Yet another JBJ Auto Top Off question

[NanoGurl]

Hey,

I tried searching and search isn't working again.. so I thought maybe someone might have some links to the JBJ Auto Top off system.

Basically what I want to know is:

1. JBJ lights not best reputation. Is this product any good?

2. Can you turn off the audible sound. Some have said yes, some have said no. Could not find answer on websites that sell it.

3. What pump do you need to feed the water. Would a MJ 1200 work?

4. What type of water bucket do you need for this? Do you have to drill holls or just connect airline tubing from pump to sump?

Any info or links would be helpful. Sorry for yet another redundant question.

[drummereef]

Here's a link on how to 'dismantle' the alarm. I don't own one of these, but looked into it before I bought my ato. I ended up going with www.autotopoff.com for my ato. I liked the snail guard feature they provide with their float switches. Haven't had any issues with the unit thus far, cross my fingers. On my next system I will be using a Tunze Osmolator. It's the best top off controller on the market, imo.

Link:
http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_ato_faqs.html

You're probably sick of seeing my posts by now, huh.... :D

[drummereef]

Oh, to answer some other questions...

3. I use a small maxi-jet to feed my ato from the reservoir. I believe it's a maxi-jet 400. You could probably get away with an Aqua Lifter pump since you are just going to your sump. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=OE1137 If you do the Tunze Osmolator it comes with everything you need execpt for the reservoir. ;)

4. I use a 5 gallon HDPE bucket, similar to a salt bucket for my fresh water reservoir. Depends on how much room you have in the stand or if you are placing it outside the stand. Just remember the water level in the reservoir should be kept slightly lower than the sump's water level or you'll create a siphon when the ato tops off. ;)

[NanoGurl]

Thanks Drummer! Pretty soon I'm going to have to send you some money for all of the help you give me!

I like the idea of the Tunze and not the JBJ. I looked at that system.. but I'm still failing to grasp the basic concept of:

When the pump is in the water, does the tubing just run over the top of the bucket with water into the sump?

[drummereef]

Please send all donations to drummereef@..... LOL! Yes, the tubing from the pump just runs to the sump. Very simple. The Tunze is a great product. Couldn't recommend a better top off.

Here's melev's diy top off. Check out the pics further down on the page that shows the 'garbage can' reservoir and Aqua Lifter pump. :)

http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

[drummereef]

Here's a tutorial/review that explains the ins/outs of the Osmolator (somewhat). http://www.pelzer.com/index.html?page=/reef/osmolator.html

[NanoGurl]

lol... k let me check my paypal. There might be a few dollars left :)

Thanks for the links, that helped a lot.

[sgallagher7]

Im having trouble understanding the water container level of top off. If the feeder tube to the sump is above the water, how can a siphon be created and your water container get drained until both levels are equal?

[KRASHPD]

If the feeder tube is above the water level, you will be fine. If when you shut off the pumps (water change, etc...) and the water level in the sump gets higher than the feeder tube, then a syphon can be created. I have the JBJ ATO and it is very nice. There is no alarm in the new ones I believe because mine does not make a sound.

[sgallagher7]

Thanks. Thought I was looking at this wrong. I wanted to keep approx 25 gal in a slim rubbermaid container next to the tank fed by an aqualifter.