looking for recommendation on top off

[ifarmer]

hello everyone.

I have been in the hobby for quite sometimes now and i think it's about time for me to shop for a top off equipment.

please give me some suggestions. which one is good and worth the money.

thanks

 

[AZDesertRat]

Spectrapure UPLC-II, they don't come any better. Uses the same bulletproof peristaltic pump as their LiterMeter which has been around for decades.

http://spectrapure.com/AQUARIUM/AUT...CONTROL/Auto-Top-Off-Electronic-Level-Control

http://spectrapure.com/AQUARIUM/AUTO-TOP-OFF-WATER-LEVEL-CONTROL

The manual is here:

http://spectrapure.com/manuals/UPLC-II-PF-REV-A.pdf

 

[robbrouse]

I use the JBL.. Almost 2 years now with no issue. It's cheap and gets the job done. I've ready good and bad things about it. I check the floats everyday to make sure all is well. There are better ones out there but for less than $100 it fit the bill for me.

 

[sredzins]

I use the tunze osmolator and its great. No mechanical floats so nothing can get stuck. Worth checking out

 

[mfinn]

I have 2 different ones.
One is a JBJ ATO that I have been using on my 240 for 6+ years, never had a problem.
One thing I like about this one is the timer it has internally. It will only run the pump just so long ( 3 min.) before it shuts itself off.
JBJ ATO Water Level Controller - AquaCave.com


The second one I have is a Tsunami AT-1, with a aqualifter pump.
I use this one on my 50 gallon tank.
I got this one on the reccomendation of a lfs that uses them on their commercial tanks ( dr. offices etc.)
Seems to be doing what I need.


Tsunami AT-1 Auto Top-Off System ATO - AquaCave.com

 

[DSP]

Gravity fed ftw! Lol

 

[navila06]

tunze osmolator.

 

[cdness]

Aquahub DIY is what I use with the 12V kit... Oldie but goodie...

The newer ones with the pressure switches seem better though.

 

[jservedio]

Avast Marine ATO! It isn't the most sensitive, but it is bombproof. Uses the same type of pressure system as the spectrapure, but for only $89. I've used it for a year now and never had a problem with it. For under $200, it is the best there is IMO. No float switches to break.

If you have a fairly small return pump chamber, it is the best place to save some money and will work flawlessly. If it is going in your DT, don't get the Avast or a float-switch based ATO since they aren't sensitive enough.

If you plan on spending over $200, the spectrapure and tunze are awesome. The spectrapure is basically a more precise version of the Avast Marine and the Tunze is also super accurate.

 

[jschultzbass]

Currently using floats with my Apex on the DT. Picked up the new Hydor Smart Level Control for my frag tank build though and am excited to try it out. No floats to get stuck and only $89.

 

[Dustin1300]

Agree with AZDesertRat, go with a Spectrapure. Super high quality and gives you a ton of flexibility. Take it a step further and do automatic water changes too!

Automatic Water Changes ? Manual Water Changes No More! | Reefaholic.com

 

[AquaAngel]

I have the JBJ with an aqua lifter for just bucket to sump. Hasn't failed me.
I am probably picking up the IM Hydrofill for my 29 gallon without a sump. I'll need a pump that can lift from stand to the top of the tank and a pump that can run dry because I'm not confident I'll fill it soon enough every time. Kinda pricey tho.