ATO question

yogoshio

yogoshio

New member
So I need an ATO, cause I can't be gone for more then 8 hours without significant salinity changes. It seems the best bang for your buck is the jbj model with whatever small pump. Any other suggestions? I'm not looking to break the bank, but I also don't want to get screwed, and am just not handy enough for DIY. Thanks all in advance!
 
You can just drip the water instead of buying an ATO if you want to save. I did that when I had my 75 gallons tank I drip a gallon of water for the day just to replace the evaporation. IMO
 
The JBJ isn't much more than a packaged DIY topoff kit anyway.

Easiest in your case as it sounds like you are having serious evaporation issues is to look into the cause of evaporation before spending any money. You could just have to much water splashing around where it shouldn't be. Or possibly a small leak you aren't even aware of. After figuring out if this is the case, you also should make sure you aren't getting salt creep which will further affect your salinity issues.

There isn't much to a DIY system to be afraid of. The simplest can be made from 3 parts and only takes a little math to work properly. The parts are a quality 3-prong digital timer, aqua lifter aw-20, and some aquarium tubing. You just need to figure how much water you evaporate in a day, time how long it takes the aqua lifter to pump that much water, and split that time up over how many times you want the tank to be topped off thru out the day. No messing with glitchy float switches, and about 1/4 the cost of the JBJ kit.
 
FishBeard said:
The JBJ isn't much more than a packaged DIY topoff kit anyway.

Easiest in your case as it sounds like you are having serious evaporation issues is to look into the cause of evaporation before spending any money. You could just have to much water splashing around where it shouldn't be. Or possibly a small leak you aren't even aware of. After figuring out if this is the case, you also should make sure you aren't getting salt creep which will further affect your salinity issues.

There isn't much to a DIY system to be afraid of. The simplest can be made from 3 parts and only takes a little math to work properly. The parts are a quality 3-prong digital timer, aqua lifter aw-20, and some aquarium tubing. You just need to figure how much water you evaporate in a day, time how long it takes the aqua lifter to pump that much water, and split that time up over how many times you want the tank to be topped off thru out the day. No messing with glitchy float switches, and about 1/4 the cost of the JBJ kit.
Click to expand...

+1 If you have a controller it gets better :rock: Over $70 you can buy a used RKL which will be your best investment in IMO. But will take time to find.
 
I don't have a controller no. And trust me every single "simple" diy ends in disaster for me lol. Chicagophil, how old is it? I'm interested if its not too old. And you mentioned the resevoir but shipping on tbat must be crazy lol
 
I've heard good reviews about the jbj. Almost bought one but decided to add a few more bucks and bought a controller instead.
 
My salt levels are normal when I stay on top of it and no salt creep other than normal, so no leaks as far as I can see. And what's the difference with pressure versus float?
 
the floats have to be cleaned once in awhile so they don't malfunction. also sometime snails can get on the floats and mess with them and then they get stuck. the pressure tube is basically put on top of your tank with a magnet and adjusted by lowering the tube to your liking. You can google it or go on their website. had very good reviews on it. i just use a 5 gallon bucket, some tubing and an aqualifter pump.
 
I have a diy ato with two Ebay floats in a diy snail gaurd. Its been a couple years now and I have no problems with it. I check and clean the floats with vinegar annually. But they always look clean. No glitching here. mayeb I should come out and sell some ato or trade for them. Its a must have, that and a temp controller of some type.

Skunkmere
 
SpectraPure® LiterMeter 3 Top-off Control Module (LM3-TCM)

Is this thing any good? It seems like it can handle what I need.

I'm not against the JBJ but I want to see all my options.
 
no. you just plug into outlet and plug your pump into that. when water gets low, it turns pump on and water is dripped into tank or sump.
 
yes. it is basically a switch that turns your pump on and off when level gets low. you can usually get the aqualifter pump between 10 to 15 bucks. it is the pump that is used mostly with them. I think PA has them the cheapest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top