Timer or Float Switch for ATO?

[adamizy]

What do you guys prefer and why? I have a 57 and I feel like the float switches can be a pain but accurate. What do you think?

 

[huskerreefatl]

I use the smartATO that has the sensor mounted on the glass and it works pretty well. It beeps to let u know when the water reservoir is low so that is nice. On occasion though, it will just start beeping for no reason. When it starts beeping, it shuts down and doesn't add water until u reset it.

 

[TheEngineer]

I use a combination. I have an Avast ATO sensor (air pressure) which triggers the ATO port of my Reef Angel. The Reef Angel has a 5 minute timeout on the ATO port. In addition to that, if all else fails, I provide a limited volume of water in an ATO reservoir.

 

[Martyd]

Your evaporation levels will vary. A timer won't work (or at least won't work well). I would invest in an ATO system as suggested by the OP. A float switch alone will work, but if it's not used in conjunction with a controller to program in some parameters to safeguard against a possible failure of the switch (and that's a matter of when, not it), you are asking for a disaster.

 

[crsturmer]

Completely agree. A timer is just asking for trouble one day. I use the elos top up system which works perfectly.

 

[crsturmer]

Not wanting to get off topic but was thinking about putting a power head in rodi top off water anyone have any thoughts about this?

 

[bayoupr]

I use the Litemeter 3 and has been working great for 3+ years.

 

[ifarmer]

tunze osmolator. it's has been running for 3+ yrs now without any problems. lots of reefers use this top off.

 

[adamizy]

I just picked up the Jbj ATO so ill prob install that on my ATO box and see how it goes

 

[huskerreefatl]

I have the autoaqua smart ato and like it. It beeps if the water is low in the reservoir and if there is too much water in the sump. The sensor is magnetic on both sides of the glass so you can just move it up or down to adjust the water level. The only annoying thing is that once it starts beeping, it won't put water in and you have to unplug and plug back in to reset it. They really need a button on it to reset. I have it going to a power strip with individual switches so i just turn it off and back on to reset it.

 

[Harold Green]

I use a simple float switch but there's a secondary float switch to shut off the water if the primary sticks on. I simply check the water level daily in the sump when I feed the tank. Been running for a year and a half now with no issues.