Looking for ATO recommendation

[Ok_cowboy1]

I am new to the hobby and looking for a good inexpensive ATO for my 65 gallon aquarium. Does anyone have any recommendations they would like to share?

 

[ndrwater]

Tunze 3155

A word of advice, an ATO isn't something I would look to cut corners with. Too many disastrous possibilities with an ATO failure.
I use a Tunze 3155 because they work. Plain and simple. Close to bullet proof as you can get.
If $ is the issue, look for a used one, or, not too far out are black Friday deals. I think I saved $30 on mine from BRS if memory serves.

 

[stevo01]

Not inexpensive, but it's complete aside from a water line.

Your Choice Aquatics Small Auto Top-Off (ATO) Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DOGOEAI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_HgGWxb2DRF7AW

 

[MaddyP]

Avast Marine gets my vote. No moving parts to get stuck and mounting included. I have 3 running currently without any issues.

 

[Anthony Wood]

I used a JBj for the longest time before I got a controller to take care of it. Whatever you get just make sure you know if there's a shutoff delay. Also how long the ATO will stay on before it puts itself into a safe mode most have so that off the ATO reservoir is empty the pump doesn't burn out. Match the pump output in your reservoir accordingly. Unless the return section in your sump is huge which it shouldn't be Ive always used a toms aqualifter pump. It's output will be more then enough for 90% of the ATO's out there. It's cheap, reliable, easy to find a place in the stand (mine hangs off the rim of the sump), won't burn out if your reservoir runs out of water and won't back siphon say if the output tube of the pump accidentally falls into the sump.

 

[tvu]

I use JBJ ATO with aqualifter on all 3 of my tanks. The floats will die over time but you can easily replace them with generics that do the same. The safe mode gives me piece of mind. Been using this combo forever.

 

[cmcoker]

I use an avast ATO with an aqualifter pump on 2 tanks. No maintenance, have had no problems.

 

[steve&mari]

I use the tunze 3155 also love it worth every penny. You can find em used as we did to save been a top ato for years of proven use.

 

[zeeGGee]

I'm using Hydor Smart Level...no issues so far.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Spectrapure UPLC-II. Similar to the Tunze but more reliable and with more adjustability and levels of safety. Download the owners manual from their website and read all about it, I think you will be sold as I was 9 trouble free years ago. In 9 years I have replaced exactly one silicone peristaltic tube which is the only wear item with a 5 year suggested lifespan.

 

[Salty1962]

Not inexpensive, but it's complete aside from a water line.

Your Choice Aquatics Small Auto Top-Off (ATO) Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DOGOEAI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_HgGWxb2DRF7AW

+1 on the Smart, I use the Micro and it's spot on.

 

[cromag27]

I love the hydor smart level paired with a spectrapure peristaltic pump.

 

[joro]

Another vote for Avast Marine's ATO, has worked beautifully for me. :)

 

[Nibejeebies]

I use the Aquahub dyi ato with a $12 200gph pump I got from Harbor Freight and a 6 gallon slim profile container for Walmart. All in all I believe I have around $60 in my ato with the satisfaction of doing it myself. $75 if you count the beer I drank after the install :cool:

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

 

[stevo01]

+1 on the Smart, I sue the Micro and it's spot on.

Nice, someone else that is dyslexic. It's nice when you see your not the only one :)

 

[uncle luke]

Float switch from autotopoff.com and this paraslaltic pump…

http://spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-ADD-ONS/LiterMeter®-III-Remote-Pump-Module

No back or front siphon. That front siphon on my tank from the ato was giving me nightmares until i bought the spectra pure pump. Rock solid product

 

[Double J]

I use the smart ato micro http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart...utoaqua.html?gclid=CLCjr4ry_84CFVUvgQode6sKbA I like the small sensor, no moving parts to get stuck and has enough head pressure to pump from my water container up to the tank ( no sump ). have had it 4-5 months no issues. My tank is 50 gallons, they do make a larger model also.

 

[willthethrill]

I've used the jbj in the past and now have the tunze osmolator (3155). The jbj is a good unit but like was previously said you have to keep an eye on the floats because over time they will need to be constantly cleaned and/or replaced. There were times by sheer luck I caught a float stuck and had to flick it with my finger for it to unstick. The tunze on the other hand has a sensor that monitors the water level. Even if that goes bad, there's a secondary float switch that will trip an audible alarm. Even if THAT goes bad the pump turns itself off after a certain amount of time so the whole reservoir doesn't completely drain. You can even adjust the flow rate of the pump so it tops off real slow. Less water in that same amount of time. So there's a reason the tunze costs more, there will be peace of mind.

 

[gotwins86]

I use the smart ato micro http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart...utoaqua.html?gclid=CLCjr4ry_84CFVUvgQode6sKbA I like the small sensor, no moving parts to get stuck and has enough head pressure to pump from my water container up to the tank ( no sump ). have had it 4-5 months no issues. My tank is 50 gallons, they do make a larger model also.

+1. I've had mine for about 9 months now. Has worked flawlessly.