ATO question

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by oldfishkeeper, Nov 2, 2013.

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  1. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    Not trying to hijack, but I'm also looking to see if this ATO is any good! I've had this one ( Buy The Double Switch ATO by Autotopoff.com in Canada ) since I started my tank in april, and had it malfunction numerous times. I was looking into getting the JBJ but saw mixed reviews... So I came here! I saw OFK's thread, so I decided to post here
     
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  3. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    Did you get one? If not you'll laugh when you do at how easy it is to set up. Not much to know. Also almost any little pump works .. unless your going to pump it uphill 20'. I would recommend making a part of your routine maintenance giving the floats a vinegar bath every now and then.


    They are great but.. just be mindful how you set it up. If your autotopoff water comes from a 50 gallon barrel I would feel uneasy about the float getting stuck and dumping 50 gallons of fresh water in. I'm sure you know that but worth a mention. The Tunze is suppose to be a safer topoff but a lot more money. I've never had a problem with my JBJ just keep those floats clean.
    If you have a controller you could buy a $25 float kit and have a second float for back up.
     
  4. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    How long does it take for the buildup to actually affect the float switch?

    It's just coming from a 5G bucket. No flood issues there
     
  5. skyvern2130

    skyvern2130 Stylophora

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    I use the float switch I just clean it every other water change to keep it free of build up never had a problem yet
    But I do have the fail safe second float switch just in case
     
  6. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    It depends on the tank. If you run your alkalinity on the high side you will probably get more calcium build up on pumps and stuff. .including those little float valves. Some people run alk higher because they believe corals grow faster.
    Either way seems like all tanks get some calcium build up on equipment so I would clean float valves maybe once or twice a year.
    Vinegar bath.
     
  7. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    Hmm.. That's not often at all ! I was expecting a "monthly" answer
     
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  9. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    It's not a wrong or right answer. THe more often you check the better... just saying they need to be occasionally cleaned.
     
  10. Meanie

    Meanie Spaghetti Worm

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    Location:
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    This is the one I am using and love it, works great.
    AutoTopoff.com

    And this is the pump I am using.
    Tom Aqua lifter AW20 Dosing Pump
    from here:
    AutoTopoff.com
     
  11. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    That's the ato I was using. I had it flood my sump a few times, and the black box buzzed loudly after a few months
     
  12. Meanie

    Meanie Spaghetti Worm

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    Did you clean it? I have not heard any buzzing, but I will listen for it.