together. Very basic, although i did solder the connections rather than use the provided wire nuts. Wire nuts scare me, especially around salt water.

 

[92GallonReefer]

i was thinking of doing a gravity ATO with large PVC pipe but i would need a float valve and this one http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10631/product.web is too large for be any ideas on smaller ones

 

[Nate82]

i've heard of people using dehumidifier float valves or anything like that think outside the box anything that has a float valve can be used check the hardware store prolly more apt to find parts than at lowes or home depot

 

[92GallonReefer]

Has anyone used a gravity feed ATO? If so please explain and pics would be nice!

 

[dan10342]

wire nuts are fine. just put electical tape around the exposed parts.. so salt creep cant get in. or use that liquid electical tape stuff.

 

[oceanparadise1]

WIRE NUTS ARE NOT SAFE FOR ANYTHING lol i used to install radios at cc and people who go to the ghetto and they used wirenuts....electircal fires waiting to happen, they fall off WAY to easy IMO

 

[92GallonReefer]

I just bought the jbj Auto Top Off and cant wait to get it setup in a few days! No more fill the sump every other day!!!!!!!!!

 

[MarkL]

i use to have a solana 34 with jbj set up. ,ine worked perfect. im planning on buying another one soon.

 

[Burks]

What do you guys and gals think about the Reef Fanatics setup?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searc...r_Aquarium_Supplies-Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off.html