[david426]

Which of these two should I get?
I want dual sensor and this is as much as I can spend.
If you could talk me into the Duetto, that'd be great.

Ice Cap ATO
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ato-...MI36LYjpO_3wIVhDJpCh2AKwR9EAMYASAAEgLSqfD_BwE

XP Aqua Duetto
https://www.marinedepot.com/XP_Aqua...o_Top_Off_Units-XP_Aqua-0X1832-FIDPAT-vi.html

 

[Geoff]

i have always DIY'd mine using cheap float switches and irrigation valves, and a float valve for backup.

the one optical sensor i have, no longer works. it only lasted a few months. it was a Neptune one. i am trying to decide if i want to try another or not. i have had much better luck with the float switches. they are easier to replace if something goes wrong.

G~

 

[Spridle]

I've been using this float system for about 20 years with no issues.

 

[Mattman1977]

I dyi my ato also. Kind of still in the process of making it or I would offer up a picture. Unfortunately I don’t have a second floor where I can accomplish what Spridle drawing does or I would of definitely gone that route. But under my tank offers plenty of room to accommodate a 7 gal aquatainer available at Walmart some fittings from HD and a bubble magus float switch for a gravity feed system, total cost around $60. No modification just screw everything together and worked. I’ll get pictures when i get home if you wish.

Matt

 

[david426]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!
I'm not able to place my reservoir above water level so I require a transfer pump and I've no room in my sump for a toilet style float as a backup.
For you DIY'ers, where do get your ATO parts and which float switches do you use? I want a system with a fail-safe, but again no room for a toilet shut-off so how do you wire up two floats to the pump?
The plug and play ones of course use a controller, which have a third fail-safe that will shut down if 6x last fill occurs.

 

[Mattman1977]

Store bought ato systems I've only heard great things about one and that's the Tunze 3155.

I found this float valve system and have the float parallel with the bracket. Takes up very little room.
https://premiumaquatics.com/products/bubble-magus-float-valve-autotop.html
I am using one for my ato

Matt

 

[Geoff]

i just use the standard inexpensive ebay float switches. like these.

i have 2 of these float valves.

G~

 

[david426]

Ok I think I understand. To use two float switches with a transfer pump, a harness is needed to plug both switches into the pump, one higher than the other. If either switch is closed, the pump won't run; both must be open to activate the pump. I don't know where to get one of those harnesses.

 

[jerryclunsford]

Have to have a relay also.

 

[Mattman1977]

I know BRS has a dyi auto top off kit and instruction video that shows what all you need and how to wire it up. Could use that as a shopping list and ideas.

Matt

 

[Geoff]

AvastMarine also has one.

i have a couple of things from them.

G~