ATO placement in sump

R6REEFER · Sep 13, 2015

This is my first sump integrated tank, everything is great so far I'm just trying to find the best placement of my smart ATO. Ight now I have it in the fuge as you can see but will that give me a vague determination of total water volume? I would think the return section would be best, BUT, I'm using the new Vectra M1 and for the next few months I will be tinkering (changes water level in return, not fuge) What are some thoughts or personal opinions?

Harold Green · Sep 13, 2015

The Ato sensor or float switch needs to be in the return pump chamber. The other chambers in the sump will maintain the baffle height and not be able to tell the ato when to add water. Only the return chamber should have a change in water level as the tank evaporates water.

R6REEFER · Sep 13, 2015

That's what I kind of figured, just wanted clarification. Thanks man!

Harold Green · Sep 13, 2015

No problem but I will mention it's a good idea to have some feature to prevent ato overflows. Mine has a secondary emergency shutoff float switch and the sump can hold almost the full amount of water in my ato reservoir.

R6REEFER · Sep 13, 2015

Right, the smart ATO has a feature that if it puts more water than the previous fills it turns off and sets an alarm. As well as if it doesn't full within the regular time frame it sounds an alarm. TRUST me it works, only when you're sleeping though -_- Even if it dumps the whole reservoir my sump will hold it. 47 gallons baby!