[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

DIY ATO Unit?


Bookmark and Share
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    dlhirst - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Detroit MI
    Posts
    705
    First Name
    Don

    Default DIY ATO Unit?

    Thinking of making an ATO unit, and was surprised by the number of YouTube vids on the topic. Anyone do their own unit? Plans to use? Plans to avoid?

  2. #2

    Default

    Nobodys chimed in yet to bad. Let me know how it turns out i wouldnt mind building my own ato unit too

  3. #3
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Aurora
    Posts
    12
    First Name
    Lance

    Default

    Make sure you use a relay with the float switches, even though the pump may be rated below the amperage max of the switch, the start up current can fuse the reeds together and you get a freshwater flood into your sump or tank.

  4. #4
    Tropical Buff - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Pinckney MI
    Posts
    484
    First Name
    Bart
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by projectx View Post
    Make sure you use a relay with the float switches, even though the pump may be rated below the amperage max of the switch, the start up current can fuse the reeds together and you get a freshwater flood into your sump or tank.
    Can you give us some details on how the relay needs to be wired? I am in the process of seeting up a ATO as well and have not seen anything showing a relay and agree it makes sense to do so.

  5. #5
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Aurora
    Posts
    12
    First Name
    Lance

    Default

    The relay has 2 sides, the switch side and the coil side.
    on the coil side hook up a 12v power supply to 1 leg of the coil, the other wire of the power supply goes to one side of the float switch, the other side of the float switch will go to the other side of the relay coil.

    on the switch side of the relay, cut one wire of an extension cord and attach some additional wire to both sides to make it easier to work with, put one wire on the common side of the switch part of the relay and the other wire onto the open side of the switch, when the float drops it will energize the coil and close the circuit, firing up the pump thats pluggged into the extension cord.

    I used a 30amp light relay you can get at checker or NAPA, there is usually a wiring diagram on top of the relay.

    hope this helps

Similar Topics

  1. Aquarium Equipment RO/DI unit
    By lngliv3 in forum Want to Buy
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-07-2012, 06:59 PM
  2. Water Treatment Ro Unit
    By Pat-O in forum Hardware
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-17-2011, 07:54 PM
  3. RO/DI unit
    By Tom@HaslettMI in forum Want to Buy
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-16-2011, 09:18 PM
  4. ro unit
    By pappabear in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 01-06-2011, 06:15 PM
  5. Salt & Water RO unit
    By Sea~Horse~Whisperer in forum Basics
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 10-08-2004, 04:33 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us