Looking for ATO under $50

[dym]

Hello, does anyone know of a budget ATO system that can work for a 125 gallon tank?

 

[exnisstech]

I run one of these $40 units but it doesn't have a high level sensor.

I also have one of these Kamoer units that has a high level sensor. They can be found on aliexpress cheaper but I imagine the warranty buying there is non existent but don't know for sure. I have an order tuze as well but the pump is very noisy on that one so I keep it as a backup.

 

[edd59]

manual float swith in sump with a 5 gallon bucket higher up. never fail

 

[BriDroid]

I run one of these $40 units but it doesn't have a high level sensor.

I also have one of these Kamoer units that has a high level sensor. They can be found on aliexpress cheaper but I imagine the warranty buying there is non existent but don't know for sure. I have an order tuze as well but the pump is very noisy on that one so I keep it as a backup.

I used something similar for the first 9 months until I got my Hydros. It worked fine.

 

[Dom]

Hello, does anyone know of a budget ATO system that can work for a 125 gallon tank?

Build your own gravity-fed system. Here are the parts:

Reservoir: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Encore-Plastics-5-Gallon-General-Bucket/3083565 $4.58

Float Valve: https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/eshopps-float-valve-auto-top-off.html $34.95

Tubing: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-clear-acrylic-tube-16-long.html $2.99

Bulkhead for bucket: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-...html?queryID=0a1aaf79eff4982f9a7b05e1ac11dfe1 $4.99

Grand Total: $47.51

I have this exact setup, except that I tap directly in to my 40 gallon Reservoir.

 

[dym]

I run one of these $40 units but it doesn't have a high level sensor.

I also have one of these Kamoer units that has a high level sensor. They can be found on aliexpress cheaper but I imagine the warranty buying there is non existent but don't know for sure. I have an order tuze as well but the pump is very noisy on that one so I keep it as a backup.

may i ask how long you've had it theres some mixed reviews

 

[dym]

Build your own gravity-fed system. Here are the parts:

Reservoir: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Encore-Plastics-5-Gallon-General-Bucket/3083565 $4.58

Float Valve: https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/eshopps-float-valve-auto-top-off.html $34.95

Tubing: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-clear-acrylic-tube-16-long.html $2.99

Bulkhead for bucket: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-...html?queryID=0a1aaf79eff4982f9a7b05e1ac11dfe1 $4.99

Grand Total: $47.51

I have this exact setup, except that I tap directly in to my 40 gallon Reservoir.

tysm. Do you know if i need a sump for that? i dont have one yet

 

[exnisstech]

tysm. Do you know if i need a sump for that? i dont have one yet

The cheap one has been running a year. The kamoer only about 6 months but just a few minutes ago it started setting a false high level alarm but don't know yet if the sensor is dirty or failing so maybe pass on that one?

EDIT: Not sure if you have a sump or not but I have the $40 unit in a 40g breeder with the sensor mounted in the tank and it does fine.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Im a frugal reefer but I won’t skimp out on a quality dependable ATO. I use a Tunze Osmolator on my nano.

 

[dilligaf2929]

I use this 2 years and still going strong

https://a.co/d/0cBnNJlN

 

[Dom]

tysm. Do you know if i need a sump for that? i dont have one yet

I have a sump. I suppose you could install the float in the tank.

 

[Dom]

Im a frugal reefer but I won’t skimp out on a quality dependable ATO. I use a Tunze Osmolator on my nano.

Nothing more dependable than gravity!

 

[edd59]

you can use the manual float in the tank but the resevore has to be higher than the tank