ATO system for Sumpless Tank

Salty Dog24 · 02/14/2014, 10:22 AM

I need an ATO system that will work in my DT, and allow me to keep my water level up to the tank trim. I am using the Aqua Smart ATO, but didn't realize till after i bought it that due to the trim, the sensor can not go high enough to hide my water level line. I've looked at several, and they all appear to be a problem due to the trim on my tank. The JBJ brackets don't look like they will fit over the trim, (trim is 1.5 in thick). The only one i find that appears to solve my issue is the Tunze Osmolator 3155, but that think is pricey!

Any advice? I don't want to risk trimming my trim to be able to slide the sensor on my Smart ATO any higher.

thanks!

wickerj · 02/14/2014, 10:54 AM

Make your own bracket and attach a float switch inside a PVC cap. There a a bunch of threads on RC that give you details on building one.

If you don't want to do that, buy the digital aquatics kit from Marine Depot or BRS. Make sure you put that switch inside a PVC cap - top and bottom with holes for water flow. You don't want a snail sitting on the float switch.

Salty Dog24 · 02/14/2014, 10:56 AM

Good Idea Wikerj! I appreciate it!

newe70 · 02/14/2014, 04:39 PM

You can look into the Innovative Marine, Hydro-Fill ATO. I just picked one up and still have not have a chance to set it up yet. This ATO system is now on-sale at Aquacave, I believed.

tkeracer619 · 02/14/2014, 08:00 PM

autotopoff.com has what you need to DIY. I use them for all of my top off hardware as do a lot of us here at RC. Cheap and high quality components. Never had a single one fail.

Get the double solenoid tank mount w/ the low voltage option. They will bend you a bracket to fit whatever you need or you can do it yourself with a propane torch.

02/14/2014, 10:22 AM	#1
Salty Dog24 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fishers, Indiana Posts: 232	ATO system for Sumpless Tank I need an ATO system that will work in my DT, and allow me to keep my water level up to the tank trim. I am using the Aqua Smart ATO, but didn't realize till after i bought it that due to the trim, the sensor can not go high enough to hide my water level line. I've looked at several, and they all appear to be a problem due to the trim on my tank. The JBJ brackets don't look like they will fit over the trim, (trim is 1.5 in thick). The only one i find that appears to solve my issue is the Tunze Osmolator 3155, but that think is pricey! Any advice? I don't want to risk trimming my trim to be able to slide the sensor on my Smart ATO any higher. thanks!

02/14/2014, 08:00 PM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	autotopoff.com has what you need to DIY. I use them for all of my top off hardware as do a lot of us here at RC. Cheap and high quality components. Never had a single one fail. Get the double solenoid tank mount w/ the low voltage option. They will bend you a bracket to fit whatever you need or you can do it yourself with a propane torch. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

02/14/2014, 10:54 AM	#2
wickerj Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kansas City Posts: 1,293	Make your own bracket and attach a float switch inside a PVC cap. There a a bunch of threads on RC that give you details on building one. If you don't want to do that, buy the digital aquatics kit from Marine Depot or BRS. Make sure you put that switch inside a PVC cap - top and bottom with holes for water flow. You don't want a snail sitting on the float switch.

02/14/2014, 10:56 AM	#3
Salty Dog24 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fishers, Indiana Posts: 232	Good Idea Wikerj! I appreciate it!

02/14/2014, 04:39 PM	#4
newe70 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Beach Posts: 379	You can look into the Innovative Marine, Hydro-Fill ATO. I just picked one up and still have not have a chance to set it up yet. This ATO system is now on-sale at Aquacave, I believed.