Ato questions
- Thread starter Sexytang
- Start date
- Tagged users None
fish farmer
2500 Club Member
How big is your tank?
Do you have space above your sump?
I've rigged a "water cooler" style ATO out of an air tight container with straight piping and a valve coming out the bottom. This would have to sit over the sump or tank.
I had a 5 gallon container which I could fill from the top. It was valved on the bottom so I could close it and move it into position. The bottom of the valve piping extends into the sump/tank to where you want the water level to be. Once in position..open the valve. The water stays in the container due to being air tight much like how a water cooler works. The tank level goes down...water comes out until it levels. It worked great for me when I had sumps that were next to or behind my tank. There is another version called a "hamster bottle",, try searching for that. I think it works on the same principle.
This is what I used for a container.
chickenoutfitter.com
I took the bottom tray off and poked a hole in the bottom for piping and a valve. There is a hole in the side near the bottom that could also be used for piping and the valve. This may even be rigged with a float valve, but haven't tried that.
I use Ultralife Float switches now and a pump capable of pumping the distance I need. I use a rubbermaid type container with lid for fresh water.
Do you have space above your sump?
I've rigged a "water cooler" style ATO out of an air tight container with straight piping and a valve coming out the bottom. This would have to sit over the sump or tank.
I had a 5 gallon container which I could fill from the top. It was valved on the bottom so I could close it and move it into position. The bottom of the valve piping extends into the sump/tank to where you want the water level to be. Once in position..open the valve. The water stays in the container due to being air tight much like how a water cooler works. The tank level goes down...water comes out until it levels. It worked great for me when I had sumps that were next to or behind my tank. There is another version called a "hamster bottle",, try searching for that. I think it works on the same principle.
This is what I used for a container.
Little Giant® 5 Gallon Plastic Poultry Fount
Little Giant® 5 Gallon Plastic Poultry Fount is a large-capacity Automatic Poultry Waterer that features a vacuum-sealing O-ring cap that creates an automatic water flow. The easy-to-fill jar snaps compactly onto the base, and the rugged handle makes transport around the yard easy. Material...
chickenoutfitter.com
I took the bottom tray off and poked a hole in the bottom for piping and a valve. There is a hole in the side near the bottom that could also be used for piping and the valve. This may even be rigged with a float valve, but haven't tried that.
I use Ultralife Float switches now and a pump capable of pumping the distance I need. I use a rubbermaid type container with lid for fresh water.
Last edited:
