Help - repeatedly broken ATO float valve for Red Sea Reefer 170

[Orm Embar]

I'm looking for help in how to fix my Red Sea Reefer 170 ATO float valve. It's worked fine, except for the 2 times where the hollow screw-in plastic cone that goes from where the float valve itself anchors to the flexible plastic tubing coming off of the ATO reservoir meet. The plastic is brittle enough that it's snapped in the past (crazy glue fix), so I replaced it with another one from Red Sea who replaced it as the tank was under warranty.

Now, the replacement piece has also snapped, and I'm thinking that this is a design problem where it will keep breaking on me in the long run.

Do other companies make replacement float valves? How good are they? Are there better options? I'm looking for simple and reliable rather than something fancy/electronic (unless electronic is that much better).

Thanks in advance!

 

[cmcoker]

Have a picture? Not sure which piece is breaking on you..

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

If you are having that much of an issue with that product then electronic might be better!

Check out @Bulk Reef Supply .Im sure they have a replacement that would suit your needs

 

[Orm Embar]

 

[Orm Embar]

Now I'm wondering if I can just go to Home Depot and get a replacement adaptor (in bulk!) . . .

 

[Tastee]

If you are describing the clear acrylic screw that connects the float to the inlet line mount, then I snapped that myself on my RSR 250. I asked Red Sea what sizes it was but as they buy them as an assembly they were not able to tell me. To me it looked like a Metric 3x6 (M3x6) however so I ordered a packet of 20 of them for A$2 delivered.

Bingo, perfect fit.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/M3-M4-M...var=572271188552&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[AZMSGT]

Metric fittings in our Red Sea tanks mean that most US stores won’t have parts. I hate to say it but online is your best bet.

 

[Pete_the_Puma]

I think the cheap ATO solution that comes with the reefer series is prone to failures. It seems like many people (me included) upgrade this to a “proper” ATO. I use the Tunze osmolator with the same Fresh water reservoir. No way I want my salinity fluctuating or sump overflowing...

 

[Orm Embar]

If you are describing the clear acrylic screw that connects the float to the inlet line mount, then I snapped that myself on my RSR 250. I asked Red Sea what sizes it was but as they buy them as an assembly they were not able to tell me. To me it looked like a Metric 3x6 (M3x6) however so I ordered a packet of 20 of them for A$2 delivered.

Bingo, perfect fit.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/M3-M4-M5-M6-Clear-Acrylic-Pan-Head-Phillips-Screws-Bolts-Machine-Screws/273031709266?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=572271188552&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Thanks! I didn't even think about the possibility that the fittings were metric . . . why can't everyone pick one system?! Preferably metric tbh . . .

 

[Orm Embar]

If you are describing the clear acrylic screw that connects the float to the inlet line mount, then I snapped that myself on my RSR 250. I asked Red Sea what sizes it was but as they buy them as an assembly they were not able to tell me. To me it looked like a Metric 3x6 (M3x6) however so I ordered a packet of 20 of them for A$2 delivered.

Bingo, perfect fit.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/M3-M4-M5-M6-Clear-Acrylic-Pan-Head-Phillips-Screws-Bolts-Machine-Screws/273031709266?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=572271188552&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Actually, I need the (what I thought was) 3/8" male to barb adaptor piece