Top Off Units?

[Squado]

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]

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]

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]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium...ic_top_off_water_level_controller.asp?CartId=

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

 

[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.

 

[two11devan]

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

 

[Sadielynn]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[MarineFlake]

Aqua Medic SP 3000 Niveaumat is less than $90.00. I bought it and had problems with the float being too sensitive, it would cause the motor to stutter and stay on which came close to over flowing my sump. I resolved the issue with a cheap timer set for 1 hour intervals four times a day. For the money and the very basic setup of the device I would recommend it. It only does about 3/4GPH but it keeps up with my 75G just fine. Was the best money I have spent in this hobby to date. I just fill up the bucket twice a week and no worries.

Peace.