ATO questions

JoeCanada · Jan 17, 2013

So I have been doing alot of reading and it seems like setting up an ATO is a necessary evil. Especially considering some days I am away for work for 3-4 days at a time. Anyways my tank will be a sumpless 34 gallon ( at first I may do a HOB overflow sump when funds are available). So the water from the resevior would be pumped up into the back of the display. Is there any danger of a back siphon. This seems a big complicated maybe I just need to see one in action.

JoeCanada · Jan 17, 2013

Bump?

TrueReef · Jan 17, 2013

make sure you dont skimp on a float switch. i bought a blueline auto top off and the suction cups came loose when i wasn't home. dumped 10 gallons of freshwater in my 35 gallon system and ****-near killed everything. my advice is to go out and spend the extra money on a more reliable ato

Mufasa31 · Jan 17, 2013

Yes.

To avoid it make sure the top off water hose is not submerged under the water line. This way no siphon can happen.

JoeCanada · Jan 18, 2013

Any good suggestions for an ATO system and a good pump to use. Keep in mind the resevior will be about 4 feet below where the top off hose. Thanks for the help.

OurReef · Jan 18, 2013

You could look into a medical grade pump, I used one on my qt tank, only issue is initial set up takes a bit of dialing in.

I went to the local hardware store and bought an adjustable garden nozzle that fits the .25 inside diameter hosing we use. Then just dial it in until your dripping equals your evaporation.

JoeCanada · Jan 19, 2013

Hmmm where would you get one. I want something that will be simple. Work well. And not cost hundreds of dollars lol.

OurReef · Jan 19, 2013

Without a sump easy isn't as viable an option. I found the same type of pump I used at marinedepot. (search Aqua Medic dosing pumps). With this pump you just need a bucket of water to pump out of and a way to control the amount of water coming out. I've found that with my 75 it was a drop every 2 seconds or so, my 40 it was 3 seconds. I use a full auto top off for the 180. And as soon as I get back out to the Lfs ill be buying another float and solenoid to set the 75 up for full auto too off. Costs around $70 and almost maintenance free.

Eggs · Jan 19, 2013

JoeCanada said:
Any good suggestions for an ATO system and a good pump to use. Keep in mind the resevior will be about 4 feet below where the top off hose. Thanks for the help.

I've never used them but have heard others like AutoTopoff.com
They have tank and sump mounts. They also list the amps/watts max for a pump to use.

Trebor · Jan 19, 2013

I just bought 2 lower level float switches, an upper float switch, a small pump, and some hangers from Autotopoff.com $66. I use a 5gl bucket it has been a week and it kept my sump within a 1/2" of level. So far I'm very pleased. I have it programmed in my controller so it will only work every 4hrs, just a little precaution, and that way it's not going off and on so much.