DIY Gravity-Fed ATO

In the winter months get about 1/2g evaporation per day in my 29gallong DT(sump not built yet). I will be adding an 11g sump with a 5g gravity-fed ATO.

To do this project I will need:
-5g bucket
-solenoid valve
-1/8" air tubing
-float switch

I have the 5g bucket I can use, as well as some air tubing. I assume I could obtain the solenoid valve from Lowe's.

I am not sure about the float switch. I have found several that will work, but most require drilling the tank(3/16" glass). I also do not have a lt of room to work with. The return section in my 11g sump wil be 5" W X 7" L X 6" H and I need to be able fit fit my Mag Drive7 pump in their along with a float switch.

Amazon.com: Water Liquid Level Float Switch Sensor: Kitchen & Dining

I think this may work, but are there any that don't cost so much?
Amazon.com: Eshopps Float Valve: Home & Garden

 

Are you looking for a float switch or float valve?

 

Sorry. I was looking at both; I guess I want the switch. The switch will take up less space, as well as money. lol.

How do these attach to the tank? Do I need to make a bracket?

 

You could make a nice looking bracket out of acrylic like this ATO set up. Or you could always make something out of stuff you have laying around like I did. Plastic coat hanger, zip ties, plastic bottle and a suction cup from some piece of equipment.

 

Seano,

if you are doing a gravity fed, get the valve. less to fail. I had one on my 75 and it provided 4 years of flawless performance. they are only about $12. this way you dont have to worry about an electronic malfunction.

 

I don't have much room in my rerun section. Can you recommend a float valve that might work for me?

 

I don't want to be negative here, but I have to make the same decision, whether to do a DIY ATO. In the end, I realized that it was too important of an item to risk a DIY vs buying a unit, and I do a lot of DIY. For me, there was not enough of a price difference between the two to justify the risks. Those risks range from getting a little water on the floor, to decimating the tank. The $20 dollar difference wasn't worth it, to me. In doing your ATO, make sure it is at least as good, if not better than a pre-packaged solution. Be careful using the cheapest priced materials that you can find, they may not be the best. Just looking out for ya.