Auto Top Off Modification?

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DiscusnAfricans

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 9, 2009
22
17
33
Randallstown
I did a search and didn't find anything relevant in the first few pages of results, so wanted to ask a question. I also did some YouTube searching and couldn't find anything relevant in a reasonable period of time.

I have an Aqueon Pro Flex 4 Sump, and an Eshopps 10 gallon ATO with float valve kit.

The ATO is designed as a gravity fed system, so I'd have to elevate the reservoir outside of the stand.

Is there a way I can add a powerhead/pump and controller so that the water can be pumped into the sump when the float switch is activated? Main goal is just to be able to have the reservoir in the stand next to the sump. I'm ok with manually filling the ATO as needed, I have 2 RO/DI units, but the tank isn't located close enough to a water source to make a full setup practical.

I'm up for DIY to a point, but would need specifics on what I'd need and how to set it up. Just figured I'd see what DIY/cheap modifications might be possible before buying a secondary unit, and if that's the best way to go, what people recommend on a budget. Looked at the JBJ and Hydor units but would prefer to see what's available without spending another $80+.
 
My drawing skills are terrible, so I was glad to find a relevant diagram online. Picture below shows how what I have is designed to be set up.

ATO_gravity2.jpg

Below is what I'd like to have set up, just curious if I can do something without having to purchase a professional controller.

ATO_desired.png

Ideally I could have the pump on the existing outlet line, but I could go vertical if needed outside of the reservoir if needed.
 
What you are looking for is an Auto top off sensor and controller.
There are lots to choose from this is just the first page that came up.

www.marinedepot.com

Aquarium Auto Top Off Reservoirs

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks
www.marinedepot.com www.marinedepot.com
Edit: just saw where you were looking for a DIY option. Sorry
Unless you are handy with electronic circuits, I would just bite the bullet and purchase.
 
Thanks. I'm getting better with plumbing, but I'd be pushing it diving into electrical. What do people recommend for a mid-range solution? Easy to try something cheap and see if it works, but I usually go mid-range and hope it holds up long enough to recoup its value.
 
Personally wouldn't trust a DIY'-wired ATO. Seems very risky to me and the $$ savings wouldn't be worth it for the risk.
I did a ton of research on ATOs earlier this year before I bought mine. I got a Tunze osmolator (full size not the nano) after lots of reading and comparing.

The tunze has a good visual sensor and backup float as well as a safety that stops pumping if reservoir is dry. There are others that have one or the other but not both of these safety features. It's the priciest one, but to me it's the most important piece of equipment on a reef, and the one where a malfunction is almost certain doom for the tank, possibly even for the floor of your home. With how much money I have invested in fish and coral, and how expensive water damage can be to a repair, the 50-100$ difference is a drop in the pond and absolutely worth it for the peace of mind.
 
I agree with what others have already said - I wouldn't trust creating an ATO it would take more time and skill that I would need to have.

The diagram OP posted looks that of the ATO from Smart Aqua. I have been using that ATO for basically 5 years with zero issues...knock on wood. It uses a digital eye and no moving parts other than the pump itself. Less important for freshwater, but necessary if you want constant return flow, imo.
 
DiscusnAfricans said:
Thanks. I'm getting better with plumbing, but I'd be pushing it diving into electrical. What do people recommend for a mid-range solution? Easy to try something cheap and see if it works, but I usually go mid-range and hope it holds up long enough to recoup its value.
Click to expand...
You only need to raise the reservoir to the hight of the water level in the sump.
Is that possible?
The bottom of the reservoir equal to hight of water level in the sump.
 
Appreciate the recommendations and honest advice. Makes sense that the DIY route may not be worth the savings, time and risk.

Elevating the reservoir to the level of the water in the sump may be possible, I'll have to measure the height inside the stand compared to the height of the water level and just find something I can put under the reservoir.

For clarification it's a freshwater setup, just looking to keep maintenance as simple as possible.

I was considering the usefulness of adding a tee and running a loop between the reservoir and the float valve with a small pump attached so that it would it would just circulate water when the valve was closed but be able to overcome the pressure when the float valve was opened.
 
Using a float switch on a gravity fed resevoir is almost certain to fail. They need higher water pressure to seal best.
 
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