Debating an ATO

So far, I just manually top off my water once every day or so. As you can imagine, this gets to be kind of a hassle. With that said, I am debating moving into the realm of an ATO. I'd like to gather some input in terms of brand of ATO and things to watch out for. autotopoff.com seems to have an ok kit, but I know there are dozens of others that may be just as good or better.

 

JBJ ATO = +1
Avast Marine Deluxe ATO = +2

 

How about a controller? I use my Reef Angel for ATO and have been very happy with it for a year now.

Otherwise I also use (2) Autotopoff.com kits for 2 of my other tanks. Just recently installed, but so far so good. Single float DIY kit, + Tom's Aqualifter, + simple mechanical timer. I set the timer to only be on for 15 minutes every 6 hours, so this protects from over pumping if the float was ever stuck.

 

I have an APEX. My understanding is that the ATO kits are basically the same cost and easier to set up than doing so with the full apex system.

 

I have a Reef Angel as mentioned, so I can't comment on the Apex. I do know the RA works right out of the box as an ATO. Just set your floats, setup your ATO reservoir, plug in your pump and you are good to go. I have since modified how it operates, but that was just a little programming.

 

I should probably read up on the manual for it. My biggest issue I think will be where to set a water container being that the system is in my "office/computer room" right next to the livingroom. I suppose I could make a small cabinet for it to sit in, but that's a lot of work for a bucket.

 

I set up my ATO using my Apex...piece of cake...and relatively cheap...assuming you have the break out box adaptor. if not, you need to get that, which is not too expensive. The float switches are cheap...I have 3 and spent probably 25 bucks on them total on amazon.

 

Here is how I accomplish this: I feed my DI line directly into a small Rubbermaid container (1/2 gallon) controlled with a float switch. Use the Tom's Aqualifter sitting on top of the container to pump it controlled through my Reef Angel, or through the DIY kit on my other tanks. It's all in if you are able to run a 1/4" tubing line to the stand. If you can, it makes it very, very easy.

 

I would have to attempt to run it from the kitchen to next to the tank... it's not that that can't be done, just that I would have some serious work associated with it. Eventually, we'll move to a nice, new home (perhaps even building it) and I'll have my own "fish room", which could contain the RO/DI unit itself making all of this much easier.

 

My Spectrapure UPLC-II ATO is probably the best investment I have made in my 100G reef in the past 9 years. No more carrying water from the garage every other day.