RODI Auto Shut Off??

[ZMattie]

Well I am going to be ordering my RODI system when I get my taxes back. I think Im going to be going with the Coralife Pur-Flo II 24gpd. Its going to be filling my 20 gal ATO tank so I dont think Ill need more than the 24gpd (unless there is a reason to get a larger capacity one?)

Heres the link...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3&pcatid=12093

Would that be all I need for the RODI itself? Like do I need a pump or anything like that?

and...

Is there such thing as a auto shut off valve or float switch that turns the RODI off when the 20 ATO tank is full? Or do I have to manually do it everytime? (Ive never ran an RODI system so I have lots of questions lol)

Oh and I already have a ATO system (I believe I ordered the right thing? lol) but here is the link to what is on its way....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250363587049

Thanks,
Zach M.

[schneijt]

To answer your questions, you don't need a booster pump as long as your water pressure is around 60psi. The only way to know the pressure going into your RO membrane would be to use a pressure gauge between your pre-filters and membrane, and it looks like this unit doesn't have one. If DFS doesn't sell a pressure gauge, you can buy them from several RO/DI companies that specialize in products for our reef tanks.

Regarding a system that turns the RO/Di on and off for you automatically, it actually looks like that's what you have already bought as your "ATO system." It looks like a float switch that operates a switch controlling when water goes to your RO system. So what you bought appears to operate by turning on the RO system when your water level drops in your freshwater storage vessel. It is labeled on eBay as an auto top-off system, but it works by connecting your RO/DI to your sump and not by controlling when water will leave your freshwater storage container and go into the sump.

So, you may want to look for an ATO that pumps water from the freshwater tank and into your sump. Float switches are OK, but they're prone to getting stuck and possibly causing a flood. A system using two float switches is preferable, or Tunze makes the Osmolator which is expensive, but is the best out there and uses an optical sensor instead of a float valve, which makes it unbelievably precise.

-Joe

[ZMattie]

Okay... So I already have the RODI Shut of system??? lol, well if I do, what is a reasonable priced ATO system that will bring the fresh RODI water from the holding tank to the sump to ATO the evaporated water?? (links would be greatly appreciated!)
Thanks again,
Zach

[schneijt]

I personally use the Tunze Osmolator. It'll run you around $190 no matter where you buy it, though I always like to buy from Premium Aquatics or Marine Depot if I'm not buying locally. It's expensive as I've said, but it's the best you can get. I know a lot of people have bought ATO units from autotopoff.com and have said they're excellent, so there's another good option. The dual switch unit from them runs $50 plus whatever pump you use. You'll want to use a dosing pump such as an Aqualifter or a pump that doesn't have a lot of output if you go with one that doesn't include the pump already.

If you Google ATO or do a Reef Central search, you'll find hundreds of pages that will help you choose the ATO system that's right for you.

-Joe

[ZMattie]

alright thats alot!!

[condiman]

The best ATO setup I have on my clients tanks are the ones on bulkreefsupply they have a 3 way safety system on theres and you dont have to drill the sump for the float valve.

[schneijt]

Osmolator requires no drilling as well. I would definitely steer clear of any ATO that requires you to hack and/or drill away at your sump to install it.

-Joe

[psulion3]

Check out autotopoff.com I have the dual unit.
Mine works perfect and inexpensive. Installed in about 5 minutes. No drilling.

[hansmatt]

or...you can get a litermeter used for around that $...these do not rely upon a sensor, but drip a pre-determined amount each day over the 24 hour period...much more gradual, nothing to get stuck. I change my amount from 3-5 liters every 3-4 months as evaporation rate increases/decreases seasonally

[Jrmass]

Interesting... Now I'm kind of torn which route to better look at. I had been DIY'ing my own ATO utilizing a Brass float switch with a plastic "toilet" float ball. I was going to gravity feed the unit. But, sounds like this might be a very viable option as well.

Hrmmmm decisions decisions lol.

[ZMattie]

Well I ended up ordering a 2 switch ATO sys from autotopoff.com! I havent gotten it yet but it should be here this week.

[schneijt]

Zach,

I think you'll be happy with that autotopoff.com unit. I've heard lots of good things about it.

Matt, are you using a LiterMeter on your tank? I tried a couple dosing pumps as ATO's, but I was never happy since I couldn't get them dialed in 100% and I ended up doing manual corrections to my sump's water level every day, either adding a tiny bit of water or removing it... :-( I'd love to use a dosing pump for my 2-part in the future, but I'm really partial to a system with an optical sensor or float switches to handle the actual topping off, since I could never get a metered dosing pump to work well as an ATO for me.

-Joe

[hansmatt]

Love the litermeter, but my topoff water is also in the basement below the tank. I needed significant pumping to overcome the head pressure of 12 feet or so. The peristaltic pump works great, and is consistent. There is nothing to "stick" like an ATO (though the osmolator was my second choice, Roger at Tunze suggested that there might be too much head pressure to work perfectly). Yes, you can do more pumps to dose daily, but they are $, and you can probably find some other ones that are better suited to small volumes.

[schneijt]

Yeah, the Osmolator couldn't pump against a 12' of head pressure. I think it can easily do probably 6-8 feet or so. I'm going to take a pretty close look at the LiterMeter III when I get ready to drop the $$$ on a dosing pump for my 2-part. It's expensive, though, so I'm sure I'll browse RC's selling forums to find one for a good price if I end up wanting one.

-Joe