ATO- independent or apex controlled?

[User]

Hi guys

Any thoughts on using an independent ATO controller vs piecing one together with an apex break out box, a pump, and some float sensors?

Cheers!

 

[ca1ore]

I have both. Primary ATO through Apex (with multiple, redundant sensors) and then an apex-independent backup. Nothing could possibly go wrong ......

 

[Water Dog]

I’ve got my trusty Tunze 3155 Osmolator plugged into my EB832. Easy peasy!

 

[Greybeard]

Yup. My Tunze ATO is plugged into my Apex, and the Apex has a high level sensor in the sump that disables the ATO, along with turning off my skimmer.

A DIY apex based system is possible, and should work fine, if it's properly designed. At least 2 sensors, and a timer in case both of those fail...

I have a DIY Apex based automatic ATO Reservoir Refill setup that I'm quite happy with.

Low level sensor in reservoir starts refill cycle
High level sensor in reservoir ends refill cycle
Water enters reservoir via mechanical float valve, so it _should_ stop flow if the high level sensor fails
Timer on the apex shuts down flow if it takes longer than normal to refill reservoir

Oh, and a cheap, battery powered water alarm on the floor, in case all of the above fail

 

[miPapareef]

I use a Tunze 3155 Osmolator as the primary ATO. My APEX works overwatch by using timers and sensors to validate the osmolator function.