Ato

[solitude127]

Do you know when you powered ATO will be back in stock?

[solitude127]

Also, how does the pressure sensor work?

[ctenophore]

We're waiting on magnet switches to show up; could be up to 2 weeks before they are ready. Sorry about that.

The pressure sensor that goes in the water is simply a piece of clear PVC tube- no moving parts to break or jam. When the water level rises so the end is blocked, the pressure increases until the magnetic switch is triggered and the switch opens.

[solitude127]

How much will the water level fluctuate?

[ctenophore]

+/- 1/4", so 1/2" total. Maybe less, I use one on a 12gal nano tank in the back divider, and the water level always seems to be in the same place.

They should be back in stock sometime tomorrow; the switches just arrived.

[solitude127]

thanks for the update.

[BigRedNole]

I need to purchase an ATO today. I have heard good reviews on other equipment from Avast Marine. This pressure system sounds like a good alternative to an expensive Tunze and a similarly priced JBJ or Autotopoff.com unit.

The only issue I see is that there is only one sensor. If something does happen, this unit may not shutoff.

I am curious if any other RC members have this and have any reviews or impressions? Also, what pump are you using?

[Avast Marine]

BigRedNole,

We have plans in the very near future to incorporate a mechanical float valve into the magnet holder where the sensor is currently located. This will provide a secondary backup. This will be an option for $15 and anyone who has purchased the ATO in the past will be eligible for upgrade at the $15 price if they wish to do so. That said, our switch is extremely reliable and meets military specifications for aerospace use, but we do understand the backup mentality, we are reefers too!

[eohlin]

I have one of these ATO's on my tank...have their skimmer and a reactor too!

The ATO works perfectly! I'd guess it keeps the water with 1/2" or less.

I don't have a backup float/failsafe...but I'm planning to use a mechanical float switch that's monitored by my Apex controller...if the the float rises, it will power off the receptacle the Apex ATO us using.

eric

[BigRedNole]

I just had the ATO delivered. I ordered it on Tuesday and it would not ship until Wednesday. I received a FedEx email that it was left at my door. The pump will be here tomorrow. I will have to wait until then to get it up.

All is looking good so far. I can't wait to set it up and stop filling a gallon a day.

[BigRedNole]

Finally got the ATO. FedEx delivered it to the wrong address. Not an issue with Avast.

I do not have the water pump yet, so I tested the sensitivity of the pressure valve. It is definitely within the +/- 0.25" range, probably even less than that as well. I hooked up an air pump to the plug, put the valve in a glass of water. I siphoned some water from the glass and it kicked on the air pump.

[ctenophore]

Good to hear. I was just about to start digging into the tracking details and call FedEx. Glad it resolved itself, always the nicest kind of problem to deal with :)

[BigRedNole]

Slight issue and it is usage error. Guesstimating where it needs to be to turn the pump on and off. While having cocktails, an extra gallon filled into the sump. Not a big problem. It is a matter of tweaking to get it to the sweet spot. Works like a champ right now.

[DownwardDawg]

What about snails? Can they affect the pressuer switch?