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Gravity fed automatic top-off

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6K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  mooner  
#1 ·
Hope everyone is starting the week off on a good note!

I have decided for simplicity and reliability concerns to utilize a simple gravity fed, automatic top-off for my new build. I plan to place my ATO tank above the water line in my sump and use a siphon to feed water and something similar to this to regulate the top-off water. I also will not be drilling any holes in my glass sump or ATO tank.
Has anyone utilized a gravity based ATO and float valve with good results? I would like to know how you had it set up and things you would change. Thank you!
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Awesome! Glad to hear it is working for you! Seems like a pretty similar component list. Im trying to avoid drilling into the glass top-off tank that came with my system. Thinking that I could install a tee and a valveat the highest point of the 1/4" hose and suck out the air to start a siphon. We shall see how it goes!
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
rrr757 said:
I had issues with the gravity fed one with the bottle from amazon. sometimes it would just flow out and over pour, could have been how brittle the bottle was maybe. Changed to an electric one and way better and a larger container so less to refill. $13 vs $50 for an electric reef breeders ato, wont go back.
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Did you get the Prism ATO from reef breeders? Or the EXO? I was/still am considering one of their ATO's if the gravity option doesn't work out.

Leeatl said:
I got a small rolling cart to put reservoir on for my 75. It sits behind a drawer system that sits beside the tank. On my 40 I mounted a shelf on the side of the stand for the reservoir. Looks good. I don't mind imperfections if the wife says ok, cause I am keeping tanks, not running a public display....lol
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Lol, We have 2.5 year old twins, and they get into just about everything. Keeping the top-off tank below the stand is a necessity! I do love the idea of a rolling cart! I will have to utilize that idea when/if I build a fish room!
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Leeatl said:
Lol, yea small kids can make a big difference in how things go. I guess I forgot to say that I use sumps on both my tanks so the ATO reservoir doesn't have to be so high above the sump. My bad, don't know why I didn't think to include that info in my original response. :(
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No biggie. I am just curious who uses/used a gravity fed ATO and why you do/do not like it. Im more interested in how well the float switch worked with the gravity fed. 😀
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
I randomly saw this post and figured it would be about time to update everyone.
So far the "siphon" fed top-off works flawlessly. I made a plywood pedestal for the ATO tank so that I could maintain a siphon. The only bummer is that when I need to fill the reservoir, I have to use a pump to move water from bucket to ATO reservoir. Highly reccomend a system like this where applicable.
 
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