OgreMkV Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 (edited) Hi, I decided to go ahead and get back into saltwater. I'd like to set-up an auto-top off system. I'm hoping that some of you know where I can find an inexpensive float switch that can turn on a pump connected to a RO water reservoir. Any thoughts? Crap, I misread the topic. Not an emergency. Mod, please move... thanks. Edited July 19, 2009 by OgreMkV Quote
Zarathustra2 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 I think all in all you can't beat autotopoff.com. 35$ for a single switch, 50 for a dual. If you want a bit nicer the JBJ is very well reviewed with a digital panel. If you are DIYing http://www.chicagosensor.com/ has a fantastic selectiona nd great prices on float switches. Quote
+mcallahan Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 That's it. I'm asking autotopoff to be a sponsor. We've sent them tons of business. +1 on the autotopoff.com system. Quote
Gonzobob Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Both my ATOs came from Autotopoff.com. They work great. Quote
neal90 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 auto top of does make one that works well and you can get the one that has 2 switch to be on the safe side. It is a home made kit you can tell when you get it. Its not like the ones made by the big mane brand companies, but it works very well and is priced right. Quote
OgreMkV Posted July 19, 2009 Author Posted July 19, 2009 Sounds like a plan to me. $40 is worth it to me. Quote
neal90 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 i would get the one that has the secondary switch Quote
mhart032 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 i bought the dual for 50 its great to not have to worry about it.. Quote
chrisfowler99 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 I bought the triple switch version that also has run-dry protection for you ATO container. I don't recommend it. The lines are too short... Quote
joshman1204 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 I just setup the dual switch version on my 24g and could not be happier with it. I think it was like $70 for the switch, pump, and enough tubing to get it all plumbed. Works like a champ! Quote
manhorsedog Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p360/Top-it-Off-Kit-Premium/product_info.html two float switches for $40 plus if you get 3 people it would only be $35 i have this one and it has always worked great and I have never heard anything but good about autotopoff.com Quote
+Mitch Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 i need one as well... anyone up for a group order? reef_pug sounds like you're gonna be getting in touch soon, could you please inquire what kind of deals they would offer? Quote
mhart032 Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Oh whoops thats where i got mine, Bulkreef.. sorry.. Quote
mFrame Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Not to hijack the thread, but I have the ATO from autotopoff. I've noticed twice in the last week that my tank level has dropped without being topped off. The reservoir is full, the aqualifter is humming when i touch it, just no water coming out of the line. Obviously the float switch is on or the pump wouldn't be trying to run. Anyone have a guess what's going on? Quote
+mcallahan Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Not to hijack the thread, but I have the ATO from autotopoff. I've noticed twice in the last week that my tank level has dropped without being topped off. The reservoir is full, the aqualifter is humming when i touch it, just no water coming out of the line. Obviously the float switch is on or the pump wouldn't be trying to run. Anyone have a guess what's going on? Sounds like the aqualifter might be clogged or dead such that it runs the pump, but no pumping action is produced. Quote
mFrame Posted July 20, 2009 Posted July 20, 2009 Thanks, I'll check it. The reservoir only holds RO so I can't imagine what could be clogging it. Pump is about 3 mos old... Quote
texmexbigspring Posted July 21, 2009 Posted July 21, 2009 Any pros and cons to pump vs gravity feed? Quote
+Daniel Posted July 21, 2009 Posted July 21, 2009 Any pros and cons to pump vs gravity feed? If you have the space, gravity feeding is a perfectly good option. Pros: -No Pump Cons: -If the solenoid gets stuck (not a problem if it is normally closed design) the bucket would empty into your tank -Must be placed above the tank/sump Quote
jsr Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 Here are a few pictures of my setup. This is from auto top off .com and has worked great for about a year. Keeps the water level dead on. Here is my water reservoir and pump... Here are the float switches... The only thing I do is clean the switches a few times a year. So far, this has not failed me once (knock on wood). James Quote
+mcallahan Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 keeps your Top off pump from free running. You can mount the other sensor in the sump as a "high" sensor that will cut off if the sump gets too full, or you can put it in your top off reservoir so that when it runs down too low, it stops the pump Quote
+Mitch Posted July 28, 2009 Posted July 28, 2009 if anyone is interested, kevin (OgreMkV) and i are planning on doing a group buy on this. i'll start a new thread under that section. Quote
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