What do you use for ATO...

slakker

slakker

Member
I've just set up my 30G RSM and was wondering what others have used as ATO device? How is it setup and what's workign well or not so well.
 
BEELZEBOB

BEELZEBOB

Well-Known Member
i put a one gallon jug on top of my tank.

i put a 3' section of airlin tubing in the jug.

then i suck on the tube, tie a knot to control drip rate, and let it drip.


worx just fine at the ghetto reef
 
slakker

slakker

Member
Ghetto reefer??? You can't be with a RSM! I'm still impressed how well engineered it is... it terms of how it's all put together... whether I can use it to sustain life is another story! :)
 
cbrownfish

cbrownfish

Well-Known Member
I use a 20 gallon tub with a mixture of Kalkwasser and RO/DI water. I drip via airline tubing and air valve (sorry I lose ghetto points) 24/7 at or near the evaporation rate.
 
Reefmack

Reefmack

NaClH2O Addicted
PREMIUM
Tunze Osmolator for ATO here and very happy with it. JBJ makes a lower priced one, and there are DIY kits available too. Or the ghetto reefer solution is the lowest cost LOL! I do have a ghetto reefer ATO reservoir though - a recycled plastic kitty litter container.

ATOReservoir.jpg


I have the sensors mounted in back (I run a raised HQI/T5 hood now and a Remora skimmer):

ATOBack.jpg


The Tunze controller on the side of the RSM:

ATOController.jpg


When I get my refugium going I'll put the sensors in the return section of that, and I have a Tunze 9002 skimmer that I've had on standby for months (got it used but like new) that will fit nicely in the refugium, and let me keep my shelf in the cabinet.
 
framerguy

framerguy

Well-Known Member
Oh my goodness, I was going to post pics of my ATO but you have raised the bar way too high! JK, I don't have pics but if I did you have definitely shown everyone up. I have an ATO unit from autotopoff.com AutoTopoff.com and it is mounted inside a 3" pvc pipe. It activates a aqualifter pump that puts out about 3gph. I never have to adjust the water in the sump, I only add fresh water to the resevoir.
 
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slakker

slakker

Member
K... went and got the Tunze today... got to figure out how to mount it as I'm keeping the hood. Still just 1 week into take setup, but only 3 days with LR... so a while to go yet...

But the funny thing is that I just realized I have the 34G tank, not the 30G!??! :)
 
Adam Black

Adam Black

Member
framerguy said:
Oh my goodness, I was going to post pics of my ATO but you have raised the bar way too high! JK, I don't have pics but if I did you have definitely shown everyone up. I have an ATO unit from autotopoff.com AutoTopoff.com and it is mounted inside a 3" pvc pipe. It activates a aqualifter pump that puts out about 3gph. I never have to adjust the water in the sump, I only add fresh water to the resevoir.
Click to expand...

I also use one from Ato.com. I paid maybe 35 bucks for everything including black acrylic and bin. I made the sensor holder so it was a little cheaper. Here's some pics.Ato bin is alittle dusty. I have it in the closet next to my tank.
65gallonpics053.jpg

65gallonpics055.jpg


Whoops! Sorry I dont use the Ato. I use the I sensor. I'll post the link later, off to work!
 
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J

johnfishnovice

New Member
has anyone used a Aqua Medic Evaporation Level Control (basically an ATO) with a Aqua Medic Kalkwasser Stirrer 1000 attached to it....

im looking to buy this one versus the tunze osmolator coz of hte kalkwasser which i have discovered is really useful in a tank setup...

any opinoins or experiences?????
 
J

johnfishnovice

New Member
cant get a jbj auto ... only come in 110volts, here its 240. so only options is the tunze osmolator or the aqua medic

im leaning a little to the aqua medic coz you can attach a Kalkwasser Stirrer 1000 to it.. have read that kalkwasser is fantastic for a reef setup.

cheaper than a calcium reactor which i dont think i could afford at the moment as i am going to buy other stuff too....
 
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