New Auto Top Off

[MoneyPit]

I was so tired of topping off from a jug that I purchased this auto top off system. It has a double switch controller which is nice. So if the lower float fails to turn off the water the top float kicks in.(Hopefully) Plus I wasn't getting a proper skimming as water evaporated. I have about 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon of evaporation a day so this makes it so much easier. Another great thing about an ATO system is that I don't have salinity swings anymore. Sometimes I would have to add a gallon or two at a time when I used to top off manually. Working out of town 2-4 days a week I don't have to rely on anyone else to remember to do it either. What a great product an ATO is.Overall this setup cost around 90 bucks and I am very pleased.

And here it is installed. I purchased the in sump model to keep it hidden.

That's an Aqua Lifter Dosing Pump on top of the 5gal bucket. I got the pump on EBAY shipped to my door for less than 20 bucks. The bucket and lid came from Walmart.

Here I added a T connector. It is supposed to stop the reverse vacuum that is caused when the pump shuts off and the water in the bucket is lower than the tank. It isn't very effective though because the hose doesn't even touch the water in the sump.

 

[secretreefer]

interesting bro. is that a air pump tho?

 

[MoneyPit]

No it is a liquid pump. They market it as a dosing pump. Works great for me. :bigsmile:

 

[secretreefer]

cool.still haven't decided on an ATO yet. but i did get my Apex. bum deals tho cause the night after i synched it my computer shut down.:cry:

 

[BlazinNano]

That is the Tom Aqua Lifter pump. They work great. They are awesome because they have enough power to move the water but it is not a powerhead that supplies to much water.

 

[BlazinNano]

cool.still haven't decided on an ATO yet. but i did get my Apex. bum deals tho cause the night after i synched it my computer shut down.:cry:

ATO are one of these best things to have. My 5 gallon bucket will go a week. It might go longer but every sunday I just fill it up again. Never have to worry about it.

 

[MoneyPit]

^ exactly

 

[Glenn]

our local club is having a Group Buy from AvastMarine so I bought this ATO
AVAST Marine Works - Top-off Kit - Product Details
and will hook it up to my new build when I start it. (I also ordered their Build-it-Yourself Cacl Stirrer - I will play with this on my current tank :-) )
AVAST Marine Works - K1 Kalk Stirrer - Product Details

 

[MoneyPit]

That looks like a cool ATO. State of the art even. :smile: