Ato?

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010.

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  1. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    What are the benefits of having an auto-top off? Wouldn't you later have to top off your ATO? Isn't that ironic. ::):) Why should I have one?

    Comments please.
     
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    #1

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  2. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    A lot of people use the ATO directly connected to a RODI for that reason. Also, you can have a large reservoir with an ATO; 10+ gallons. Then you'd only have to fill that every week, instead of topping the tank every day.
     
    blackraven1425, May 23, 2010
    blackraven1425, May 23, 2010
    #2
  3. homegrowncorals

    homegrowncorals Ribbon Eel

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    2 things i can think of , stability for 1 reason, and being able to go off on vacation. ;)
     
    homegrowncorals, May 23, 2010
    homegrowncorals, May 23, 2010
    #3
  4. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    The ATO really helps with keeping the specific gravity stable in the tank. I have a 6 gallon bucket next to my tank that I use for my ATO water. I have to fill it every few (4-5) days, but it is much less annoying and worrisome than having to keep up with the evaporated water daily.
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2010
    kcbrad, May 23, 2010
    kcbrad, May 23, 2010
    #4
  5. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    All the above are good valid points. The biggest being that it stabilizes your sg. Everything in your system will be very much more happy when it's constant and doesn't flux.
     
    reefmonkey, May 23, 2010
    reefmonkey, May 23, 2010
    #5
  6. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Thanks. You guys have got me. lol. So, how would I go about this? I am short on room. I would like to keep everything in my tank cabinet. I figure I will need a 10g tank or a 5g bucket, a float, and an air pump + some air tubing?
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2010
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    #6

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  7. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    I don't have an RO unit.
     
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    Seano Hermano, May 23, 2010
    #7
  8. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    My DIY system uses 2 float switches, a relay and a powerhead. The reserve is a 6 gallon bucket. Cheap and simple.
     
    reefmonkey, May 23, 2010
    reefmonkey, May 23, 2010
    #8
  9. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    AutoTopoff.com

    That's the one I have. Cheap, easy to set up and works great.
     
    kcbrad, May 23, 2010
    kcbrad, May 23, 2010
    #9
    1 person likes this.
  10. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Just a thought...why 2 floats & not just one?

    I guess the reserve should be higher than the sump, using gravity as an advantage?
     
    Seano Hermano, May 24, 2010
    Seano Hermano, May 24, 2010
    #10
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