Show me your Auto Top Offs

[Intricateart]

​I wanted to see pics of everyone's Auto Top Off systems,especially the floats.I've been wanting to build one for our 150gal, but have heard too many stories of malfunctions and flooding of fresh water into system. Maybe I'll keep doing it daily by hand.Trying to justify the risk.The stability would be wonderful though.

 

[roadrashpaul]

We got a good thread going in our local club area. I am about to do this with a brute can and float valve.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/mi...lub/144840-float-shut-off-valve-question.html

 

[motortrendz]

I use the electric solenoid with a double float valve system by autotopoff.Com. I've used the same unit for 6 years now. And purchased 3 more for different builds. I run it right from my RODI unit. So there's no holding tank and no added storage space. You can also use it on a tank style system to have the float switch activate the pump and solenoid. Bit then you still need to fill that.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I have the Aquahub Premium ATO….comes as a kit. The thing I liked about this one is that it has a second “emergency” float switch, just in case the first one fails….so no floods.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Following, getting ready to build one.

 

[YodaHart]

I'm using the Hydor Smart Level with a Tom's Aqualifter Pump. It works great! No worries about a failing float switch.

 

[HiddenUser]

Tunze Osmolator on both my 90G and 38G tanks. Had a pump fail and it was replaced no questions asked in 2 days.

 

[Mike O'Brien]

5 gallon bucket, Aqualifter, and a digital timer. I have it set for 1 or 2 minutes per hour. It's been working fine for over 10 years.

 

[Mike O'Brien]

5 gallon bucket, Aqualifter, and a digital timer. I have it set for 1 or 2 minutes per hour. It's been working fine for over 10 years.

 

[thormx]

Just got the auto aqua smart ato. It's great, love how simple and small it is.

 

[Tradewinds]

I run the Tunze osmolator but have had two metering pumps go bad. To remedy the problem I went with the Tunze osmolator switched socket outlet and now use a larger powerhead to transfer the water to the tank.

 

[Spsnut]

I used a bucket, aqualifter, and a drip set for about four years for limewater top off. Now I use a 10g still reservoir in my cabinet plumbed to my basement rodi plant (no hauling buckets), the same aqualifter (been running 4+years straight) with a standard adjustable plastic float valve mounted in my sump.

Its not electronic and sexy, but that is also its up side, it doesnt rely on electronics, and it costs less than $30. Most people feel better spending more money on electronic ATO, the Tunze is very popular, a litermeter can be very useful as well.

 

[Intricateart]

Thanks for the info everybody.Would like to see your pics how you have them set up.Thanx

 

[Alesolra]

I used neptune systems I/O breakout box with 3 float 2 im sump and another in 5 gallon bucket

 

[watdachuck]

LifeReef electronic float switch.

 

[Flameback Pair]

I'm going to rig Madison float switches to magnetic probe holders and control them with my Apex's I/O module. The probe holders are expensive but very convenient with magnet mounting versatility. They can get around euro-bracing and tight spaces.

 

[Spsnut]

I don't know if you are looking for simple and cheap. I mount my float adjusted to the highest setting, then mount it in a horizontal mount like a probe holder. Here is my fuge, ato lime reservoir, and wc reservoir; the floats are mounted the same way:

If you can see past the plumbing, the ATO valve is in the back:

I need to say that a lot of precipitate builds up with lime water dripping over the float; I knock it off occasionally, but it has not failed open. I believe the constant opening and closing acts like a mollusk embedded in rock keeping the seal free to open and close. 10 months isnt a long trial. I do feel I can reliably run the reservoir open, regardless, I safe guard by using the reservoir still instead of constant fill, this way if the ATO fails open my sump can handle the 10g max (if the power doesnt go out too) and sg only swings max 1/18 or less than 2 ppt; I think this is a good fail safe for any ATO.

 

[PlumCrazy]

JBJ ATO with a 30g resivoir all fit flush under the tank in the stand next to a 55g sump/fuge. I run the ATO line over the sensor to prevent as much buildup as I can. Comes with 2 sensors, brackets & controller. I use mode A with 2 sensors. But also a mode A with 1 sensor setting and a mode B.
A 2 sensor: 1 in sump, 1 in ATO chamber to prevent pump ever running dry.
A 1 sensor: in sump to fill.
B 2 sensor: 1 where ate line needs to be set at, other set 1 notch higher to prevent flood & shut off pump.
...$67 on Amazon with prime making free 2 day shipping for me.

 

[PlumCrazy]

30g reservoir which fit about as perfect as i could have asked...

sensor 2 in the ATO chamber to prevent dry pump

sensor 1 in sump (currently in the return chamber but normally is in the (drain) section of the sump from the DT. Im watching a buddys urchin and fish and theyre in that chamber so i dont want the salinity fluctuating that much in there.) I use a larger pump than recommended, they say just a small 90gph pump, but i use a 275gph pump so when it tops off it fills past the line by a tad so the ATO doesnt run the pump on/off/on/off as much. *personal preference... JBJ doesnt say to do this or not.

you can see i tied the ATO line off so it tops off directly on the sensor and wiring itself.

 

[MBG75]

I run a JBJ ato. It times out after a couple minutes to prevent flooding.
One mod I did to it was run the second sensor upside down right above the other.
This way the bottom float turns aqua lifter on and off under normal operation. If the water hits the upside down float, it acts as an emergency to kill the pump.