ATO

[briedenauer]

Need help with ideas on an ATO. Looking to DIY. Any good ideas? Thanks for the help.

 

[sbash]

Although it requires a lot of vertical space, the easiest and cheapest way (which is the way I do it), is to use a reservoir above your sump and a float valve. I use a clear plastic bin, about 25 gallons, with float valves I got off eBay (about $1). My RO/DI goes directly into the reservoir tub (on a float valve), then I used another float valve as the bulkhead (much cheaper than a 1/4 tubing bulkhead), into the float valve which is mounted inside my sump.

 

[HardyG]

Autotopoff.com

 

[ReeferBob]

It isn't really worth a DIY for something like this when a JBJ is only $65.

 

[Diesel]

I've seen to much errors with DYI as the ATO float valve can get dirty from sponges or a small snail as result it won't shut 100%, I know the chance is slim but if it happens you got a problem.
Sometimes you see a good used going for less than $40.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

How much water do you want to hold/deliver?

I use a large reservoir made from 3 x 44 gallon Brute cans plumbed together, so it lasts for a month or so in my system. :)

 

[briedenauer]

Not totally sure. I'm pretty much new to all of it just have a father in law that knows a good bit. I looked into autotopoff.com and just don't know wat all is needed to purchase. I have a 65 gal tank.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I just used the Hydor ATO system with twin aqualifter pumps. No floats involved, and the sensor seems to be fairly tolerant of crud and scum.

 

[sbash]

There are some decent YouTube videos on how to DIY an ATO. Watch a few to get a feel for what you will need...

Basically, the float switch will trigger a relay and the relay will power an outlet (which has the pump connected to it). The relay will need an AC adapter of some sort (match it to the specs of the relay). The Aqualifter pumps (As ASPTF mentions) are both inexpensive and reliable. They just use 1/4" tubing (airline or ro/di type tubing). You will also need a mount for the float switch. You can likely source the parts from stuff lying around the house, ebay, amazon and your local hardware store...

It looks like the autotopoff.com 'single' or 'double' controller would work out of the box. Just add a pump.

 

[briedenauer]

Awesome thank yall for the responses. Much appreciated

 

[Sgt Jonny]

Here's the one I use...I love it...