Prep for Vacation - Page 2

Dmorty217 · 04/05/2018, 06:47 AM

Not trying to discourage you, just want you to look at the pros and cons of each. I have lost fish and entire tanks to silly mistakes that seemed good at the time but ended horribly. I have no doubt you can make your own reliable ATO system

Frogmanx82 · 04/05/2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssky

Good point DMorty. For clarification, my sump is completely empty just water. I am planning to put some live rock in one of the sections but definitely no snails and no kalk dosing so no issue there. If I make my own ATO using my own design I am confident that it will be of good quality. The only weak link would be the float switches. ATO are simple designs with a relay so as long as I can get a good quality float I think I should be okay.

So what I need is some encouragement for me to get my butt up and do it. :-)

What I like about the Avast system is the pressure tube switch, not a float. Seems less likely to have issues than a float.

Dmorty217 · 04/05/2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frogmanx82

What I like about the Avast system is the pressure tube switch, not a float. Seems less likely to have issues than a float.

Same thing the Spectrapure unit has that I use.

JTL · 04/06/2018, 08:07 AM

I am used the Autotoff.com unit with two float switches and the low voltage module with an aqualifter pump on several tanks over the years and it has worked like a charm. I am evaporating about a 1 gal of water per day.

ssky · 04/06/2018, 08:46 AM

I was very much interested in it also but the cost of that comes pretty close to JBJ or hydrofill controllers hence dropped it. Their high voltage option needs splicing an extension cord which in my opinion is not the best and reliable way of doing things. I want something on permanent basis, cost effective and compact.

04/05/2018, 06:47 AM	#26
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Not trying to discourage you, just want you to look at the pros and cons of each. I have lost fish and entire tanks to silly mistakes that seemed good at the time but ended horribly. I have no doubt you can make your own reliable ATO system __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

04/06/2018, 08:07 AM	#29
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	I am used the Autotoff.com unit with two float switches and the low voltage module with an aqualifter pump on several tanks over the years and it has worked like a charm. I am evaporating about a 1 gal of water per day. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

04/06/2018, 08:46 AM	#30
ssky Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 115	I was very much interested in it also but the cost of that comes pretty close to JBJ or hydrofill controllers hence dropped it. Their high voltage option needs splicing an extension cord which in my opinion is not the best and reliable way of doing things. I want something on permanent basis, cost effective and compact.