ATO set up...PLEASE HELP!!!

[Jadams]

So my fiancee got me an ATO for my birthday :D :D :D

Im totally stoked on it!! But, Im not quite sure im setting it up correctly??

Please see the pics below and let me know if this looks right so far...(regarding the floating sensor thingy ;)

I will be buying the tubing to go from the reservoir up to the tank today. The return pump in the 2.5g reservoir is a MJ900.

Also can anyone who has a NC with an ATO, post some pics of how they have the return for me? A friend of mine told me to make sure the return wasnt actually in the water beacuse it will start a plumbing (AKA Overflow) disaster :)

Here are my pics of the set up so far....Any help is much appreciated!! Please post your pics!!

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/jadams1/ATOsetup072408001.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/jadams1/ATOsetup072408004.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/jadams1/ATOsetup072408003.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r85/jadams1/ATOsetup072408002.jpg

Thanks for your input and help!!!

[JUNI0R]

It's hard to see your sensor but it look like it is in the right place, when you first hook up the pump see how high the water rises and that will let you know if your sensor is high enough or low enough.
You don't want your return line submerged under water because when your ato pump turns off it will have created a siphon and your tank water will siphon back into your fresh water reservoir.
hth

[CHASDB]

Put your sensor in the same chamber as the return pump in back. Use the adjustable brackets so the sensor is close to the height you want the water level at.

[Jadams]

Thanks JUNIOR.....

CHASDB - Good idea to put the sensor in the back chambers instead of the display too...

Thanks!!!

[90sShooter]

Sensor looks good to me...You just may have to mess with the height to get the water level where you want it... As he said DO NOT have the hose submersed as it will siphon all the water right back out :eek2: when the pump shuts off..

Also have you tried it out yet? I don't know the specs on the mj900 but I had some issues with weaker pumps being able to pump up over 3 ft... I had to set my bucket higher up to reduce head pressure... Just something to think about... although you really don't need much power for the ATO. Just make sure it doesn't just barely make it up there cause as the water level in the resevoir lowers the head pressure will increase and if it is border line then when the water gets low(in the resevoir) it will not be able to pump the water into the tank. That would be an issue...

Good luck :D and you will see that is money well spent!

[90sShooter]

I just looked up specs on the pump and it should be fine.. it says it will pump up 46" but I would make sure before relying on it...

[Jadams]

Thanks 90sShooter...

Anyone have any pics of there return's above the water level??

[savethereef]

Jeremy what comes in the ATO. Is it just the unit or does it come with the pump? Becuase i am tire of toping off every couple days. I would rather get a 20g tank as a reseboir and fill it once a week instead of toping off every day for evap. i was thinking of a Tunze osmulater but if this works great why spend more $$$

[Jadams]

Hey savethereef....

The ATO only comes with the unit. The pump for the reservoir is extra..(like everything in this hobby...always need something else to use anything..hahahaha :D)

[90sShooter]

save the reef.. I did the DIY ATO... didn't spend more than $20 plus pump... any old pump should work fine depending on where (how high) you put the reservoir...

2x float switches off eBay for $15 shipped. (you can do just one but I recomend 2 incase one fails)
1x Power extension cord $3-$5
10 minutes and 2 wire nuts (all wiring included with float switches)

Mine has been working great with no flaws for the last month so far... :D

[reefer4sho]

your float switch should be in the same chamber as the return pump. if the float is in the display the pump will run dry.

[savethereef]

I just checked out JBJ lighting and looked at the diagram. looks nice. And much better than getting a tunze osmulater. 90shooter i will look into the DIY one also i can save more money :D i still need to make my LED blue then this is next on my list :D

Thanks Jeremy for the Idea will save my back also :D

[90sShooter]

Here are some pics of how I did mine... you can see the 2 float switches to the right of the fan and the feed line is actually coming through the wall through the black 90* tube (the plastic tubing runs inside of it). It is set up about 1 1/2" from water level and 1/2" from the cover. This took a little creativity and might not work for your situation... I am just thinking and maybe you can use 2 90* pvc pipe elbows together to make a upside down U to hang on the back of the tank and put the plastic tube through... I don't know, just another one of my crazy jimmy rigging ideas ;) I will take a look at it Sunday when I bring over your peppermint shrimp :D

Here are the pics...

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/azilker2002/DSC02896.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/azilker2002/DSC02897.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/azilker2002/DSC02900.jpg

[Jadams]

Thanks for the pics Austin..I'll see you Sunday!

[Jadams]

PS....The Solana fixture painted black looks really good!!!

[90sShooter]

lol thanks... yeah its not too bad at all.. It looks better sitting at my computer (you cannot see that mounting on the wall ;) ) See you then!

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13020390#post13020390 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CHASDB
Put your sensor in the same chamber as the return pump in back. Use the adjustable brackets so the sensor is close to the height you want the water level at.

:thumbsup:

Jerocker you Dork, why would you want to look at that. Your tank is all sleek and cool, get rid of that ish homie.

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13020452#post13020452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90sShooter

Also have you tried it out yet? I don't know the specs on the mj900 but I had some issues with weaker pumps being able to pump up over 3 ft...

I have a MJ 900 pushing 4.5 feet of head. Has been this way for many many moons so it will work IME.