ato or no ato

[Snaz]

If you build or buy be very carefull. There are lots of horror stories on nano-reef.com where ATO have killed the tanks.

A good one is invaluable I'm sure but if not built correctly a turbo snail can kill your reef.

[randallino]

Osmolater is the way to go...
If it runs for more than 5 minutes it shuts down. There's also a high water level alarm built in.
RC

[BCOrchidGuy]

I use a cheap gravity fed pond float, Kent makes one and I think similar is available from other places, it goes in your sump and total cost was under $30. I've been using the same one for years.

Douglas

[tgoeujon]

i definately want to get one but i dont understand how they work still, sometimes im just to dense i guess lol

[xtreme]

Originally Posted by tgoeujon

i definately want to get one but i dont understand how they work still, sometimes im just to dense i guess lol

As other people have said the osmolator is great. I picked one up a couple weeks ago and love it. As mentioned all you have to do is mount the optical sensor inside your sump at the height you want your water level. As soon as your level drops below the sensor it will turn the pump on and top up for you. This system is not for use directly with your ro/di. You need to have a reservoir full of top up water and the pump is placed in there. Currently I fill up my reservoir weekly, much better than having to top up daily. HTH

[randallino]

A float valve is much like the one in your toilet... when it drains it fills up again. The only problem is that they require regular cleaning, or they may become jammed and a overfill is a possibility.

My 2cents.

[Snaz]

Originally Posted by randallino

A float valve is much like the one in your toilet... when it drains it fills up again. The only problem is that they require regular cleaning, or they may become jammed and a overfill is a possibility.
.

Or a Turbosnail may lift the float and your water reserve drains into your tank. The sonic sensors are better.