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Ato
- Thread starter AJ1080
- Start date
I'm using the ATO.com with an aqua-lifter pump. Works great.
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/DS1/index.htm
http://www.marinedepot.com/Tom_Aqua...flow_Boxes-Tom_Aquatics-OE1137-FIOFOA-vi.html
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/DS1/index.htm
http://www.marinedepot.com/Tom_Aqua...flow_Boxes-Tom_Aquatics-OE1137-FIOFOA-vi.html
howze01
NJRC Member
We have the JBJ one on all our tanks. Easy to setup and use. If you're just pumping from the ATO reservoir into your sump pretty much any pump will do, I'm using a little maxijet for mine. If it has any head pressure, say it goes into the tank or up from the basement, a bit stronger pump is needed. The JBJ ones are a bit more expensive but I like the controller.
I'm with jim and sunny on this.
The tunze osmolator is expensive but worth every dime in my opinion. It's the one piece of equipment i've had over the years that has worked flawlessly. Plus the service Tunze offers is great.
The osmolator comes with:
controller to monitor whether the water level is ok (green)
the water is being added in (yellow)
the pump is not functioning (red)
the controller is connected to an optical eye that charts the water level. If the eye somehow gets dirty and does not register, there are two failsafes, 1) the controller shuts down after 5 minutes of pumping. 2) there is a float valve - so if your pump keeps going for 5 minutes, and the water level exceeds the valve - it will shut power and emit a high pitched alarm.
it also comes with the pump (which you can purchase separately if your pump goes out after a few years)
it also comes with the black hose to connect pump to whereever you want to flow the water to (the sump, overflow box etc.).
i believe the new version comes with a magnet to hold the sensors - but not 100% sure.
The tunze osmolator is expensive but worth every dime in my opinion. It's the one piece of equipment i've had over the years that has worked flawlessly. Plus the service Tunze offers is great.
The osmolator comes with:
controller to monitor whether the water level is ok (green)
the water is being added in (yellow)
the pump is not functioning (red)
the controller is connected to an optical eye that charts the water level. If the eye somehow gets dirty and does not register, there are two failsafes, 1) the controller shuts down after 5 minutes of pumping. 2) there is a float valve - so if your pump keeps going for 5 minutes, and the water level exceeds the valve - it will shut power and emit a high pitched alarm.
it also comes with the pump (which you can purchase separately if your pump goes out after a few years)
it also comes with the black hose to connect pump to whereever you want to flow the water to (the sump, overflow box etc.).
i believe the new version comes with a magnet to hold the sensors - but not 100% sure.
Got it and LOVE IT!!!!
Tunze Osmo is a really good one (I use it) because it comes with everything (including the pump) and is very reliable. The newer models use an optical sensor instead of a float switch and as long as you clean them every couple months they are very accurate. Also, the newer ones have a magnet system to mount the sensor.
JBJ ATO is good also, it just doesn't come with a pump. This one works by plugging your pump into the controller unit, and the float sensors dictate when the outlet gives power to the pump. Most people that use these buy the Aqua Lifter pump (very cheap and perfect for small volumes) or a small maxi-jet works fine too. There is a built-in run-stop feature with these though. It's good to prevent over filling if a float gets stuck, but bad if the timer simply runs out when it doesn't need to stop. This feature requires a manual reset which leaves your ATO out of commision if/when it goes off. The float sensors get mounted by plastic brackets and screws, which can be somewhat confusing to some people when hooking it up.
Another great alternative is the Avast Marine ATO kit. This one works sort of like the JBJ (where you plug your pump into the controller) but the level sensor is actually a pressure sensor instead of a float valve. Float valves have a tendency of getting stuck by snails, salt creep, etc. holding them open. That could result in overflowing your sump with RO/DI water if the float valve doesn't shut the pump off. The one by Avast has no moving parts to get stuck and it's very reliable. I use one of these to stop my skimmer if my skimmate container gets near full and it's never failed me yet. This unit also uses a magnet system to mount the pressure sensor... and it's VERY STRONG! Again, using an aqualifter or a maxijet works great with this.
JBJ ATO is good also, it just doesn't come with a pump. This one works by plugging your pump into the controller unit, and the float sensors dictate when the outlet gives power to the pump. Most people that use these buy the Aqua Lifter pump (very cheap and perfect for small volumes) or a small maxi-jet works fine too. There is a built-in run-stop feature with these though. It's good to prevent over filling if a float gets stuck, but bad if the timer simply runs out when it doesn't need to stop. This feature requires a manual reset which leaves your ATO out of commision if/when it goes off. The float sensors get mounted by plastic brackets and screws, which can be somewhat confusing to some people when hooking it up.
Another great alternative is the Avast Marine ATO kit. This one works sort of like the JBJ (where you plug your pump into the controller) but the level sensor is actually a pressure sensor instead of a float valve. Float valves have a tendency of getting stuck by snails, salt creep, etc. holding them open. That could result in overflowing your sump with RO/DI water if the float valve doesn't shut the pump off. The one by Avast has no moving parts to get stuck and it's very reliable. I use one of these to stop my skimmer if my skimmate container gets near full and it's never failed me yet. This unit also uses a magnet system to mount the pressure sensor... and it's VERY STRONG! Again, using an aqualifter or a maxijet works great with this.
Have the Tunze osmolator, they actually recommend a bigger unit for my size sump and system, but I still use it and absolutely love it. It works flawlessly. Optic sensor, magnet mounts and fail safe backups. If I didn't have the tunze, I would do the avast system.
if you are handy and on a budget this might be up your alley. They give you all the parts just need to assemble it your self.
Two kits $40 and $50.
http://www.aquahub.com/store/diygaquarium.html
Two kits $40 and $50.
http://www.aquahub.com/store/diygaquarium.html
+1 on the Tunze. There is a design flaw though. When you power it off and then back on, the pump will run regardless of the water level. I confirmed this with Tunze, I believe they said it do to the sensor powering up. So during a blackout, pre generator. The power company was turning the lights on/off/on/off and the tunze pumped a lot of fresh water into my tank.
fatoldsun
NJRC Member
+12 or whatever it's up to. Got mine on RC a little under 1/2 price - did spring for the magnet mount tho. And the little pump brings water up from my basement (4' head + 4' linear) and through a Kalk reactor - no problemo...
Seeing all this has made me want to cry because now I am contemplating spending another 200 lol.
My ATO on my 65 is my ReefKeeper. I'm working on switching my 40B over from a JBJ to the RKL as well.