What ATO to get?

[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

[nassar0505]

I've got the JbJ system its super simple and works great. I've had it up for about year and a half with no problems.

Plus its has a couple different modes and ways you can set it up, for fail safe type scenarios for flooding/pump protection etc.

[spiderman097]

I built mine and i love it

[gmpolan]

JBJ or the tunze osmo...

[HiImSean]

+1 for jbj here

[bruce 1]

Tunze the best out there.

[Crewdawg1981]

tunze

[sts04c]

Osmolator for sure

[nimrod107]

Have had the JBJ for a year and half, hasn't failed me yet. Simple but works.

[Edulover]

Thanks for the info....what about with the apex?

[nimrod107]

A little confused. Even with the APEX, the JBJ is it's own unit so you can still use it with or without the APEX.

[cbj25]

the only reason i can think of to hook up a jbj to your apex is if you only want to top off at certain times during the day. I currently run a jbj but am looking to upgrade to an tunze bc i have had a float valve failure with it, luckily i caught it quickly

[JayU]

What's wrong with the DIY top off?

[JeF4y]

I had the AutoTopoff.com dual sensor unit stand-alone until I got my apex. Then I hacked it apart and use one float switch to a BOB on the Apex. Been running that way for a couple years now with no issues. It's quite nice to shut off the ATO when it runs out of water at 3:00am from my bed vice having to get up to do it.

[jhutto]

autotopoff.com for me for about 6 years and no problem. I used aqua lifter pump and it is also on a timer twice a day for fail safe. It tops off tank twice a day from the water tank that is filled from the RO DI with a float switch.

[eagle9252]

get the one that i used on my 75. pm sent

[RealFish]

If you have the time, set it up through your Apex. You will need a breakout box, two float switches and a pump. You can use the float switches from autotopoff.com and I would recommend the aqualifter for your pump. The resevoir you list should be fine.

I would imagine the Apex unofficial user guide would have the coding already written for you.

[JeF4y]

Originally Posted by RealFish

If you have the time, set it up through your Apex. You will need a breakout box, two float switches and a pump.

Why 2 switches?

[Edulover]

Originally Posted by JayU

What's wrong with the DIY top off?

I'm not the do-it-yourself type....especially when it mentions saltering. Plus, I don't have any equipment to do that type of work.

Edit:

Originally Posted by RealFish

If you have the time, set it up through your Apex. You will need a breakout box, two float switches and a pump. You can use the float switches from autotopoff.com and I would recommend the aqualifter for your pump. The resevoir you list should be fine.

I would imagine the Apex unofficial user guide would have the coding already written for you.

That's what I was thinking but when I was reading the threads on reef central it seemed complicated and I got confusing info about needing the breakout box or not.

Edit:

Originally Posted by eagle9252

get the one that i used on my 75. pm sent

I'll give you a call in a few

[JayU]

I have the breakout box for my apex and ato. No soldering required. Actually one of the easier installs for my tank. Not sure, but it may even be a cheaper route. I think you should look into it.

Edit: The unofficial guide shows how to do it by making your own BB. THAT does require soldering. But if you get the BB from apex, it's basically plug and play. (for the most part).