Auto Top Off System Recommendations

[jtshack]

I'm looking for an ATO, and I remember seeing some recommendations on here, but even when I do a search I can't find the links I saw before. Anyone have a particular system they recommend or a DIY link to do this? I don't mind paying a little to get what I know will work, but I can't go crazy. Gas prices are just stupid and we're hauling a camper from here to central TX for a reunion in early June...right now, price matters. If anyone has one for sale, that'd work too...just need to get this resolved relatively quickly so I have time to "watch it in action" before we go.

Suggestions?

 

[derek_s]

Depends on what kind you want to run. Gravity fed, pump fed, with kalk, etc. If you just want one that sumply turns on a pump, check out the JBJ at aquabuys. Simpl, easy, and only a hundo washingtons.

 

[krb]

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2">http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2</a>

This is what I use. There are cheaper solutions out there, but this has been a great unit for me

 

[derek_s]

or 85 washingtons. Even better.

 

[jtshack]

KRB;175425 wrote: http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2">http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=jbj_ato&Category_Code=u2&Product_Count=2</a>

This is what I use. There are cheaper solutions out there, but this has been a great unit for me[/QUOTE]

That's not such an outrageous price...if it works well for you, then that's all I'm really looking for. I just want to know that whatever I do is dependable. That matters more than anything.

 

[jtshack]

corvettecris;175424 wrote: Depends on what kind you want to run. Gravity fed, pump fed, with kalk, etc. If you just want one that sumply turns on a pump, check out the JBJ at aquabuys. Simpl, easy, and only a hundo washingtons.

corvettecris;175429 wrote: or 85 washingtons. Even better.

Saw the JBJ - not too awful on price either. Is that what you use?

(What's an 85 Washington? :confused2: )

 

[jtshack]

Comparing the two sites side by side...aren't they the same (both JBJ?)

 

[derek_s]

Yeah, what KRB was listing is exactly what I was talking about. I have the same unit. I like it, but I'm gonna rewire it to have 2 sensors in series so both must be activated for it to kick on (to avoid accidental overfilling).

But as is, great unit, great price. About half as much as Tunze's unit.

 

[jtshack]

I gotta wait 'til Friday to do it, but I'll take both your word for it that this is a good system to go with. I just want to see it working for a couple of weeks before we leave so I feel comfortable with it while we're gone.

Appreciate the help guys! :thumbs:

 

[derek_s]

Yeah, it will probably work great for you. Just remember it is just a controller; you will need a pump of some sort and a reservoir of water.

By 85 washingtons, I was trying to be cool and mean 85 one dollar bills.

 

[acroholic]

I have a Tunze Osmolator and love it. Keeps the water level really steady. Works off an IR sensor. If your budget runs to 2 bills then consider it.
Dave

 

[jamescook]

I wired a float switch to a cord that powers a aqualifter pump. $20 total

 

[melev]

My page goes into DIY for a pretty cheap price.
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html</a>

And another option is to buy the nice kit from AquaHub.com
[IMG]http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html">http://www.aquahub.com/store/product26.html</a>

 

[jhutto]

this one is ready made, simple and inexpensive. autotopoff.com

:up:


joe

 

[jtshack]

corvettecris;175450 wrote: Yeah, it will probably work great for you. Just remember it is just a controller; you will need a pump of some sort and a reservoir of water.

I have a small pump that I think would work (it's from a small fountain I took out of my pond). The reservoir won't be an issue; I just need to find something that will fit nicely in the space I have available, which isn't much - our living room is full! (Or I'm going to have to hijack some space in my son's room and punch a hole through the wall - no biggie - we do our own drywall so we can always patch the holes later if we need to)

corvettecris;175450 wrote: By 85 washingtons, I was trying to be cool and mean 85 one dollar bills.

Okay, now I feel like a dunce :blush: ... I should have known that! DOH!! :doh:

Acroholic;175462 wrote: I have a Tunze Osmolator and love it. Keeps the water level really steady. Works off an IR sensor. If your budget runs to 2 bills then consider it.
Dave

I saw the Tunze as well and really wish I could pull it off, but 2 bills is more than I can spare right now. The reviews on these are nothing but good though. My problem is that I need an ATO for 4 tanks - 2 bills turns to 8 and a divorce! :lol2:

I really like some of the other ideas posted as well. I'm looking into the suggestion by James for the aqualifter. The page that melev cited has a link to a page with DIY instructions for the aqualifter with a relay. In all honesty, I'm just nervous enough about doing this myself that I'm more inclined to go with something along the lines of what jhutto suggested from autotopoff.com.

I don't know for sure yet, but I sure do appreciate the feedback. I'll show my hubby the options we have and see what he thinks we should do. He's pretty comfortable with DIY projects and really good with electrical stuff, so I'm interested to see which way he goes with this.

 

[budsreef]

I was nervous about it as well, but went with the JBJ ATO, an Aqualifter, and a couple feet of airline tubing. I used an emptied 5G bucket for a reservoir and it's been running on my frag tank for several months now with no problems. Just make sure the hose to the tank will always be above the water line.

 

[jtshack]

I saw on one of the DIY pages that the water in your resevoir shouldn't be higher than the water in your sump...does it matter with the ATOs that use a pump? I don't see why it would, but that's why I'm asking...:confused2:

 

[budsreef]

Yes, it does matter. After the first time the pump turns on and starts the flow it will continue to syphon the water untill it empties even with the pump off.

 

[jtshack]

Budsreef;175547 wrote: Yes, it does matter. After the first time the pump turns on and starts the flow it will continue to syphon the water untill it empties even with the pump off.

My sump is long and somewhat short...how do I get around this? Multiple containers connected by pvc?

 

[spike]

I think the siphon problem can be solved by using an aqualifter pump especially if it is higher than top off water. I will find out hopefully later in the day.