Help me figure out my bootleg ATO

[mlivvy]

I purchased this ATO from Amazon and I thought it worked like any other ATO with a pump but, it actually works with a solenoid valve. I tried to get it to pump and it won't do anything but click on and off. The instructions are translated and are horrible. Before I send it back I wanted to give it another try. Does anyone know how it might actually work?

 

[churmak]

You should be able to use it as an ato by elevating your top off container higher than the part of your tank that it is going to empty into. The solenoid won't pump water only start/stop its flow so your water supply needs to want to flow through it. Alternately you could probably plumb this directly to an RODI setup. One thing I would check is if the solenoid is normally open or normally closed, that is if there is no power to it does it allow water to flow? If it is normally open and allows water to flow when there is no power if it loses power nothing would be stopping your entire container from draining into your tank.

 

[mlivvy]

Thanks for the help. I think that is exactly how it works which won't work for me.

 

[William Robinson]

I purchased this ATO from Amazon and I thought it worked like any other ATO with a pump but, it actually works with a solenoid valve. I tried to get it to pump and it won't do anything but click on and off. The instructions are translated and are horrible. Before I send it back I wanted to give it another try. Does anyone know how it might actually work?

This will work great if plumbed from a RO/DI source. Can you post a link to it?

 

[William Robinson]

Nevermind.... I didnt see the hyperlink at first. Thank you!

 

[tkeracer619]

Personally, without a dual float switch, I think you are asking for trouble. At least use a float valve at the end. I prefer the autotopoff.com longwire setup with a peristaltic pump. They have proven reliable over the years and you can select the top off rate.

 

[William Robinson]

Personally, without a dual float switch, I think you are asking for trouble. At least use a float valve at the end. I prefer the autotopoff.com longwire setup with a peristaltic pump. They have proven reliable over the years and you can select the top off rate.

I see a manual float valve in that kit with the optical sensor. Remember all these parts come from the same place when ordered individually. That optical sensor is identical to the Micro ATO's that no one was trusting for a long while. I have one on each of my 4 tanks and they haven't failed me yet.

 

[mlivvy]

That white/blue device in the picture they call the "overflow safety device" is a leak detector that shuts off the water if it detects water. Here's a video of how it works.

I have the JBJ Nano ATO and the optical sensor is exactly the same as the one included in this kit.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Where is the pump?

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

https://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/ato-kit This is one of my ATO, always use magnets never suction cups.

 

[William Robinson]

Where is the pump?

There is no pump with this type ATO. You either have it connected to a pressure source (RODI system) or have your ATO water supply higher than the sump so it is gravity fed.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Is this the type of ATO device you have?

 

[mlivvy]

Is this the type of ATO device you have?

Not the type of ATO I think it just includes that device to help with leaks.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Yeah, I thought the thing on the far right was what was in the video.