Ato

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 01-23-2008, 05:38 PM

I see so many ATO kits for sale in the US but I can't find them here in Canada. Anyone know where a good vendor is? Online?

Or I guess some good, easy plans for a DIY ATO?

IceTurf · #2 01-23-2008, 05:45 PM

Float switch attached to the power of a pump. If the float switch goes too low and flips on, then the pump will start pumping and when the water raises high enough, the pump will be turned off by the float switch.

nano-reef.com is a good source

marlincoral · #3 01-23-2008, 06:20 PM

i got mine off ebay for half the price anywhere just keep watching and you can get one cheap

bassman · #4 01-23-2008, 06:43 PM

I use furnace humidifier floats. They are easy to work with, cheap and use no power. You can buy them at Home Depot for about $15.00

mseepman · #5 01-23-2008, 06:44 PM

I grabbed the JBJ off e-bay for cheap. It works really well and comes with 2 float switches so that you can monitor both your Sump and your reservoir. It checks both before turning the pump on.

J&L carry them too.

mr_alberta · #6 01-23-2008, 06:58 PM

If you don't mind electrical wiring you can easily make one running off of 9, 12, 24VDC. I can help you with that if you'd like.

Reef_Craze · #7 01-24-2008, 01:42 AM

why autotopoff.com

mark · #8 01-24-2008, 02:54 AM

I'm also using a humidifier float valve (hooked directly to my ro/di unit) but you could try of of these DIY with a salt-bucket of other sealable container. I never did one but principle seems solid.

midgetwaiter · #9 01-24-2008, 04:42 AM

I had one I built to run off 12 vdc with 2 floats, hated it. It was probably the switches I used but looking at the sump from across the room seemed to be enough disturbance to get it switching on and off like mad. Nothing I tried as a snail / splash guard made a bit of difference. I got the switches locally but they seemed identical to the ones you see with the cheap kits.

I've got 2 Blueline tsunamis that I like much better.

Brent F · #10 01-24-2008, 05:18 AM

I use a JBJ ATO as well and am very happy with it. I have an open tank with metal halide so have a lot of evaporation. I have had my fresh water reservour run out a couple times so the second float switch to shutoff the pump if the supply tank is low is a great feature for me.