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I hate my ATO

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by rockinsmall, Dec 14, 2010.

  1. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    I am not the most handy gal on the face of the Earth, but I set up my ATO again about 2 weeks ago. The darn thing always seems to get clogged. Before when i was running it, i had kalk dripping in the way. Yes, it got clogged then too, but i figured if i stopped adding the calcium that would help it to not clog up. This is not the case. The darn thing barely goes 2-3 days without failing. Maybe i have a crappy valve thingy? i don't know? Maybe this is common?  Do you guys struggle to keep your little doser valve thingy from clogging? I dunno what it is, but it just stops dripping.  I am so frustrated!
     
  2. vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

    734
    Cedar Falls
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    I don't dose, just top off with RO. The one and only problem I have is that I need to periodically clean the float switch to insure it has freedom of movement. I use the autotopoff.com ato with a maxi-jet. Works great.
     
  3. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    My ato is gravity fed from a lil 8 gallon tank that sits above sump level. The float switch is inside the sump and someplace inside there it must be clogging up. I would like to know how to better prevent this from happening nearly every couple days.
     
  4. vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

    734
    Cedar Falls
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    Is this just RO or is there kalk water involved?
     
  5. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    ro
     
  6. Gered

    Gered Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Pump fed ATO? That is my only solution hahaha! I love my Tunze ATO but I didn't like the price at first.
     
  7. Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    +5 / 0 / -0
    If your just dosing RO water what is clogging it up???
     
  8. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    i dunno, i think the salt might be doing it.. i wish i knew....
     
  9. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    Well, I am not sure what to tell you. First I need to know brand of ATO you have. I also have no idea what a little valve thingy is but a picture would help.

    Either way I would recommend taking the float switch out of your sump and scrubbing it down good. I have gotten a lot of tube worms in mine before that blocked the float from moving up and down.

    I would also consider replacing the ice maker tubing...maybe it is clogged from the kalk still.

    Also this gravity feed.....I am stretching here but possibly there is not enough pressure to push the water from the 8 gallon to the sump consistently. Yes I know we are talking gravity but sometimes an air bubble in the ice maker tubing is all it takes to fight gravity. As I said I am stretching my ATO is fed straight from my RODI unit so there is pressure all the time.....lots of it.



    Also, if you take apart your float valve, make sure you put the float part back in correctly. I put mine in upside down and it topped off when the water level got too high instead of too low.
     
  10. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    This is the valve thingy, as i call it =)

    http://www.marinedepot.com/Eshopps_Float_Valve_Auto_Top_Gravity_Feed_Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off-Eshopps-QH03531-FIDPGT-vi.html


    And, i have tried to take it apart to scrub it, but try as i may, it wont come loose. Maybe i am unscrewing the wrong thing? I will have to mess with it more.
     
  11. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +19 / 0 / -0
    Can you adjust the angle of the float valve? On mine, I can adjust it so the end of the float is the only thing touching the water so that no saltwater touches where the RO/DI comes out. This would help it to stop plugging up.
     
  12. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    If you used kalk or soda ash at one time, you're probably just dealing with residual build up. I would try taking the float valve off and cleaning it with vinegar or muratic acid...or just replacing the float valve.
    --AJ
     
  13. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    Yeah take apart that float valve as much as possible. Soak it overnight. Poke it with some wire, brushes whatever. Replace the white tubing and I would bet you are good to go. If that all fails, a replacement float is very affordable. They are sold at BRS for super cheap.....
     
  14. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    Fabulous! I will try and do this tomorrow! Thanks guys!
     
  15. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    also... as far as the tubing goes... can i just replace it with any airline tubing or is it a special type?
     
  16. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    This is what I use: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/1-4-mur-lok-polyethylene-ro-tubing.html
     
  17. awinstead

    awinstead

    76
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0


    I got the exact same setup doing the same thing as you.  Mine has clogged on me a few times in the last month.  The stopper in the valve gets stuck, does not fall down as the float lowers during evaporation.  I blow a little air in there each time I replace the water, seems to help keep it from sticking.
     
  18. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    Perhaps this issue is somewhat more specific to this product?
    Is there a chance that a different one would be better?
     
  19. vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

    734
    Cedar Falls
    Ratings:
    +8 / 0 / -0
    http://www.autotopoff.com/products/SS1/
     
  20. rockinsmall

    rockinsmall Inactive User

    646
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    +0 / 0 / -0
    so, the one from that website, would i have to buy additional parts or anything to get it working? or is that all i would need?
     

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