DIY Auto top off

[Chiefmaster30]

Anyone have a DIY ato or any information to help someone out that doesn’t no much about making one. Looking for any ideas or suggestions! And cheap! Thanks in advance!

 

[Tokash23]

All i did was order a cheap float valve from amazon and an aqua lifter pump also from amazon total maybe $25. All you need to do is fasten the float valve to the desired level in your sump then run some air line tubing from ATO container and presto cheap ATO.

 

[PNWReefer17]

Still working on getting my new tank and sump set up, but I did notice the sump has a float switch installed. Looks like I just need a reservoir and another pump, huh?

 

[Ryan420r6]

I’m using the same setup at Tokash23...I wasn’t able to find a good spot to mount a float valve so I just have my lifter pump on a timer. I read horror stories about float valves getting stuck in the on position and flooding the sump so I didn’t try too hard to get it mounted. Water level in the sump isn’t perfect but keeps me in the ballpark. I always set the time on the low end and just top off the sump a couple times a week when I feed.

 

[Tokash23]

What i did to mount the float valve was i used a section of 1" 1/2 pvc and drilled a hole through it screwed the float valve on it then ran the tubing through the pvc to the lifter pump and then clamped the pvc to the side of the sump. Keeps it in place quite well. The first time i tried it i zip tied it to my return line and it did not hold when i shut all pumps off and when the water ran back into the sump it messed it up and proceeded to dump 5 gallons of fresh water into my sump messing up my salinity ;Facepalm.