ATO- Autotopoff.com optical vs Avast ATO

[rodasphoto]

http://autotopoff.com/custom/">http://autotopoff.com/custom/</a>
vs.
[IMG]http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/Top-off-Kit">http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/Top-off-Kit</a>

Help me decide which one I should purchase.

The thing I like about the autotoff.com is the sensor used is optical.

The avast marine uses a nice magentic mount pressure switch but allows +/- 1/4in variation. This seems like a lot of variation for my small bc29.

 

[reefknight]

I've looked at the Avast model to replace my Reef Fanatic, which is also a great ATO, due to the ability to connect it to my Apex.

My Tunze ATO on another tank has an optical sensor and to be honest, I don't care for it. Yes, it keeps the level more stable but the pump is loud (compared to an Aqualifter) and it cycles too much for my liking. Also has that annoying buzzer that sounds when the water level gets high in the sump. Like every time you shut down your return pump. Arrggghhh!

Just my 2 cents.. Good Luck

 

[rodasphoto]

I was going to use a MJ1200 for my pump. Is +/-1/4" to much of a change to keep salinity constant in a 29 gallon tank.

 

[spankdog]

I don't think you need a pump that powerful. I am using an aqualifter for my ATO pump, its silent and cheap. I made my ATO with float switches from autotopoff.com but am using my apex to control it.

 

[elfloyd]

Rodasphoto; For most uses the +/- 1/4" variation shouldn't be a problem. It keeps the pump on/off a little longer and prevents excessive cycling of the pump.

Reefknight: I did a search on the Reef Fanatic ATO... found "Reef Fanatic Level Control Kit" which is discontinued. Is this the ATO you referred to?

 

[reefknight]

To me -/+ 1/4" isn't a an issue. I'd recommend the aqualifter as a MJ 1200 is too much pump.

Floyd- I believe it is, didn't know it was discontinued though. A buddy of mine bought one this time last year. I'll check some more when I have a moment.

 

[mrflameangel]

I have the reef fanatic and use the aqua lifter as the pump. This is a great unit and love it. I bought the jbl ato and hated it. If I bought one again it would be the RF. I just looked it up and you can still get them through BRS.

 

[reefknight]

Yep, here's the link.

 

[elfloyd]

:blush:

Uhhh... checked to see what I have been using for the past two+ years... that I was very happy with... and was going to recommend. It's the Reef Fanatic!

:bash2:

You mentioned you were controlling this with your Apex?

 

[reefknight]

Lol, it happens!! The Reef Fanatics are great ATO's IMO. My first one was purchased from Keen Reef years ago.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I'm looking at the Avast ATO because I can connect it too my Apex. It would give me a better level of control, I believe. Very professionally built units.

I should really review my posts before submitting. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[elfloyd]

ooooo! I like what I see in the Avast! Thinking something a little different with my 180 build.

- Keep the Reef Fanatic.
- Disconnect the pump and remove the ATO water tank.
- Connect a solenoid valve to my RO/DI in the garage (other side of the house). This will tee off the RO/DI output. One side to my water mixing station controlled by a float valve and one side to my sump controlled by the Reef Fanatic.
- Gravity / water pressure feed (~60') RO/DI to my sump (it works... I tried it).
- Secondary solenoid connected to RO/DI input, controlled by Apex as a safety measure.

 

[rodasphoto]

reefknight;765480 wrote: To me -/+ 1/4" isn't a an issue. I'd recommend the aqualifter as a MJ 1200 is too much pump.

Floyd- I believe it is, didn't know it was discontinued though. A buddy of mine bought one this time last year. I'll check some more when I have a moment.

I plan on using the mj1200 because I tried using a mj400 during a water change and it was not powerful enough to pump water up to my biocube on its stand.

 

[rodasphoto]

I was wondering could I put the float/pressure sensor in the 2nd chamber. I would like to get the normal holder and use that when I upgrade to a bigger tank.