DIY ATO?

[kbuser92]

Anybody done this? Or am I better off buying one? Here's a link to the one I found that's within budget and its pretty much plug and play.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/autoaqua-smart-ato-auto-top-off-system.html

 

[Aquarian]

That looks like a nice setup.

 

[kbuser92]

Yeah, but I was just wondering if there's a cheaper route or even DIY. A few dollars is enough for some frags. ;)

 

[Aquarian]

I'm sure if you wanted to spend the time making it you could pick up some float switches, the pump they are using you can get at amazon for about $12, air line is cheep, I bet you have access to scrap acrylic at work. You could probably make it for around $50. If you have the time to spend on it.

 

[rrbigdog]

You can make a DIY ATO.... Solid State Relay ($8), Float Switch($3), Tom Aqua Lifter Pump ($10-15), free old phone charge cable and a container....works great.

 

[Big K]

I've been looking at that one as well. It's pretty slick looking!

 

[Steveg229]

If you have the room, I did a diy gravity feed ATO for about $20. I used a 6 gallon Rubbermaid container placed on a small shelf above the waterline of sump. Installed a plastic float valve in the acrylic partition and a quick connect fitting on the jug. Works great.

 

[Big K]

Yeah, I've been debating on doing that as well and saving the cash so I can upgrade to LEDs! :thumbsup: