Gravity Fed ATO Questions...

helitaiwan963 · 12/29/2011, 11:18 AM

Hey guys,

So after finally awhile of manual topping off, i'll be picking up a good ATO setup from a local member.

Now that takes care of my 75gal mixed reef, but i also have a 12gal nanocube. That tank is more or less just for fun and relatively low cost... I was looking for cheap ATO's for that.

I ran across the Gravity fed ATO's and I feel like that would be a great choice for the 12gal NC... Ya ya, there are like 100 different DIY threads but I don't understand the concept behind it.

My question is, how does it work? How will it top off the tank and know when to top off if there are no electronics or anything on it. I was hoping someone would explain this to me before I make one.

Thanks!
Eric

Telaverus · 12/29/2011, 04:42 PM

You need a float valve in your sump. Water from the top-off container flows into sump through the float valve. Once the level is reached the float valve stops the water.

You place the float valve in your return section of your sump. Hopefully this area isn't too turbulent as this can cause your float to bounce and put your water level out a little.

helitaiwan963 · 12/29/2011, 09:35 PM

hmm... i see... how to find a manual float valve small enough to fit in the back chamber of my nanocube 12gal...

Telaverus · 12/30/2011, 12:06 AM

You could use a standard one, BRS have a small one for $9. Just use the mechanism but change the float to something smaller, like a ping pong ball glued on the arm instead of the stock float.

Just a thought, not sure what dimensions you are dealing with there. The shut-off from a gravity fed ATO doesn't have to be high pressure rated so I'm sure a smaller float would work.

helitaiwan963 · 12/30/2011, 12:18 AM

Ya. I'm thinking about a self made one. My dimensions are about the size of a smaller notecard, just wider... Would cork have any harmful things in it that could leech into the tank?

Cork plus bent cloths hanger would make an easy one....

Telaverus · 12/30/2011, 01:04 AM

I wouldn't put a cork or metal clothes hangar in your tank. Stick with plastics.

Just brain storming here a little for you and thinking you could do something with the following materials: a water bottle, the cap, the cap of a pen, some airline tubing, fishing line and a ping pong ball.

reeferlover · 12/30/2011, 01:57 AM

idk i had a gravity fed ato and had a major problem with topping off too much at time be careful just buy a jbj ato and pump 100$ is worth the piece of mind

Telaverus · 12/30/2011, 12:34 PM

I've only ever used gravity fed ATO, even on my 500gallon system. Never had a problem.

The only things I would add as a caution is that you should have a shut-off valve for water changes and the compartment with the float should be dedicated to this function so you eliminate any chance of obstruction.

Things can go wrong with an electronic setup, the technology doesn't gaurantee against failure.

helitaiwan963 · 12/30/2011, 02:44 PM

yea, i'm gonna have to go to the drawing board with this one for my nano.

but for my 75 yea, i'm gonna be order an ATO from BRS

Telaverus · 12/30/2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helitaiwan963

yea, i'm gonna have to go to the drawing board with this one for my nano.

but for my 75 yea, i'm gonna be order an ATO from BRS

I'm going to get the Tunze Osmolator myself. Even though I've been using gravity for years without a problem I'm sold on the whole automation concept so that's the way I'm going.

But for your nano I'd play around, it's fun to do and you aren't likely looking at a big deal if you spill a little in the process.

12/29/2011, 11:18 AM	#1
helitaiwan963 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW suburbs of chicago Posts: 840	Gravity Fed ATO Questions... Hey guys, So after finally awhile of manual topping off, i'll be picking up a good ATO setup from a local member. Now that takes care of my 75gal mixed reef, but i also have a 12gal nanocube. That tank is more or less just for fun and relatively low cost... I was looking for cheap ATO's for that. I ran across the Gravity fed ATO's and I feel like that would be a great choice for the 12gal NC... Ya ya, there are like 100 different DIY threads but I don't understand the concept behind it. My question is, how does it work? How will it top off the tank and know when to top off if there are no electronics or anything on it. I was hoping someone would explain this to me before I make one. Thanks! Eric __________________ -Eric Tank: 75gallon mixed reef w/ 30gal sump//Asm G3 Protein Skimmer//2x 250w Reef Optix HQI Pendants//2x 110w VHO super actinics// Vortech MP40W and Koralia Evo1400//Quiet one 5000 Return Pump Current Tank Info: 75gal mixed reef build

