ATO sensor on rimmed tank

[buzzojones]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

You might be able to 3D print a solution or make it out of cut acrylic pieces. Some dosing tube holders might also work.

 

[BigDangler]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

Can't use one of them FZone ato's on Amazon? if the wire is in the way just notch out a piece of the plastic rim for the wire..

EDIT: Guess it all depends also on which ATO you have now....

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I'm having the same challenge. For now, I have lowered my water level 1/2". Instead of a HOB overflow, I considered this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0F282GTG5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_13?smid=A19HMW836OSN2K&psc=1Plus two of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0F18JS18Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?smid=A2EHU2C1GEQ5V8&psc=1Same effect as the overflow, but less leak risk. Maybe.
Two u-tubes speeds level equalization response and provides back-up against a single plugged tube.
I'm also considering using thick Reef magnets and supergluing the sensor to it to clear the rim thickness.
Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have rimmed tanks and use ATO sensors. The magnet holds thought the rim. If the lip is in the way then cut off the lip (use wire cutters to cut 2 lines and then bend the lip back and forth until it snaps). Hope this helps. Otherwise I’m not sure why you’re having an issue?

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I can't speak for OP, but in my case, the tank lid rests inside the rim on that lip. I could notch the lid for the wire, but my bigger obstacle is the external magnet for the sensor is up against the outside bottom of the rim and is not strong enough to hold the sensor through the thickness of the rim.

 

[buzzojones]

You might be able to 3D print a solution or make it out of cut acrylic pieces. Some dosing tube holders might also work.

I will take a look / thank you - getting hydros so would like to use their system if possible

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I can't speak for OP, but in my case, the tank lid rests inside the rim on that lip. I could notch the lid for the wire, but my bigger obstacle is the external magnet for the sensor is up against the outside bottom of the rim and is not strong enough to hold the sensor through the thickness of the rim.

That sounds like a challenge for sure. I use Kamoer ATO’s and their magnet holds through the bracket and glass. I also used one cheaper ATO from Amazon which held through the bracket and glass. Hope you can find a solution good luck.

 

[Dom]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

You can notch out a small piece to mount the sensor.

I have a gravity - fed ATO. I notched out 2 inches to it fit nicely in place.

 

[buzzojones]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

You can notch out a small piece to mount the sensor.

I have a gravity - fed ATO. I notched out 2 inches to it fit nicely in place.

That would be great - no structural integrity issues? I assume not if it's just plastic. Thanks - you may have saved me lots of time and money

 

[buzzojones]

I'm having the same challenge. For now, I have lowered my water level 1/2". Instead of a HOB overflow, I considered this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0F282GTG5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_13?smid=A19HMW836OSN2K&psc=1Plus two of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0F18JS18Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?smid=A2EHU2C1GEQ5V8&psc=1Same effect as the overflow, but less leak risk. Maybe.
Two u-tubes speeds level equalization response and provides back-up against a single plugged tube.
I'm also considering using thick Reef magnets and supergluing the sensor to it to clear the rim thickness.
Good luck! Keep us posted.

I am also thinking of something like that - thanks! And good luck - keep us posted

 

[buzzojones]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

You can notch out a small piece to mount the sensor.

I have a gravity - fed ATO. I notched out 2 inches to it fit nicely in place.

How do you control that? Solenoid valve on the drain from reservoir or something?

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

I have a rimmed tank and use the Tunze Osmolator 3. They modified the outer magnet to allow for it to sit very close to the top. I have maybe a half inch between the top of the water and the bottom of the rim.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

How do you control that? Solenoid valve on the drain from reservoir or something?

No valve needed. If you turn a bottle of water upside down with the opening under water, then lift the upside down bottle above the waterline (except for the opening) the water will stay inside the bottle. Lift the opening above the waterline and, "glug, glug," water comes out until the waterline is above the bottle opening again, or the bottle is empty. Same principle at work. The bottle opening can be extended with a leak proof hose to locate remotely, as long as the vacuum isn't broken and the bottle remains above the waterline.

 

[buzzojones]

Ah yeah - gotcha. My dog watering bowl has the same principal I see.

 

[buzzojones]

Anyone know of any product that can be used to mount optical water level sensors to a rimmed tank? The rim gets in the way of the mounting and it's driving me bonkers. I don't have a sump so I can't do it there.

Would I be able to get a HOB overflow but cap the tubing at the bottom and put the sensor there? I only have a 30 gal tank.

I have a rimmed tank and use the Tunze Osmolator 3. They modified the outer magnet to allow for it to sit very close to the top. I have maybe a half inch between the top of the water and the bottom of the rim.

How high is your water? Mine is above the black portion. Maybe I will let it go a little bit below and cover w electrical tape on the glass

 

[Sophie"s mom]

How high is your water? Mine is above the black portion. Maybe I will let it go a little bit below and cover w electrical tape on the glass

There is about a 1/2" gap between the top of the water, and the bottom of the rim. I have gotten used to it. It really doesn't bother me.

 

[Dom]

How do you control that? Solenoid valve on the drain from reservoir or something?

 

[exnisstech]

Cheapo unit I got at Amazon that works great. I could run it higher but that level works for my diy surface skimmer

I've read some don't like too much surface movement but this one works fine.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

How much head pressure/ reservoir water surface height above the valve do you have on this?