Top Off Units? - Aquarium Advice

Squado · 11-29-2006, 03:24 PM

I just finished setting up my sump and decided to add a top off unit. Do any of you guys know if their is a difference between any of the units and should I look for anything specific while buying one? I see their are a couple of different models on liveaquaria.com, should I get one of those or do you guys use different ones that are just as good? TIA...........

austinsdad · 11-29-2006, 03:34 PM

I use the JBJ Auto top-off and a maxijet 1200 in a 37g fw resorvoir mounted under my stand. I fill the reservoir about every 2 weeks. It fills my sump/fuge.

Can't compare it as I've never used anything else.

Squado · 11-29-2006, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the reply. Do I need anything else besides the ATO, the pump, and a container for water? When I was looking at some sites for the unit they mentioned something about a float switch. Does this come with the unit or do I have to buy this as well? TIA...........

austinsdad · 11-29-2006, 08:12 PM

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...er.asp?CartId=

Both float switches included. All I added was the container, submersible pump and vinyl hose.

**ellisz** · 11-29-2006, 10:04 PM

Nice unit but if you are a DIY'er, you can make one for a 1/4 of that price. 2 floats, a relay and an extension cord is what I have been using for over 3 years.

two11devan · 11-30-2006, 08:44 AM

I have been using the JBJ ATO for a few months with no problems. Wish I DIY'd though...much cheaper.

Sadielynn · 11-30-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellisz

Nice unit but if you are a DIY'er, you can make one for a 1/4 of that price. 2 floats, a relay and an extension cord is what I have been using for over 3 years.

El do you have pics of your system ATO

**ellisz** · 11-30-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

El do you have pics of your system ATO

I can get some. I forget to mention that I also use a DC power supply to keep from having a 110v source tied direct to the tank.

I use 2 floats that can be found on Ebay. I wired these in line to a cheap extension cord. I have a PH in the top off container that plugs into the extension cord. The relay is used to connect the 2 power sources. The float triggers the 9v power source to trigger the relay which turns on the PH in the top off tank.

ckmn101 · 11-30-2006, 10:18 PM

I too have had the JBJ ATO running for about 6 months. I had to modify the sensor cause a snail got in there and got it stuck on. Just hot glued a piece of plastic over the bottom.

ckmn101 · 11-30-2006, 10:19 PM

Oh yea and I drilled some holes in the piece of plastic

11-29-2006, 03:24 PM	#1
Squado Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 327 Images: 3	Top Off Units? I just finished setting up my sump and decided to add a top off unit. Do any of you guys know if their is a difference between any of the units and should I look for anything specific while buying one? I see their are a couple of different models on liveaquaria.com, should I get one of those or do you guys use different ones that are just as good? TIA...........

11-29-2006, 03:34 PM	#2
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 3,986 Images: 12	I use the JBJ Auto top-off and a maxijet 1200 in a 37g fw resorvoir mounted under my stand. I fill the reservoir about every 2 weeks. It fills my sump/fuge. Can't compare it as I've never used anything else. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

11-29-2006, 08:12 PM	#4
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 3,986 Images: 12	http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...er.asp?CartId= Both float switches included. All I added was the container, submersible pump and vinyl hose. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

11-29-2006, 10:04 PM	#5
ellisz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,672 Images: 9	Nice unit but if you are a DIY'er, you can make one for a 1/4 of that price. 2 floats, a relay and an extension cord is what I have been using for over 3 years. __________________ 180 gal Display, 100 gal basement sump, 33 gal refugium, 3x250 MH, 2x160 VHO actinics, zoos, some softies, LPS & lots of acros and other SPS. 100 gal prop tank plumbed into main system w/ 2x96 PC lights and 1x150 MH,

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11-29-2006, 06:56 PM	#3
Squado Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 327 Images: 3	Thanks for the reply. Do I need anything else besides the ATO, the pump, and a container for water? When I was looking at some sites for the unit they mentioned something about a float switch. Does this come with the unit or do I have to buy this as well? TIA...........

11-30-2006, 08:44 AM	#6
two11devan Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: California Posts: 501 Images: 10	I have been using the JBJ ATO for a few months with no problems. Wish I DIY'd though...much cheaper.

11-30-2006, 10:18 PM	#9
ckmn101 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Vienna, West Virginia Posts: 219 Images: 3	I too have had the JBJ ATO running for about 6 months. I had to modify the sensor cause a snail got in there and got it stuck on. Just hot glued a piece of plastic over the bottom.

11-30-2006, 10:19 PM	#10
ckmn101 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Vienna, West Virginia Posts: 219 Images: 3	Oh yea and I drilled some holes in the piece of plastic

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