Cheap Homemade ATO?

[texhorns98]

I'm thinking of using a Homer bucket with a lid and hole to house RODI with an Aqualifter (or similar small pump) on a timer. This would be for my smaller tank that is losing about 1/2 gallon a day right now. I know this would not completely solve me having to top off in addition, but it would better steady my salinity in between.

Anyone see anything wrong with this idea? Any suggestions? I'll, of course, measure the output of the pump to calibrate the timer and will keep a close eye on it at first. I imagine I'll need to adjust it as we cool off here. IF we cool off here!

 

[darcurr]

I can help you build a float switch based ATO if you're feeling adventurous.

 

[texhorns98]

darcurr;673113 wrote: I can help you build a float switch based ATO if you're feeling adventurous.

It's such a small tank, I'm trying to keep things out of it if I can. Although I MIGHT be able to find a switch that sits below the tank frame. ???

 

[darcurr]

I use pill bottles as snail guards to give you an idea of how much space is used in the tank. I mount them to a mouldable strip of plastic so the space impact is small. I have built one without the gaurd for a cichlid tank, but I don't think it would be a good idea in saltwater due to all the little critters. I'm going to take some pics tonight of other stuff, and can snap a few if you want a look.

 

[lt_tweak]

yea a couple float switches, a couple relays, an electrical box, and some pvc == homemade ATO

The box i used doesnt hold my relays/sockets so i just glued them to the back of the box. Doesnt look that pretty but it works fine!

 

[buddyro]

PM Sent,Good Luck and let me know if you have any ???'s

 

[spike]

One of the cheapest ATO's I have seen. It has worked on my personal tank for years.

 

[darcurr]

Spike;673297 wrote: One of the cheapest ATO's I have seen. It has worked on my personal tank for years.

http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html</a>[/QUOTE]

The switches most people use are not rated for 120v, not to mention the hazards associated with puting AC into saltwater. Do what you want, but people make more complicated ATO systems for a reason.

 

[lt_tweak]

darcurr;673500 wrote: The switches most people use are not rated for 120v, not to mention the hazards associated with puting AC into saltwater. Do what you want, but people make more complicated ATO systems for a reason.

+1
ty 12v relays! the thought of 110v + water just makes my elbow twitch... ive been shocked once or twice lol

 

[kibdoit2]

Thats how I set mine up...I run my timer for 15mins every 12hrs @ 10am and 10pm and it keeps my level perfect.

 

[spike]

darcurr;673500 wrote: The switches most people use are not rated for 120v, not to mention the hazards associated with puting AC into saltwater. Do what you want, but people make more complicated ATO systems for a reason.

I have used this for over 6 years with never a shock, I guess I am lucky. There are more elaborate top offs as you mentioned. I even bought a top off from

 

[wlmiller54]

When I left the reef hobby years ago I was the ATO. The sensor was the sound of the power head running dry.

I am shocked at the amount of automation in today's hobby systems.

- William -

 

[darcurr]

Spike;673711 wrote: I have used this for over 6 years with never a shock, I guess I am lucky. There are more elaborate top offs as you mentioned. I even bought a top off from http://autotopoff.com/">here</a> for my frag system. It is basically the same float sensor surrounded by a pvc cap.[/QUOTE]

Luck is a bad way to put it. You accept the risk associated with your design. The Autotopoff switches are some of the best, but still risk introducing ac with your design. Assuming you are using a pump with in the rating, you are at a fairly minimal risk level. Some of us, myself included, won't take that risk. Especially since 120vAC is more than enough to stop a human heart. Add in the fact the most people don't buy the best switch, and you introduce even more risk. The point is more elaborate ATO's are safer, but more complicated and exspensive. Like everything in life, it's a trade off.