ATO failure/ Overflow Prevention

[KABrown]

I'm tired of adding water on a daily basis and in the works of getting an ATO System. I'm worried about it getting stuck on and overflowing and having a flood. So I was wondering about installing a ro/di flood preventor with the cylinoid valve in-line at the end of the ATO System. Any thoughts?

 

[P-Dub]

I'm tired of adding water on a daily basis and in the works of getting an ATO System. I'm worried about it getting stuck on and overflowing and having a flood. So I was wondering about installing a ro/di flood preventor with the cylinoid valve in-line at the end of the ATO System. Any thoughts?

I have a much simpler suggestion. A mechanical float valve at the output in the sump. AND, if you are really paranoid like me, a cutoff in line. Links to both that I use below.

Reverse Osmosis Adjustable Float Valve

Why does BRS recommend this? Float valves are simple to install and can save a lot of water from ending up on the floor. They can be installed in containers as small 1 gallon pails, sumps, and 200 plus gallon commercial storage containers to shut off the flow of water. Even if you do not have a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Flow-lok Leak Detector for RODI Systems

Leaks can cause tremendous amounts of damage. By having a simple leak detector on your RODI system is a great insurance policy against floods. The Flow-lok Leak Detectors have 1/4" push connect fittings that work with all of the BRS RODI systems. With a highly absorbent replaceable Leak...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I would also strongly recommend the Tunze ATO.

Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off

NEW VERSION AVAILABLE: Tunze Osmolator 3 ATO System Bulk Reef Supply tried many different water level switches and auto top off solutions before giving the Tunze 3155 Osmolater Universal Auto Top Off BRS Recommended status. Despite its higher price this is by far our favorite solution...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I have never had an ATO flood with this setup.

 

[SPR1968]

Some great advice above and there’s also the Apex ATK which is also stand alone, has 2 optical sensors and a float valve in the event of complete failure all built in together. But, it’s the most expensive option so depends on your budget and preference

 

[Wiskey]

Perhaps you can get some ideas from what I do:

I use a parastolic pump with the ATO water below tank level to prevent siphon and ensure water can not fill too fast.

I limit the amount of time the pump can possibly run per day so that under normal circumstances it would take over 4 days to over flow the sump even if stuck on. I think it runs for a max of 60 seconds per 15 min in my case, but I'd have to look it up to be sure.

I have an Avast pressure sensor (most reliable I've found) for normal level control.

I pair that with a float sensor for too low (email alert, return shuts off) and an optical sensor for too high (they can fail on, but never off IME).

Finally, I have a leak detector.

The only single point of failure is the APEX powerbar that flips on the pump. If this fails I have a max of 20G available to the system, and it would take many hours to dose it (you never want a pump that's too fast for this, the time gives me a better chance of catching it). This would cause about 5G worth of flood if I did not catch it. To mitigate this risk I could have a mechanical timer that only allows dosing in a few windows throughout the day.

But, my concern is low because the APEX power bar is much more likely to fail off than on with a relay outlet and low power draw. It's also programmed to fall back to the off position in case of loss of communication of course.

Whiskey

 

[KABrown]

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Sailingeric]

I have the Tunze 3155 and it has auto shut off. Just make sure you fill hose is higher than the water level in your ATO storage bucket/tank.

 

[moreef]

Perhaps you can get some ideas from what I do:

I use a parastolic pump with the ATO water below tank level to prevent siphon and ensure water can not fill too fast.

I limit the amount of time the pump can possibly run per day so that under normal circumstances it would take over 4 days to over flow the sump even if stuck on. I think it runs for a max of 60 seconds per 15 min in my case, but I'd have to look it up to be sure.

I have an Avast pressure sensor (most reliable I've found) for normal level control.

I pair that with a float sensor for too low (email alert, return shuts off) and an optical sensor for too high (they can fail on, but never off IME).

Finally, I have a leak detector.

The only single point of failure is the APEX powerbar that flips on the pump. If this fails I have a max of 20G available to the system, and it would take many hours to dose it (you never want a pump that's too fast for this, the time gives me a better chance of catching it). This would cause about 5G worth of flood if I did not catch it. To mitigate this risk I could have a mechanical timer that only allows dosing in a few windows throughout the day.

But, my concern is low because the APEX power bar is much more likely to fail off than on with a relay outlet and low power draw. It's also programmed to fall back to the off position in case of loss of communication of course.

Whiskey

I have a tunze ato and have had sensor fail to run pump a few times. Luckily I heard the pump making noise and was able to handle it but afraid of it happening while away. I have an apex breakout box with a float switch in overflow and want to use one in sump for low level protection.

Can you elaborate a little on how yours is set up? I have a trigger sump and a spare brs float switch but not sure how to set it up. Do I install it upside down so when level gets below the switch it will fall down and turn off return pump? Not sure how I would mount it either? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[CuzzA]

I'm tired of adding water on a daily basis and in the works of getting an ATO System. I'm worried about it getting stuck on and overflowing and having a flood. So I was wondering about installing a ro/di flood preventor with the cylinoid valve in-line at the end of the ATO System. Any thoughts?

Do you have a controller?

 

[John3]

I’ve been using the Apex ATK for 5 months now and it’s been solid. It’s the V2 version and I have not had any of the issues I read about the V1 version having.