DIY ATO, Anyone attempted this before?

[msjboy]

that's cool.... and I thought a cheap used medical peristaltic dosing pump was the solution.

might try this myself...

msjboy

[Cameron]

I thought about it before it decided pro
T to run 120v through a very small wire. Went with a jbj ago with a mj1200 pump and it's working great.

I have a float switch if you ate interested.

for a home made ATO you can buy 12VDC switches and sencors all you need to is buy and conect a 12VDC cord you no one from a thrift store for charging a cell phone. I found this out after buying a JBJ I will build one for my kids tank when I am ready. I have the parts.

Bill

[Nano]

yeah I wouldnt mind trying something like this but maybe with a float valve. I am just trying to see if anyone has any success/horror stories about them

[Reef Pilot]

Yes, that is pretty clever. I do my ATO directly from my RO/DI line using float valves. But if I was using a secondary reservoir, I might consider an idea like that.

The problem of how much water is left can easily be solved by adding an airline tube tapped in at the top and the bottom to serve as a sight gauge.

[Nano]

thats a really good Idea, like those big coffee pots haha

[MKLKT]

Picture of the one I made here:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...t=76662&page=2

[sphelps]

Have done and seen similar ones for nanos but I think the system presents some issues for larger tanks requiring more water. I think if you have the space for a float switch either mechanical or electric it's a way better option. A simple mechanical float can often be found locally for around $10, then you don't need the air tight container which will honestly become a pain to deal with 2+ more times a week.

[msjboy]

My Cusinart SS-700C single brew Kcup has a very nice auto top off and float valve mechanism... if one is at the store, have a look at the large blue reservoir where the mechanism is for ideas for a DIY that actually looks nice.
The new large Red Sea Max tanks also now incorporate an ATO built in on the side at the back.. kinda cool.

msjboy

[Nano]

neat thanks for the tips guys! I have lots of room in the top of my stand I might build a shelf to hold 5 gallons or RO and have it serve as the ATO to my sump