Budget ATO recommendations

[aws2266]

I'm looking at getting an ATO and found this. The reviews aren't bad. Does anyone have any recommendations for a budget ATO?

 

[fishywishy]

I'm looking at getting an ATO and found this. The reviews aren't bad. Does anyone have any recommendations for a budget ATO?

Put some water in a water bottle flip it upside down and clip it to the rim of your sump. It works well and it’s as budget as it gets

 

[aws2266]

lol, I'd be filling that up as much as much as I top off my sump. I guess I could have mentioned it's for a 120g.

 

[fishywishy]

lol, I'd be filling that up as much as much as I top off my sump. I guess I could have mentioned it's for a 120g.

You could use a milk jug instead of a water bottle.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

What is the budget? Under $150, $100?
The Reefbreeders Prism is about $80 as is the Coralvue Hydros ATO

I have been using a XP Aqua Duetto2 for a few years now. It's about $140. You can find similar ones on Amazon, can't say how the quality is on those, but they would be the cheapest. I would not cheap out on a knock off for something that could potentially ruin the tank.

 

[Aquaddictorbj4]

I am using XPAqua Duetto 2 as well. work perfectly and price is quite affordable as well.
For the Fzone, have heard someone that the quality is not pretty well

 

[Reefing102]

I run Kamoer ATOs and haven’t had a problem with either of them.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

lol, I'd be filling that up as much as much as I top off my sump. I guess I could have mentioned it's for a 120g.

Some sort of gravity fed ATO would be the cheapest by far...

 

[reef.science]

I'm a big fan of whatever is the best bang for buck on offerup. My entire system is offerup second hand. Literally, i just go on offerup and type in ATO, then look for the most expensive one that someone is selling for like half price. I don't even really look at the brand.

 

[Seansea]

I use the fzone and it is fantastic. Pump is great and its reliable. I use a high float switch with an outlet that the fzone is plugged into just for backup in case it gets stuck on but has never happened.

 

[Adamc13o3]

Do you have a controller on the tank? Most have more than one ATO options.

 

[dank.reefer]

I'm looking at getting an ATO and found this. The reviews aren't bad. Does anyone have any recommendations for a budget ATO?

I am currently running 2 autoaqua smart ato's like the 1 you show. Both have been functioning perfectly 1 for a year and the other for 6 months. You can use whatever storage vessil you want for the reservoir so you can decide what works for you. I use a 3g reservoir on my 60g system and a 2g reservoir on my 20g. Both tanks go about a week or so inbetween top up depending on relative humidity/temps. Hope this helps.

 

[jda]

Try and find a use Tunze Osmolator. They are worth the money. You will likely buy many other kinds while a Tunze will still be running. Good working used ones near me sell for $100, or so.

 

[minus9]

Used Tunze or set up a gravity fed system if space allows? You don't have to drill the sump to use a gravity fed ATO, just pick up the eshopps float valve.

RODI Float Valve Kit - Eshopps

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[John K]

Inexpensive ATO = Mechanical float valve fed by gravity from a reservoir. Cheap and simple, just no bling factor

 

[aws2266]

I decided to go with the one I was looking at. As always, your replies are much appreciated.

 

[Boehmtown]

Used a bucket and a float valve for years