NEED some HELP/Advice with ATO system.

baldwinaquaman · 12/27/2009, 01:04 AM

I recently got the ato tank and a Apex lite controller, and I plan to buy my float valves/equipment from atuotopoff.com, my only problem is that I don't know whether I need to get the kit or not since I will be automating it with the controller In this picture http://autotopoff.com/products/DS1/DS07.JPG
you can see that the kit comes witht he black box, I guess that's the reason it's 20$ more than the indivdual float valves and tank mount. So do I need to get the kit, or not?

baldwinaquaman · 12/27/2009, 02:39 AM

????

lordofthereef · 12/27/2009, 05:59 AM

You still need that kit. The black box is just necessary internal wiring. I am not an electrician by any means, but the black box is basically the safer way of taking a chord and splicing the float switch wires in yourself.

Chris27 · 12/27/2009, 09:17 AM

If you already have a controller, you usually don't need to buy the whole setup from ATO.com, you more then likely just need the float switches.

Let us know what controller you have, and we can help you pick the right module and switches for your application.

lordofthereef · 12/27/2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris27

If you already have a controller, you usually don't need to buy the whole setup from ATO.com, you more then likely just need the float switches.

Let us know what controller you have, and we can help you pick the right module and switches for your application.

Good to know. I guess I was wrong. He said he has an Apex btw.

baldwinaquaman · 12/27/2009, 10:25 AM

right I have the APEX Lite. I want to order from ato.com and I want to mount it on my sump.

Chris27 · 12/27/2009, 02:11 PM

Sorry, I hadn't seen the APEX Lite system yet, just the full blown APEX. It looks like that thing has a couple of I/O inputs which can be used to connect to float switches. If it's anything like my Reefkeeper, all you need to do is get a hold of some float switches and set your water levels in the sump and reservoir and then you're in business.

ir_danno22 · 12/27/2009, 03:14 PM

i think you may need the breakout box for the apex (if you don't care to make one) and the float switches. i'm still debating on ordering the full apex and having it sent out here so i can play with it before i get home.

Chris27 · 12/27/2009, 07:30 PM

Breakout Box?

baldwinaquaman · 12/28/2009, 09:49 AM

yeah I already have the breakout box, i just didn't know if i needed to buy the kit with that black box thing from ATO.com or just buy the float switches and sump mount which would save me 20$

drock59 · 12/28/2009, 09:55 AM

I think you just need a basic switch with the break out box. Up to you whether or not to get the mounting hardware. Not sure though. Maybe ask in the neptune forum and see what they say.

12/27/2009, 01:04 AM	#1
baldwinaquaman Moved On Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 684	NEED some HELP/Advice with ATO system. I recently got the ato tank and a Apex lite controller, and I plan to buy my float valves/equipment from atuotopoff.com, my only problem is that I don't know whether I need to get the kit or not since I will be automating it with the controller In this picture http://autotopoff.com/products/DS1/DS07.JPG you can see that the kit comes witht he black box, I guess that's the reason it's 20$ more than the indivdual float valves and tank mount. So do I need to get the kit, or not?

12/27/2009, 05:59 AM	#3
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	You still need that kit. The black box is just necessary internal wiring. I am not an electrician by any means, but the black box is basically the safer way of taking a chord and splicing the float switch wires in yourself. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

12/27/2009, 02:39 AM	#2
baldwinaquaman Moved On Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 684	????

12/27/2009, 09:17 AM	#4
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	If you already have a controller, you usually don't need to buy the whole setup from ATO.com, you more then likely just need the float switches. Let us know what controller you have, and we can help you pick the right module and switches for your application.

12/27/2009, 10:25 AM	#6
baldwinaquaman Moved On Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 684	right I have the APEX Lite. I want to order from ato.com and I want to mount it on my sump.

12/27/2009, 02:11 PM	#7
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Sorry, I hadn't seen the APEX Lite system yet, just the full blown APEX. It looks like that thing has a couple of I/O inputs which can be used to connect to float switches. If it's anything like my Reefkeeper, all you need to do is get a hold of some float switches and set your water levels in the sump and reservoir and then you're in business.

12/27/2009, 03:14 PM	#8
ir_danno22 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Cali Posts: 288	i think you may need the breakout box for the apex (if you don't care to make one) and the float switches. i'm still debating on ordering the full apex and having it sent out here so i can play with it before i get home.

12/27/2009, 07:30 PM	#9
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Breakout Box?

12/28/2009, 09:49 AM	#10
baldwinaquaman Moved On Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 684	yeah I already have the breakout box, i just didn't know if i needed to buy the kit with that black box thing from ATO.com or just buy the float switches and sump mount which would save me 20$

12/28/2009, 09:55 AM	#11
drock59 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 3,802	I think you just need a basic switch with the break out box. Up to you whether or not to get the mounting hardware. Not sure though. Maybe ask in the neptune forum and see what they say.