cheap ATO

A nice ATO is the JBJ ATO which you can usually get for about $50 on RC. Add another $10 for a new Aqualifter pump. Now, for that, you need to have your top off water (RO/DI storage container water level) within a couple of feet of your tank that you're topping off (probably your sump) or the Aqualifter will not have the head pressure to do the job. Another alternative is to use a MaxiJet as your top off pump.

If you use an Aqualifter pump, I would recommend using a pre-filter as these pumps can die quickly if you don't.

If you're looking for cheaper than that, you can always use a float valve and have it utilize gravity. Lots of ways to design auto top-offs.

My favorite option is the Level-Loc auto top-off. It's available from Bulk Reef Supply for about $100. You can connect it directly to your RO/DI unit. It utilizes a float valve for primary function, but then has a backup float switch that's connected to a solenoid so if it ever detects too much water in your tank, it turns off the water. Nice redundancy...but it comes at a price.

--AJ

 

Look into the JBJ ATO. Sounds like just what you're looking for. For the cost of some tubing, a pump (which you probably already have a spare MaxiJet laying around), and a used unit JBJ ATO unit, you can probably get set up for under $60. If it's anything like it is around my house, $60 is a small price to pay to keep your wife off your back about another fish tank thing...lol. You need to save those times for when you buy expensive stuff without telling her...lol. I'll keep my eye on the RC Buy/Sell for you and let you know if I see one.

Good luck with your shoulder. Hope it heals up well.

--AJ

 

i have a spare maxi jet 100 that you can use up can set up your 'bucket' on a tv tray just use a piece of tubing and run it in. let me know

 

time to find a cheap 20g tank at a yard sale and get a sump made up. You tank mates will enjoy the better water quality and increase of O2. This way an ATO will be very simple and you can use a plain float valve and gravity. $15 tops.

 

oh. btw, not a problem with the devils hand. it happens

 

The maxi i have is just what i used to use to pump water from my mix tank into a bucket. so it should be powerful enough for your purposes. its a small pump maxi 400 and i got it all wally world for like 35 or something. you are more than welcome to use it until you get things figured out and especially now with your shoulder.

my back is the reason i made my automatic water changer and ato system. i just couldn't lift buckets.. i can run down to davenport tomorrow. that would give me my AE fix for the weekend lol