What ATO to get?

[RealFish]

Originally Posted by JeF4y

Why 2 switches?

Backup in case the first one gets stuck. Not required, but almost every commercial setup (JBJ, Reef Fanatic, Tunze) I have seen comes with two switches.

[SnowManSnow]

Osmolator

Edit:

Originally Posted by RealFish

Backup in case the first one gets stuck. Not required, but almost every commercial setup (JBJ, Reef Fanatic, Tunze) I have seen comes with two switches.

to my knowledge my osmolator doesn't have 2 switches...

been running it for YEARS with ABSOLUTELY NO issue and VERY VERY VERY little upkeep .

B

Edit:

Originally Posted by Edulover

I am going to be out of town for 5 days next month and will be needing a top off system for my tanks. For my display tank I have an apex controller. I'm not sure what top off I need to get that will work with the apex. I prefer not to do the DIY one. I am just going to use a green rubermaid tub for my reservoir. Should I go with autotopoff.com or AVAST? Will I need to purchase a breakout box? For my 20 gal long frag tank I don't have a controller so I will need a complete ATO system..what is the best way to go? JBJ? Input would be appreciated. This is confusing.

Eddie

With the Tunze there are no float switches to get stuck and it comes with everything you need. All you have to do is mount the "eye" put your pump in the ATO water and plug it it.

B

[RealFish]

The Tunze has two sensors


(1) The precise water level is ensured by a non-wearing optical sensor and a transistor switch without any moving parts. This sensor is insensitive to soiling, light or magnetic fields.

Its “automatic eye” recognises the water level precisely, even small waves or level variations cannot irritate the unit.

(2) An independent safety sensor with a separate power supply circuit and relay control ensures reliable overflow protection.

[alcatoe]

+1 for jbj.
I added a solenoid valve for redundancy. This only allows water flow when the solenoid valve is open.
I also added a float valve inside my sump for redundancy.

jbj powers the solenoid valve which plugs into the float valve.

You may think this is over kill with the redundancy but after 3 over flows and hearing it from the wife and all the headache with wet carpet, I think this is the best investment for under $50. I have used this setup for over a year with no issues. Total peace of mind.

http://autotopoff.com/solenoid/

[RealFish]

BTW, I love the Tunze and it is not as expensive as you think since it includes everything but a reservoir. I have had one running on my sons tank for more than three years without a single problem. I can't tell you how many times the reservoir has run dry and the pump will shut itself down before it overheats.

I have the old model. The new model with the magnets looks even better.

[BrianW]

Tunze is the best hands down! I love it! The primary sensor has no moving parts so not prone to fail due to salt creep etc...

[spankdog]

I just made my own ATO using float switches from autotopoff.com and an apex break out box. Very easy to do and all the instructions are right on the site. I used three float switches, the third is to tell if the sump is too full.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forum...ad.php?t=48301

[RacinRevo0818]

Jbj with aqualifter pump works great. Going to try the tunze on the seamax 250!!

[dme330i]

I've used the diy dual setups several times with good luck; however, the Tunze Osmolator is the best design I've seen/used.

[cbj25]

Originally Posted by alcatoe

+1 for jbj.
I added a solenoid valve for redundancy. This only allows water flow when the solenoid valve is open.
I also added a float valve inside my sump for redundancy.

jbj powers the solenoid valve which plugs into the float valve.

You may think this is over kill with the redundancy but after 3 over flows and hearing it from the wife and all the headache with wet carpet, I think this is the best investment for under $50. I have used this setup for over a year with no issues. Total peace of mind.

http://autotopoff.com/solenoid/

i like your style, sir, redundancy is the name of the game! seems like you are really trying to maximize the APEX's capabilities (not gathering this opinion from only this thread). When I get my second eb8 i might hit you up to see if you can help me with ideas