Auto top off question

[N1Husker]

Can anyone recommend an auto top off system that is pretty reliable and doesn't cost a small fortune.

 

[trido]

I've always used a dual float switch from Autotopoff.com costs about $50

 

[N1Husker]

I was wondering if anyone was using one of those. I was wondering if it would be smart to get the upgrade so if the supply side runs dry it shuts off the pump.

 

[senji]

this is the 1 i use on my 34g solana tank very reliable and sensitive. Tsunami Auto Top Off Aquarium Water Level Controller | eBay

i use the this one on my 90g for safety reasons. and is cheap as well. Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Bulk Reef Supply

id reccomend both the first is just to show u the model u can find it cheaper. its the tsunami.

 

[N1Husker]

How good are the suction cups, I don't have the best of luck with those.

 

[senji]

never had a problem with the tsunami and the bulk reef supply don't use suction, u mold a piece of plastic(that's provided) with warm water to hang the 2 float's.

 

[N1Husker]

The only Tsunami ones I have been able to find is the one with the suction cup holder. I saw the Aqua Hub model, but it said you have to splice into an electrical cord and that doesn't sound too safe to me.

 

[senji]

it comes with a relay and a project box to house all the connections. its totally safe and comes with everything needed to diy including wiring nuts. you will need a power cord. i have never been shocked and if the first float gets stuck the second will kill the pump when too much water is pumped it. u set all the levels of water for this controller. depends on how u mold the bracket.u could set it too shut off pump if water gets even a little bit high.

 

[senji]

i suppose u could super glue the tsunami to a magnetic algae scraper. that's how i did the bulk reef ATO instead of hanging it on the sump.

 

[N1Husker]

Okay, thanks, I will look into these. I am selling all of my model railroad stuff on EBay right now to get some extra fish spending money.

 

[N1Husker]

That's an idea.

 

[senji]

here are pics of the duel float ATO from bulk reef supply. Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Bulk Reef Supply

hope this helps any more questions please ask away we will answer to our best knowledge. just again my 2 cents on my current ATO's will be soon upgrading to tunzie's osmolator's.

 

[N1Husker]

Thanks senji, I really appreciate it, very helpful. I saw the Tunze Osomolater but can't swing the $200.00 right now. I will see if I get some more input until I have money from EBay and then make a decision. I don't like to buy stuff until I check with everyone here first. It really helps clarify things with the pictures.

 

[DTECH07]

I just setup my Tunze but it might cost a leg.

 

[N1Husker]

Yeah, it's about $200.00. I think the cheapest I found was $199.00.

 

[Derbird]

I use the E-shoppes float valve ato for a year now and love it. The only real draw back is that you have to have the resevor higher then the sump but it uses no power and is reliable. My LFS sells them for about $25

Amazon.com: Eshopps Float Valve: Pet Supplies

 

[NanaReefer]

I've been using the jbj ato for over a year now. Love it and a great price!!
http://www.marinedepot.com/dosing_p...omatic_top_off_water_level_controller-ap.html

 

[mfinn]

I also use the JBJ ATO.
I've had it for almost 6 years and have had 0 problems.
One of the main features I like is the run time settings for adding top off water. I believe the default time is set for about 30 seconds before it shuts itself off and you have to manually reset the unit.
While doing some research before I bought mine I noticed one of the biggest problems with auto top offs was that they sometimes would stick on and flood a persons tank with freshwater usually resulting in killing everything.
I have my reservoir in my garage about 10' away.

 

[TJL]

I also after alot of research chose and just purchased the JBJ ATO (MD had on sale $79) but have not hooked it up as of yet. I have been using the Eshopps float valve for about 6-7 months without any issues but wanted to upgrade it. I also picked up the Eheim 1000 pump with run-dry protection so I could use both float switches in sump for a high/low off/on redundancy.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Holygral]

Here is a duel float controller, I have used it for 4 years with no issues, $99.00

Reef Fanatic Level Controller - AquaCave.com