Automatic top off

HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

I am looking to buy an automatic top off (ATO) system. So far, for my 55g, I have been adding water in the morning, mostly during the summer months, but I want to automatize the system.

Do you think is smart thing to add to my aquarium or a waste of money?

And, do you think I should buy it or DIY?

Thanks!

AllSignsPointToFish · Nov 10, 2015

You could probably DIY if you already have a controller.

IronVulture · Nov 10, 2015

I use one called Smart ATO I would never have another tank without it. This brand is as easy as it gets, true plug and play.

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

HappyDays said:
I am looking to buy an automatic top off (ATO) system. So far, for my 55g, I have been adding water in the morning, mostly during the summer months, but I want to automatize the system.

Do you think is smart thing to add to my aquarium or a waste of money?

And, do you think I should buy it or DIY?

Thanks!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ato-system.219656/#post-2526175

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

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

relay---> http://www.amazon.com/Lightobject-E...=1446228888&sr=8-2&keywords=Solid+state+relay
float switch--> http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Water-...6229049&sr=8-7&keywords=aquarium+float+switch

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

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

steve&mari · Nov 10, 2015

Definitely recommend a ato I'd never setup a reef without one. We use the tunze 3155 and love it.

HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

Don't have a controller, I need to buy the whole thing.

Please, any suggestion on what brand/system? On amazon there were good reviews for Tunze, and Hydor, but, seriously i have no idea what to get within $100

Dtackett · Nov 10, 2015

I like the hydor smart level ato. ive built diy ones and they were ok but I like this much better. but you will need to buy an aqua lifter to go with it.

HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

@143MPCo : wow! thanks! I love DIY! how do you protect the switch from the snails in your aquarium?

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

HappyDays said:
@143MPCo : wow! thanks! I love DIY! how do you protect the switch from the snails in your aquarium?

pill bottle

Dtackett · Nov 10, 2015

you can put a pill bottle of it with holes drilled all through it. but remember to pull it all out and clean it often to prevent any buildup.

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

something like this...

IronVulture · Nov 10, 2015

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php...ot-pro),-reeflink,-ATO,-RODI-+-others.221191/

Here is a smart ATO for sale on this site for 100.00 the retail for 150.00

Not saying this is the best thing out there but you literally only need a plug and a reservoir like a 5 gallon bucket. No wiring no controller needed.

HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

@143MPCo : wow! thank you!!!

Where do i buy the white holders?

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

HappyDays said:
@143MPCo : wow! thank you!!!

Where do i buy the white holders?

homedepot, it's nothing more then a coat hanger 3m

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HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

Great!!! Thanks!

Also, the reason for using two switches is for safety/reliability purpose, right?

143MPCo · Nov 10, 2015

one will keep to pump off if the water in the ATO reservoir is to low, keeping the pump from burning out, other will trigger the pump to top off the sump/tank.

HappyDays · Nov 10, 2015

Got you, so one switch goes on the tank, while another goes in the reservoir ( i don't have a sump yet).

So how the switches function? If they are the same, then they both operate when the water gets too low or too high:
tank: if water too low, than close the circuit (pump water in)
reservoir: if water too low, open the circuit (stop pumping)

but if they are the same and they open the circuit when the water is too low or too high, wouldn't they block each other? or should i put one upside down?