Made my ATO with an Eshopps float valve and quick connect nozzle from J&L and a trash basket + garden hose "bulkhead" from Walmart. Sealed the bulkhead with RTV sealant and after letting it cure I had a grand total of a day to set it to the right level and test for leaks before I left for a week to Fort St. John.
The water level in the final baffle drops about a gallon when the skimmer turns on during the night cycle and if I put the float at the standard "good" level it causes it to over-fill during the night so I put the float about 1" lower than what the optimal amount is. Had the neighbours feed the fish and top up the ATO bucket while I was gone. I can happily say that it worked perfectly! I think it cost $30-$40 to make and holds 20Gal of top-up if necessary. All the critters are alive and well including a handful of new additions from the day before I left.
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