Equipment question

[Valdiviuh]

Hello everyone,

Is it possible to use a dosing pump as an ato? I’m assuming evaporation doesn’t happen at a consistent rate so idk if it’ll work but I’m trying to figure out a way to essentially diy an ato

The tank is underneath where the ATO would be located, that’s why I’m having trouble figuring out a way to install something Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

No. . There's no way to match what is evaporated so you will ether overflow or still have to manually add water anyway

 

[Solo McReefer]

What do you have as your controller?

A water level sensor has to tell a controller to turn on the dosing pump outlet, and off

 

[Valdiviuh]

No. . There's no way to match what is evaporated so you will ether overflow or still have to manually add water anyway

Thanks @Cichlid Dad so then to my other comment about the locations, can I just put an ATO with a siphon break ?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Someone else will have to answer. I'm not sure

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

No. . There's no way to match what is evaporated so you will ether overflow or still have to manually add water anyway

Actually, you ca use an electronic float switch to trigger a relay to start the doser. and it would turn off when switch returned to its set position.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Actually, you ca use an electronic float switch to trigger a relay to start the doser. and it would turn off when switch returned to its set position.

Interesting, What would the cost be vs an ATO.

 

[Valdiviuh]

Interesting, What would the cost be vs an ATO.

This made sense to me too but I was unsure if it was possible to connect a sensor to the Redsea doser which is what I’m trying to use.

the prices was my next thought @Cichlid Dad as well because I would just get a simple ATO & use a siphon break for the gravity issue

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Interesting, What would the cost be vs an ATO.

BRS used to sell them for $50 for the kit. But in todays world you can do it much cheaper.

DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Aquahub

Build Your Own Auto Top Off System for your aquarium. Perfect for the DIY reefer who likes fun projects and wants to save a few dollars. Assembly requires only basic tools and no soldering. Basic knowledge of electrical wiring required. Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium Kit includes: (2)...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Cichlid Dad]

This made sense to me too but I was unsure if it was possible to connect a sensor to the Redsea doser which is what I’m trying to use.

the prices was my next thought @Cichlid Dad as well because I would just get a simple ATO & use a siphon break for the gravity issue

You can get a simple float switch that attaches to the return area, but I don't see enough room for that in the picture. Also prevents one to trigger a relay

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

This made sense to me too but I was unsure if it was possible to connect a sensor to the Redsea doser which is what I’m trying to use.

the prices was my next thought @Cichlid Dad as well because I would just get a simple ATO & use a siphon break for the gravity issue

You would have to have a doser on it's own power supply. So that would count out the RS one you already own.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

BRS used to sell them for $50 for the kit. But in todays world you can do it much cheaper.

DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Aquahub

Build Your Own Auto Top Off System for your aquarium. Perfect for the DIY reefer who likes fun projects and wants to save a few dollars. Assembly requires only basic tools and no soldering. Basic knowledge of electrical wiring required. Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium Kit includes: (2)...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I forgot about those, my mind went to the old fashioned hinged float switch

 

[Valdiviuh]

You would have to have a doser on its own power supply. So that would count out the RS one you already own.

Right, so my last resort would be to just get an ATO. I’m still unsure about the gravity issue? Would that not be an issue with the ato? I’ve never installed it with the ATO above a tank

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Right, so my last resort would be to just get an ATO. I’m still unsure about the gravity issue? Would that not be an issue with the ato? I’ve never installed it with the ATO above a tank

Doser, no gravity issue, because water can not siphon past the rollers. ATO you would need some sort of a siphon break

 

[VintageReefer]

You might be able to fit this ato adapter

With this size water bottle

I’ve used it and they work

Or, if you want even better stability, get a solid lid made. You can have a few rows of holes put in the back for ventilation if you want. I can recommend a guy that makes custom lids to your measurements and design. A pair of lids for my 75g tank was 90$

Ignore that it’s not sitting right. I’m in the process of retrofitting a plank feeder

 

[Valdiviuh]

You might be able to fit this ato adapter

With this size water bottle

I’ve used it and they work

Or, if you want even better stability, get a solid lid made. You can have a few rows of holes put in the back for ventilation if you want. I can recommend a guy that makes custom lids to your measurements and design. A pair of lids for my 75g tank was 90$

Ignore that it’s not sitting right. I’m in the process of retrofitting a plank feeder

Nice coral down there! But yeah those definitely work, I have the bottled ATOs that I used for the previous 4g I had there but I wanted something better for this one

 

[VintageReefer]

Nice coral down there! But yeah those definitely work, I have the bottled ATOs that I used for the previous 4g I had there but I wanted something better for this one

Evening lighting - engaged !

 

[VintageReefer]

I would just get a regular 50$ ato kit on Amazon with the optical sensor, pump, and tubing. Find a container that fits in the cabinet, route the water line and call it a day.

 

[Solo McReefer]

I forgot about those, my mind went to the old fashioned hinged float switch

There used to be a website


And all it was was this sort of stuff

Inexpensive stuff for DIY ATOs

This may be it now

How To Build Your Own Aquarium Auto Top-Off System

How To Build Your Own Aquarium Auto Top-Off System: Aqua Hub: Your Source For Float Switches - Water-Level Sensors & Liquid-Level Sensors.

aquahub.com

 

[Solo McReefer]

last resort would be to just get an ATO

Why wasn't it your first resort?

The Red Sea ATO looks kinda cool

$200, includes everything you need