DIY ATO Questions

David M. · Dec 12, 2015

Hey all, I'm about to order this float valve. Any issues with this one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0077RAUTA/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Can anyone help me figure out what airline tubing bulkheads I need? I'm assuming regular airline tubing is used also? Thanks.

David M. · Dec 12, 2015

And these bulkheads are what I found. Everything is 1/4 inch so should work with the 1/4 inch airline tube I got. I'd like second opinions though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...qid=1449951541&ref_=sr_1_fkmr1_1&sr=8-1-fkmr1

Purpule Tang · Dec 12, 2015

You using from float valve for your sump? Or top off water?

David M. · Dec 12, 2015

It's going in my sump for the top off.

David M. · Dec 12, 2015

Need some opinions please. Holding off on the purchase until I know it will work.

Dtackett · Dec 13, 2015

its a pretty generic float valve. it should work. only issue with these is its difficult to protect it from buildup at the hinge so it can get stuck allowing for an overflow.

IMO these are better as theyre easier to protect and maintain to prevent an overflow.http://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Pieces...8&qid=1449984036&sr=1-1&keywords=float+switch

David M. · Dec 13, 2015

Awesome thanks for the tip. I really only need it to work for 2 weeks while I'm on vacation. Once I get back I'll be looking into a real ATO.

Dtackett · Dec 13, 2015

well, in 2 weeks you could have a flooded floor lol. in the end if you build a DIY properly you wont save much compared to just buying a cheap ato like a jbj or hydor. I know, ive built them. then realized it wasn't worth it lol. I figure I had about 20 bucks into each of them, found a used hydor smart level for 35. check local clubs and see if anyone is selling them.

Jlobes · Dec 13, 2015

ive got a BNIB JBJ ATO, $65 shipped

Jumbo · Dec 13, 2015

I am bought on eBay a float valve and 1/8 to 1/4 adaptor tubbing connector for only 5 dlls. it's directly connected to RODI. Working now for 6 months with no issues.

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

I have 2 tanks using the same float switch. One with a aqualifter pump, the other a tiny $8 pump. Works like a charm and each cost about $12-15 to do.

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

Gives me 4 days of ro/di

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

This is my other tank with a 2g container. Gives me 3 days worth. This system has been set up like this for 4yrs with zero issues.

Purpule Tang · Dec 13, 2015

joeyhatch11 said:
This is my other tank with a 2g container. Gives me 3 days worth. This system has been set up like this for 4yrs with zero issues.

Joeyhatch11 your ato setup is very easy and cheap I want myself using from method but have a concern about back of water until my water pump off.
Wire float switch are waterproof or not?

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

The switch is water proof. You just wire it in-line to any one of the 2 wires for the pump you are using. Not sure if I'm understanding the question correctly.

Purpule Tang · Dec 13, 2015

Jumbo said:
I am bought on eBay a float valve and 1/8 to 1/4 adaptor tubbing connector for only 5 dlls. it's directly connected to RODI. Working now for 6 months with no issues.

You don't have a problem with float valve directly into your sump??
I heard in other sites that don't should it connect direct to Ro di ?
I very confused about it[emoji16]

Purpule Tang · Dec 13, 2015

joeyhatch11 said:
The switch is water proof. You just wire it in-line to any one of the 2 wires for the pump you are using. Not sure if I'm understanding the question correctly.

I mean that wire float switch are waterproof or not?
Because that my tank water pump have a back siphon until disconnecting power, rising a little water in sump.

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

The float switch is 100% water proof. Its a float switch so it has to be. The hose feeding the water into the sump needs to be higher than the water container its coming from or it'll just keep draining even after the pump kicks off. I'll take some more pics and show you what I mean.

joeyhatch11 · Dec 13, 2015

On both tanks, each hose is up higher than the top off container. So when the switch kicks off the water wont continue to pour out. If the hose is any lower or sitting in the tank it will continue to drain.

Purpule Tang · Dec 13, 2015

joeyhatch11 said:
On both tanks, each hose is up higher than the top off container. So when the switch kicks off the water wont continue to pour out. If the hose is any lower or sitting in the tank it will continue to drain.

Thanks for your help[emoji4] [emoji6]