HELP: ATO - What else do I need?

[johnbr]

Hi,

I'm finishing my new build and I? have a question bout ATO systems. I bought a Triggers System SUMP and a 5 Gallon Container to use with my ATO system. But, I have no clue what else do I need.

I have this pump that I bought to help me with my water change but I've never used it. Can I use this pump and if, yes what else do I need to complete my system?

And which brand/model do you guys recommend?

The pump is the 240 GPH:
Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One Pro Series Aquarium Pump 800

Thanks

 

[domination2580]

That is too big of pump for an ATO. What you want is a small pump...like toms aqua lifter, and then u need a unit to monitor the water level. I used to have the jbj auto top off. Until the pump accidently took a dive in the container....what the controller does is it has sensors that determine the water level and where the water level is set up to be at. If the water is lower than the set point, then the controller turns on the pump until the water level is acheived.

 

[domination2580]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/jbj-a-t-o-water-level-controller.html
Here is a link to the one I had. Hope this helps!

 

[johnbr]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/jbj-a-t-o-water-level-controller.html
Here is a link to the one I had. Hope this helps!

Is there any ATO that comes with everything? Just plug and play?

 

[5altkreep]

I highly recommend the Tunze ATO. It's been flawless for me. They also have outstanding customer service ( from what I've read)

 

[needbiggertanks]

Is there any ATO that comes with everything? Just plug and play?

The Tunze ATO comes with it all except the conrainer, which i believe you said you had. It also come highly recommended by a lot of people. Best of luck

 

[johnbr]

I highly recommend the Tunze ATO. It's been flawless for me. They also have outstanding customer service ( from what I've read)

The Tunze ATO comes with it all except the conrainer, which i believe you said you had. It also come highly recommended by a lot of people. Best of luck

Which model guys. Also, I've heard that the tunze pump tends to break very fast is that true?

thanks

 

[5altkreep]

Tunze 3155 or they have a nano version.
I bought mine used 1.5 years ago. Still going strong ( knock on wood)
I believe a replacement pump is somewhere around 20-25 bucks.
I think many of those with pump failure were running kalk in their top off water.

 

[needbiggertanks]

I have the 3155. I baught it used and got a replacement pump off bulk reef supply for less than $30.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-osmolator-universal-3155-auto-top-off.html


Edited... ive read a lot of reviews of broken pumps from ato water with kalcwasser in it

 

[domination2580]

I was gonna say yes and to check out brs on other atos...the link I sent you, you can search other atos

 

[corey01]

Ive used the Smart micro ATO for about a year now without any issues. https://www.amazon.com/Smart-ATO-Micro-Automatic-AutoAqua/dp/B0195D3LC6

I also have 2 other tanks running off hydor smart level controls for 3+ years now and not had any notable issues with them.
however they do not come with pumps. A toms aqualifter would work well. or a small 80GPH pump. they can be had for 8-10 dollars on ebay.

 

[BillyP]

Hi,

I'm finishing my new build and I? have a question bout ATO systems. I bought a Triggers System SUMP and a 5 Gallon Container to use with my ATO system. But, I have no clue what else do I need.

I have this pump that I bought to help me with my water change but I've never used it. Can I use this pump and if, yes what else do I need to complete my system?

And which brand/model do you guys recommend?

The pump is the 240 GPH:
Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One Pro Series Aquarium Pump 800

Thanks

Tune the pump down as low as you can with it still pushing water out depending on the head height and you can connect that pump to a jbj auto top off which you can connect any pump to, runs around $70

 

[clk51212]

I have an Avast Marine ATO works like a dream works off a pressure switch rather then a float switch no moving parts. You can buy it 3 ways stand alone unit with an outlet our apex ready or bare wire to use with apex bob or reef keeper switch $99 all ya need is a pump

 

[Mark Bianco]

I have used the Tunze Osmolater What's nice is first they use a water sensor for control then a float for a backup and also a timer as a failsafe if your reservoir is empty or both the sensor and the float fail. Highly unlikely but the redundancy is there.

HTH
Mark

 

[Flexin]

Smart ATO. It even has alarms to let you know if it's adding too much water compared to previous adds, or, if it's not adding enough based on history. It also does not have a mechanical mechanism to fail. Comes with everything and is small and compact, which means more room for other stuff

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/autoaqua-smart-ato-auto-top-off-system.html