What's your ATO system?

gtbarsi · Nov 22, 2013

It would seam to be an option. I would think that you would want to make sure you do a couple of things.
Add a shut off switch, so you do not have to worry about things when you add to your top off water or when you are doing maintenance.
Install the feed from your top off water supply a little above the bottom, just in case there is anything that settles on the bottom.

I am strongly considering it myself, I just wish there was a way insure that the entire top off container did not empty in the sump due to some strange situation.
I am thinking that I would use a "smaller" top off water container that I have to fill more often so if something happened my tank / sump would not flood and the salinity would not be thrown too far off.

Then later when I can afford a controller I can get fancy.

Velodog2 · Nov 23, 2013

Diazreeflife said:
Gravity fed? If my RO water is above my sump next to my tank should I just go with gravity fed?

Hasn't failed in several billion years to my knowledge. Why add complexity when simple works? Very low pressure so a simple mechanical float valve with one moving part can easily stop the flow. Disappointingly inexpensive also. To each his own tho.

IGROZOAS · Nov 23, 2013

JBJ with a custom ato container made from custom king. Didn't know why I waited so long to get one. Makes life sooooo much easier.

mtnrunner · Nov 23, 2013

As you can see there are several ways to do this. Each though can fail, with a stuck valve, sensor, etc. think about the effect to your setup if something within the ATO setup fails and how you can handle this and minimize the effect.

My JBJ ATO uses float valves and I do occasionally move them to ensure they are not stuck after sitting in the same position for some time. I use Toms Aqualifter as the pump which has been very reliable. It eventually too will fail and will need maintenance or replacement.

Another good thing about the JBJ is that it has a built in timer that after a set amount of time that it has run and if a switch has not tripped to turn it off when it should, it will by default stop.

Good luck and ensure you consider everything in reviewing your ATO setup including tank overflows which can fail.

Diazreeflife · Nov 23, 2013

Thanks everyone I think I decided on the JBJ due to its price reliability and safety measures.

Maximus · Nov 23, 2013

Velodog2 said:
Gravity feed from 10 gal RO/DI reservoir to old-school Kent mechanical float valve. Hasn't failed me in 15 years. Works even in power failures

I agree 100%. I've been using a Kent float valve for the past 15-20 years and have had 0 failures.

nanoreef123 · Nov 23, 2013

JbJ here for years no problems ..very easy to used too

mr9iron · Dec 17, 2013

jedidad said:
tunze osmolator. uses an optical switch which is much more reliable than a float switch. also has a float switch to shut it off it water level gets too high. the little pump it comes with fits in a standard 5 gallon jug and works great. well worth the investment.

Oh man, I really want one of these for Christmas. Funds have been tight since I have been in nursing school, and raising 3 boys. But, I am building my dream cube as we speak piece by piece.

Lacktaters · Dec 17, 2013

Avast pressure switch with Tom's Aqualifter and a ten gallon acrylic reservoir next to my sump...couldn't be happier.

Tradewinds · Dec 17, 2013

I use a Tunze osmolator with the switched socket outlet and a cobalt power head, as I had two of the Tunze metering pumps fail.

twistedfinn967 · Dec 17, 2013

I started out with JBJ. Hated it. Way to much variance due to floats sticking and the alarm NEVER went off. Just upgraded to a Tunze and so far it is hands down better. No regrets!

CastAway · Dec 17, 2013

Excellent thread. Getting ready to make a purchase myself. Anyone here have experience with the Innovative Marine HydroFill ?

YodaHart · Dec 17, 2013

I'm using the hydor smart level with a Tom's aqualifter pump. I love it. It even alarms when the ato container is empty so I never forget to fill it up for long

reefwiser · Dec 17, 2013

I have used amechanical float valve that I got off of a Heating and Air friend that they use on Humidifiers on furnaces. I have used the same plastic valve since 1990.Cost 5.00 dollars never failed.