Ato

How exactly do these work? Yes, I've seen them before(not in person, but in pictures), but I need some more explaining.

They normally use a float valve... What about a pump? If I have it gravity fed...could I just have like a valve of some kind to close when the desired water level is reached?

How do you keep the SG in the ATO consistent? If evaporation happens in the sump, that's where you ATO goes to. When water evaporates, SG rises. Do you calculate the small amount of evaporation into the SG level of your ATO water?

 

ATO usually are installed to put in freshwater for evap. replacement

the float valve controls power to the pump

 

ATO....wouldn't have salt mixed???

 

What size pump would you recommend?

 

nope thats why its a Auto TOP OFF system, salt doesn't really evap. depending on the calcium used it maybe kalkwasser tho.


I guess someone could try to rig up one in some kind of WC system, but thats not common place.

 

something small.

 

That makes this much simpler. haha.

Funny you mention that...: My gears are turning.

I was thinking of maybe adding another bulkhead to do quick WC; it's not really auto, but fast & simple.

 

when I had a bigger tank what I did for WC is get a 15 foot hose and a maxijet, I pumped water into the sink from the tank, then water into the tank from a trashcan(I used to mix saltwater).

 

toms aqua lifter is an awesome little pump for an ATO if your running a non-gravity fed setup with a float switch. since your a little new to this, getting something from autotopoff.com might not be a horrible idea.

~Will.

 

My drilled tanks have water change hoses.... but we wary of the water change hose stink. You'll you know what I mean if you do it.