Best top off system under $100

[fishboy15]

Looking for a good and reliable top off system for my 29 gallon fowlr, any suggestions? Under $100

 

[bobstir]

if consistent rate of evaporation: tom's aqualifter + timer is one of the cheapest ways to go -- though since you have a relatively small tank, you might need a digital timer for lower granularity.

 

[NanaReefer]

Jbj ATO gets my vote. Been running mine since 2011 without failure. Only had to replace my lifter pump once due to laziness on my part. Failure to keep ATO reservoir filled (face palm) lol

 

[shred5]

Hydor Smart Level Auto Top Off..
Stay away from float switches.

 

[mfinn]

I've been pretty happy with my JBJ ATO for 7-8 years.
I like it because it has a maximum time allowed for topoff before the unit shuts off.
Also it has a audible alarm that can be used or turned off.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I have both a JBJ and an Aquahub Premium ATO systems. The Aquahub is set up on my big tank (90 g), running since 2008. I agree with the potential float switch problem and so what I like about the Aquahub is that it comes with a backup switch if and when the primary switch fails. I did have to replace my primary switch about a year ago. Otherwise I've been happy with this ATO.

Interestingly I have been looking at the Hydor to replace the JBJ (on a JBJ28 nano). I have not purchased yet (Amazon has it for $70), but have read a number of reviews. It looks like a good ATO with the following cautions. Do not use a high amp draw pump....the unit can't take it. Also, there is a lag between when it senses and when it shuts off, so don't use a high volume pump. Bottom line (and it's what I was planning on doing anyway) use a Tom's Aqualifter as your pump....low wattage draw and low volume pump.

 

[shred5]

Well the Tunze is the best it just aint under 100.00 but it comes with a pump where others dont.

I like sensors that's all. Mechanical switches too much can hang them up, a little piece of gravel, a little algae, a snail, calcium deposits etc.

I have both a JBJ and an Aquahub Premium ATO systems. The Aquahub is set up on my big tank (90 g), running since 2008. I agree with the potential float switch problem and so what I like about the Aquahub is that it comes with a backup switch if and when the primary switch fails. I did have to replace my primary switch about a year ago. Otherwise I've been happy with this ATO.

Interestingly I have been looking at the Hydor to replace the JBJ (on a JBJ28 nano). I have not purchased yet (Amazon has it for $70), but have read a number of reviews. It looks like a good ATO with the following cautions. Do not use a high amp draw pump....the unit can't take it. Also, there is a lag between when it senses and when it shuts off, so don't use a high volume pump. Bottom line (and it's what I was planning on doing anyway) use a Tom's Aqualifter as your pump....low wattage draw and low volume pump.

Yea I have used aqualifters for it but I dont like them they fail too much on me. I just got the avast pump to try.
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/ATO-Diaphragm-Pump

 

[cdness]

The Aquahub Premium is what I have been using since 2006... I have replaced switched though over the years. It was the best one out when I was looking though and I am more of a "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" kind of person...

The ones that use the pressure switches are really nice though. I know Avast makes one that if pretty inexpensive.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Yea I have used aqualifters for it but I dont like them they fail too much on me. I just got the avast pump to try.

But @shred5, the best $2.39 I've spent was on the rebuild kit for the Aqualifter.

HERE is were I documented the rebuild I just did on the pump I had running from 2007 or so.

 

[AZDesertRat]

This and any powerhead or pump that makes you happy:
http://spectrapure.com/Power-Head-Liquid-Level-Controller-115VAC
Uses a digital air pressure sensor so not float valves or float switches to go bad or look ugly in the display, only the small clear tube.

 

[fishboy15]

I'm thinking either the hydor smart level or jbj, which one is better? Hydor doesn't have float switches??

 

[reynaldoramon]

This and any powerhead or pump that makes you happy:
http://spectrapure.com/Power-Head-Liquid-Level-Controller-115VAC
Uses a digital air pressure sensor so not float valves or float switches to go bad or look ugly in the display, only the small clear tube.

This is interesting. Hadn't heard of this. So basically senses pressure applied by water level. When level drops, pressure drops and switches outlet on (pump on)? How sensitive is it? Mentioned one inch. That seems like too much to have to wait on a smaller system like 29 gallons.

 

[Chameleon]

autotopoff.com
been running the dual float switch for 4 years of constant use. Best investment I have made in equipment to date.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Same type of sensor used for the full size Tunze and some others. I have been using the Spectrapure UPLC-II with the same sensor but many additional safeties and levels of adjustability for over 7 years now issue free. Nice things with the UPLC is you can adjust it anywhere between 1/10" and 4" so if it is in a display you can have it top off often but in a sump you could let it drop a bit before topping off.

I use dual float switches and a solenoid valve to fill my 23 gallon ATO storage container frrom the RO/DI system but use the UPLC-II to go from the storage to the sump. Both are very reliable.

 

[gacolt]

my jbj works like a boss.i bought it used and been running it for 3 years with no problems

 

[reynaldoramon]

Same type of sensor used for the full size Tunze and some others. I have been using the Spectrapure UPLC-II with the same sensor but many additional safeties and levels of adjustability for over 7 years now issue free. Nice things with the UPLC is you can adjust it anywhere between 1/10" and 4" so if it is in a display you can have it top off often but in a sump you could let it drop a bit before topping off.

I use dual float switches and a solenoid valve to fill my 23 gallon ATO storage container frrom the RO/DI system but use the UPLC-II to go from the storage to the sump. Both are very reliable.

Does distance matter? Thinking of running this running this from the basement rodi to 1st floor DT.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Does distance matter?

Yes. Especially with small diameter tubing, there is considerable frictional loss. You might need to look at specs on various pumps to get the right one. What kind of distance and what height? And might I assume 1/4 inch tubing?

EDIT TO ADD

Just re-read and not sure if you're talking about running the RO/DI tubing up to the second floor or the ATO line from a reservoir in the basement. If it's the RO/DI unit, that shouldn't be a problem. If it's the reservoir, what I said above.

 

[reynaldoramon]

Yes. Especially with small diameter tubing, there is considerable frictional loss. You might need to look at specs on various pumps to get the right one. What kind of distance and what height? And might I assume 1/4 inch tubing?

EDIT TO ADD

Just re-read and not sure if you're talking about running the RO/DI tubing up to the second floor or the ATO line from a reservoir in the basement. If it's the RO/DI unit, that shouldn't be a problem. If it's the reservoir, what I said above.

Referring to running line from reservoir in basement to DT on first floor. Was thinking 1/4 OD tubing. I guess I better start looking at pumps. Height distance is probably about 9 feet. Reservoir if almost directly beneath DT.

 

[reynaldoramon]

This all realty intrigues me because the one portion of husbandry that is a PIA is lugging water up the stairs to top off...so I slack on it. Need more consistency.

 

[Rjramos]

This all realty intrigues me because the one portion of husbandry that is a PIA is lugging water up the stairs to top off...so I slack on it. Need more consistency.

You can use a 1/4"to 3/8" tubing coupler at the r/o and reduce back to 1/4" if needed, thus reducing friction loss.