Ato questions

Sexytang · Nov 18, 2019

I’m thinking of getting a ato and was wondering what’s the cheapest route to go. I’m tired of the tank level changing and messing with the flow in my tank.
Talking really really cheap

Dragon52 · Nov 18, 2019

I'm not sure there is an option for really really cheap. as the saying goes you get what you pay for. You might want to look at the DIY forum to see if there's anything there.

fish farmer · Nov 18, 2019

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.

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.