12/29/2011, 04:42 PM	#2
Telaverus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 212	You need a float valve in your sump. Water from the top-off container flows into sump through the float valve. Once the level is reached the float valve stops the water. You place the float valve in your return section of your sump. Hopefully this area isn't too turbulent as this can cause your float to bounce and put your water level out a little. __________________ Stu Retired 500g system... Researching and building a nice and relaxing 65g display

12/29/2011, 09:35 PM	#3
helitaiwan963 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW suburbs of chicago Posts: 840	hmm... i see... how to find a manual float valve small enough to fit in the back chamber of my nanocube 12gal... __________________ -Eric Tank: 75gallon mixed reef w/ 30gal sump//Asm G3 Protein Skimmer//2x 250w Reef Optix HQI Pendants//2x 110w VHO super actinics// Vortech MP40W and Koralia Evo1400//Quiet one 5000 Return Pump Current Tank Info: 75gal mixed reef build

12/30/2011, 12:06 AM	#4
Telaverus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 212	You could use a standard one, BRS have a small one for $9. Just use the mechanism but change the float to something smaller, like a ping pong ball glued on the arm instead of the stock float. Just a thought, not sure what dimensions you are dealing with there. The shut-off from a gravity fed ATO doesn't have to be high pressure rated so I'm sure a smaller float would work. __________________ Stu Retired 500g system... Researching and building a nice and relaxing 65g display

12/30/2011, 12:18 AM	#5
helitaiwan963 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW suburbs of chicago Posts: 840	Ya. I'm thinking about a self made one. My dimensions are about the size of a smaller notecard, just wider... Would cork have any harmful things in it that could leech into the tank? Cork plus bent cloths hanger would make an easy one.... __________________ -Eric Tank: 75gallon mixed reef w/ 30gal sump//Asm G3 Protein Skimmer//2x 250w Reef Optix HQI Pendants//2x 110w VHO super actinics// Vortech MP40W and Koralia Evo1400//Quiet one 5000 Return Pump Current Tank Info: 75gal mixed reef build

12/30/2011, 01:04 AM	#6
Telaverus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 212	I wouldn't put a cork or metal clothes hangar in your tank. Stick with plastics. Just brain storming here a little for you and thinking you could do something with the following materials: a water bottle, the cap, the cap of a pen, some airline tubing, fishing line and a ping pong ball. __________________ Stu Retired 500g system... Researching and building a nice and relaxing 65g display

12/30/2011, 01:57 AM	#7
reeferlover Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Urbana, rockford Posts: 647	idk i had a gravity fed ato and had a major problem with topping off too much at time be careful just buy a jbj ato and pump 100$ is worth the piece of mind

12/30/2011, 12:34 PM	#8
Telaverus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 212	I've only ever used gravity fed ATO, even on my 500gallon system. Never had a problem. The only things I would add as a caution is that you should have a shut-off valve for water changes and the compartment with the float should be dedicated to this function so you eliminate any chance of obstruction. Things can go wrong with an electronic setup, the technology doesn't gaurantee against failure. __________________ Stu Retired 500g system... Researching and building a nice and relaxing 65g display

12/30/2011, 02:44 PM	#9
helitaiwan963 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW suburbs of chicago Posts: 840	yea, i'm gonna have to go to the drawing board with this one for my nano. but for my 75 yea, i'm gonna be order an ATO from BRS __________________ -Eric Tank: 75gallon mixed reef w/ 30gal sump//Asm G3 Protein Skimmer//2x 250w Reef Optix HQI Pendants//2x 110w VHO super actinics// Vortech MP40W and Koralia Evo1400//Quiet one 5000 Return Pump Current Tank Info: 75gal mixed reef build

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