ATO for tank only

[mwbeach]

Can I do an ATO for a tank only setup? Or do I have to have a sump? I have a 29 gallon with a HOB skimmer.

 

[cmantis]

Absolutely u can. I like to use those plastic containers used to hold cereal they are slim and have a top with little flap for hoses to come up.

 

[mwbeach]

Thanks. What kind of setup do I need? How do I build one? Or is it better to get a kit? If so, what kit do you recommend

 

[mwbeach]

Anyone have any recommendations on a DIY as cheap as possible setup

 

[EvilVOG]

On my 24g cube I have a jbj ato that I found on ebay in a package deal with an aqualifer pump. ( you need a pump with an ato) I modified an old ice cream pail to serve as my top off tank.

The ato came with a variety of different clips and brackets to hold everything.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Please be really, really careful trying to find an ATO for "as cheap as possible". They're going to fail on you at some point. Check out the new-ish smaller Tunze Osmolator Nano. These work great with very little worry of failing, and cost under $100. That's cheap for protecting any saltwater aquarium, particularly a reef tank.

 

[ajones2n]

how do you feel about the hydor smart level

 

[FlyinBryan]

Please be really, really careful trying to find an ATO for "as cheap as possible". They're going to fail on you at some point. Check out the new-ish smaller Tunze Osmolator Nano. These work great with very little worry of failing, and cost under $100. That's cheap for protecting any saltwater aquarium, particularly a reef tank.

+1 .

 

[mwbeach]

Has anyone used this one?

http://autotopoff.com/products/DT1/

Or.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquahub-diy-top-it-off-kit-premium-1.html

 

[mwbeach]

So the more I read the more I think you get what you pay for. Anyone have any feedback on the hydor smart level?

 

[jpines]

Hey Beach! I'm from Columbus as well (currently living in Augusta), but nice to see someone else from the area on here. I'm using the tunze currently and love it, but it is quite expensive. A buddy of mine is using the avast marine ATO. It uses a pressure switch, and is less likely to fail than just the cheap float switch. I'll be purchasing one of these for the tank I'm setting up currently...for around $100 you can have the switch and a pump of your choice...

AVAST Marine Works - Top-off Kit - Product Details

 

[vic67]

Has anyone used this one?

AutoTopoff.com

Or.

Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Bulk Reef Supply

All my ATOs are from autotopoff.com. I have two dual switch models and one single switch one. I do a little maintenance by checking/cleaning the float switches regularly.