ATO System?

[drstratton]

I have just started looking into an ATO and my goodness they want a bunch of money for it. I'm really into DIY, but have no idea if you can make anything other than the container(container I can handle).

I would really appreciate any advice on the best way to accomplish this or if DIY isn't possible what unit is most reliable and doesn't take to much money away from my livestock fund!!!

Thanks!

 

[143MPCo]

You can...
I did something similar to the image below...

 

[143MPCo]

relay---> http://www.amazon.com/Lightobject-E...=1446228888&sr=8-2&keywords=Solid+state+relay

 

[143MPCo]

float switch--> http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Water-...6229049&sr=8-7&keywords=aquarium+float+switch

 

[143MPCo]

you can cut the ends off a standard two or three prong power cord, and use any 12v power supply you happen to have laying around the house.

 

[143MPCo]

I housed the one I built in one of these--->http://www.amazon.com/Hammond-1591S...446229397&sr=8-4&keywords=plastic+project+box

 

[143MPCo]

total cost was under $25...
without the Lifter Pump

 

[drstratton]

Thank you so much, this is perfect! I should also rephrase the above statement, my husband is excellent at DIY, I can do the simple things! This is my hobby, but he is totally willing to help me accomplish anything I need done! I have a Tom aquatics dosing pump is that what I should use?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I did what @143MPCo showed above using the DIY kit from Aquahub HERE.

 

[143MPCo]

Tom's will works but depending on how much evaporation it might not be a big enough pump, so you might need to upsize IF it's not meeting the needs.

 

[drstratton]

Tom's will works but depending on how much evaporation it might not be a big enough pump, so you might need to upsize IF it's not meeting the needs.

Right now I'm adding a gallon a day!

 

[143MPCo]

you'll be fine with a tom's.

 

[drstratton]

Thank you again for all of your help, it is very much appreciated!

 

[143MPCo]

Thank you again for all of your help, it is very much appreciated!

np problem, TOM Pumps are rated for 3.5gph flow rate to 30 inches height...

 

[jadwv2210]

So you used one float switch as a cut off in the ATO tank of the water got too low, and another in the tank to tell the pump when to kick off correct?

I'm going to design a circuit board with a relay on it and incorporate a timer to shut the pump off after a certain amount of time. I've never used a commercially available ATO so I was wondering how most of the better ones worked.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Agree with Tom's.....I lose about 1 - 1 1/2 gallons a day and have no problems with a Tom's. I'm also a back-up fanatic and suggest you pick up the rebuild kit.....BRS sells them for under $5 HERE.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Right now I'm adding a gallon a day!

So you used one float switch as a cut off in the ATO tank of the water got too low, and another in the tank to tell the pump when to kick off correct?

I'm going to design a circuit board with a relay on it and incorporate a timer to shut the pump off after a certain amount of time. I've never used a commercially available ATO so I was wondering how most of the better ones worked.

You certainly can set it up that way, but I'd first suggest you double the float switches in your sump/DT, because the primary will fail. I installed the Aquahub in 2008 and I think it was 2014 when the primary float failed. Luckily I had the second one there to keep the sump/DT form overflowing.

 

[143MPCo]

So you used one float switch as a cut off in the ATO tank of the water got too low, and another in the tank to tell the pump when to kick off correct?

I'm going to design a circuit board with a relay on it and incorporate a timer to shut the pump off after a certain amount of time. I've never used a commercially available ATO so I was wondering how most of the better ones worked.

one float in the sump, standard orientation.
the second float in the ATO reservoir inverted orientation, stop the flow of power from the 12v power supply when the reservoir is empty.

 

[drstratton]

I did what @143MPCo showed above using the DIY kit from Aquahub HERE.

This would be the easiest route! I will let my husband decide if the price difference is worth it!

Agree with Tom's.....I lose about 1 - 1 1/2 gallons a day and have no problems with a Tom's. I'm also a back-up fanatic and suggest you pick up the rebuild kit.....BRS sells them for under $5 HERE.

This is good to know! I will definitely buy one! Thank-you!!!

 

[143MPCo]

just an FYI, SSR have no mechanical movement so they tend to lasts longer with no signal noise.