ATO preparation/Stuff wanted (EDM)

[paddyob]

MY JBJ ATO should be here any day now.

What do I need, asides from a reservoir?

Temporarily, I plan to simply set a large-ish "holding tank" beside the tank.

BUT, I want to have the permanent res downstairs, in the room below my tank.

What is the minimum equipment (brand suggestions please) I would require to pump from almost directly below?

Is it even possible to have the ATO in another room?

Any input would be appreciated.

Also, If you have something I may be able to use for my set up, please PM me.

Thanks.

[MarkoD]

you'll need a pump

if its close you can use an aqua lifter pump.

if its far, you'll need an extension cord an a stronger pump.

[bignose]

How about putting your top off water it in something appealing like a nice large vase instead of a ugly bucket.

[gregzz4]

If your JBJ, like the Tunze, can't run a large pump, you'll need a secondary power source for a larger pump as I can't see whatever comes with your unit being able to pump upstairs 10 feet or so.
The Tunze gives this option for a larger pump. Maybe this will give you an idea as to where you have to go. I'm not saying you need to buy this, but this is something like what you will need if your JBJ has a low voltage output.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/tz-osmsr/Tunze+Universal+Osmolator+Relay+Switch+-+3150.110.html

[Bandsaw]

Do you have a sump? You mentioned that you want to put your ATO holding tank down one level in the house. If you have a sump, have you considered putting the sump downstairs? That is what I did. Once the sump was downstairs on a table that I could work on it, a whole new world of opportunity opened up. 50g ATO holding tank, good sized skimmer, heaters, 20g refugium next to the sump. And best of all - NO NOISE in the Display tank room (big bonus points from the wife - let me tell ya!!)

Either way, you are going to have to get a pump that can lift the water up the vertical distance from one level of the house to display tank. If the ATO you have can not drive a large pump, you will need an AC relay whose contacts can handle the current for the required pump. Why not get a heavy duty pump for your sump to return water to the display tank and small pump (I use a maxi jet 1200) to pump the ATO water to the sump.

[mr_alberta]

How many feet up does the pump need to pump the water? If it is less than 10' one of the smaller Mag pumps should work for you (i.e. 2, 3, 5 or 7).

[Reef Supplies]

You will love the JBJ! Our clients could not be happier with the units.

here is a pretty good how to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2X0I-Zd2vo

and check out these diagrams here http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-ato.html mode B. Id rather keep my tank safe then a $20 pump in the resevoir.

Enjoy your unit

[bignose]

I think a peristaltic pump can pump up quite a bit (correct me if I'm wrong). If you can find one used that might work.

[paddyob]

You will love the JBJ! Our clients could not be happier with the units.

here is a pretty good how to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2X0I-Zd2vo

and check out these diagrams here http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-ato.html mode B. Id rather keep my tank safe then a $20 pump in the resevoir.

Enjoy your unit


I don't really get why mode B is better.

You would think using one sensor in the sump would be the same, with less water drop.

I understand that in mode B one sensor notices lower level..., one the max.

And in mode A... One sensor does both.... Float drops... Water rises... Float rises.

Being a first time ATOer.... Maybe I am missing something. Please fill me in.

But I do agree about a $20 pump.

Thanks

[paddyob]

How about putting your top off water it in something appealing like a nice large vase instead of a ugly bucket.

Bought the 12G version of the 20G ones we have. Its able to build into my stand idea if I go that route. And its equivalent to about 3 top ups manually... over 7-9 days.

If your JBJ, like the Tunze, can't run a large pump, you'll need a secondary power source for a larger pump as I can't see whatever comes with your unit being able to pump upstairs 10 feet or so.
The Tunze gives this option for a larger pump. Maybe this will give you an idea as to where you have to go. I'm not saying you need to buy this, but this is something like what you will need if your JBJ has a low voltage output.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/tz-osmsr/Tunze+Universal+Osmolator+Relay+Switch+-+3150.110.html

How do I know what pumps my ATO can handle?

[Mandosh]

JBJ will handle anything up to 2amps. It shouldn't be an issue.

[paddyob]

JBJ will handle anything up to 2amps. It shouldn't be an issue.

So I assume a 2 amp pump is bigger than my maxi1200?

I never really looked at that before....

[sphelps]

So I assume a 2 amp pump is bigger than my maxi1200?

I never really looked at that before....

P=V*I

[tim the toolman]

I am runnng a very basic sump pump from princess auto. It was cheap and can push the water very well. Mine is downstairs and about 30' away and pumps no problem. Also sump pumps have a float built in so that is an added bonus. I should say to that point though, my basement pump runs from a 60g drum and feeds a 30g brute upstairs which is then used as my ato. So much water around here lol

[Reef Supplies]

Mode B adds more protection against adding to much top-off. The other modes are safe but B is best. It will be easy for you to guage how much much RO water to add to your resevoir once you know how much evaportaes, so unless you really forget about it hard to make it go dry.

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/boards/jbj.jpg

I don't really get why mode B is better.

You would think using one sensor in the sump would be the same, with less water drop.

I understand that in mode B one sensor notices lower level..., one the max.

And in mode A... One sensor does both.... Float drops... Water rises... Float rises.

Being a first time ATOer.... Maybe I am missing something. Please fill me in.

But I do agree about a $20 pump.

Thanks

[paddyob]

Mode B adds more protection against adding to much top-off. The other modes are safe but B is best. It will be easy for you to guage how much much RO water to add to your resevoir once you know how much evaportaes, so unless you really forget about it hard to make it go dry.

http://www.reefsupplies.ca/boards/jbj.jpg

Gotcha. Thanks.

Never thought about over filling.