DKoKoMAN’s 305g Basement Reef

[DKoKoMan]

This time around I decided to purchase an ATO to keep the salinity consistent. I was able to manage this manually in my 150g but I’m sure there was a bit of swing happening as I work a variety of shifts. My fear of the ATO was for it to stick on and pump a bunch of water in to the sump causing the salinity to take a dive. I also was pretty worried that it would overflow etc.

I did a bunch of research on the ATO’s on the market and found that many have different fail safes to prevent disaster from happening. I really liked the idea of a magnetic mount optical sensor. I came across the Neptune ATK and was immediately sold (first Neptune product I have purchased). This ATO has a low water optical sensor, a high water optical sensor and a traditional plastic float valve if they fail.

I setup the ATO which was overall pretty simple to install. I did use the included siphon break as the water level in the 5g pail was higher than that of my return pump section. I had to fiddle around a little as the top optical sensor would ever so slightly be covered with water and trigger the 10 min alarm. I have since got it working and other then the siphon valve spraying when the pump turns in it a great unit. The pump itself is quiet, I love that the intake is on the bottom and the pump is compact. It sits upright making it run until there is absolutely no water left in the reservoir. I am temporarily using a 5g pail until I receive my glass ATO container which is around 15g.

Here are a couple photos.



ATK module, simple plug n play.



Magnetic mount with two optical sensors and traditional plastic float. Overall pretty compact but does take a bit of room in your return section.



Compact pump and attached siphon break.

[smokinreefer]

Awesome, I was leaning towards the Neptune for my next ato.
Thanks for the feedback.

Wondering how long the 5g or even the 15g will last you on a tank that big.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Awesome, I was leaning towards the Neptune for my next ato.
Thanks for the feedback.

Wondering how long the 5g or even the 15g will last you on a tank that big.

Funny you mention that! So 5g lasted about 2 days. Im hoping a topped up container approximately 18g will get 7 days for a vacation but not sure if that will work out.

[smokinreefer]

Well it's easy enough to use a temporary container when needed for vacations. Just sit it beside the tank while you're gone.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Well it's easy enough to use a temporary container when needed for vacations. Just sit it beside the tank while you're gone.

Never even thought of that! Thanks for your input.

[DKoKoMan]

Received my new ATO container which was custom made to fit under the stand. The Ato container shipped up from Calgary and was very well protected by a wooden crate. The capacity is approximately 18g up to the black trim. I’m liking that a lid was included as this should help cut down evaporation. Fingers crossed that it will come close 5-7 days before being empty. Here’s some photos.

[DKoKoMan]

Welcome Barney, the newest addition and final tang. My tang gang is completed with this addition.