Suggestions for an ATO

http://www.autotopoff.com/Solenoids/

I also use my float valves with one of these solenoids. It only allows water to be added if the power is applied to the solenoid. I run the solenoid for a couple hours a day, so that way if something bad would happen, there isnt a big flood.

 

I have been using the same one for 8 years. I am paranoid though, so I have two going on the same line in case one would happen to stick open

 

Issue I saw with the optical eye thing is what happens if that eye gets covered by say salt creep?

 

You shouldn't get creep on the sensor, it's salf contained so it would take a pretty unique situation to do that unlike devices that have mechanical movement that the salt creep can enter. Plus it's self cleaning to an extent. There is the float backup, but really you shouldn't have to worry.

 

Oh and just a note about the Tunze. I'm not sure if they all do this, but when I unplug it for when I do water changes and plug it back in it likes to run for about 30 seconds every time. It does this even if the water level is fine. So what I do is plug it back in and hold my finger over the output tube until the Tunze pump shuts off, which is about 15 seconds. After that it is fine.

 

Mine does the same, the JBJ does it too. I think the electronics are cycling when you power it down and back up.