HOW TO: $12 Aquarium Auto Top Off (ATO) Automation

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  • Опубліковано 6 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 209

  • @gregorygillam8154
    @gregorygillam8154 6 місяців тому

    Thanks! Your videos have helped me for years. I appreciate your time and commitment to this hobby.

  • @rickyh2896
    @rickyh2896 9 років тому +2

    Love this channel! I got back into aquariums about 6 months ago after taking a break for about 10 years. I can't believe how much this channel has helped me!! Not to mention how much money this channel has saved me!!
    *NOTE* if you accidentally touch the bottom screws where the extension cord is plugged in YOU WILL SHOCK YOURSELF WITH 120V ac (240V for my European friends). Please if you do this absolutely place it in a container like shown or wrap it in copious amounts of electrical tape to protect yourself and anyone who may be messing with your tanks components.

  • @duenasj
    @duenasj 9 років тому +74

    Somebody get this man a lucrative TV deal! You can't beat the King of DIY! Props to you, Joey Mullen! You do great work.

    • @TomDuhamel
      @TomDuhamel 9 років тому +6

      +Javier Duenas He's got a lucrative UA-cam deal!

    • @duenasj
      @duenasj 9 років тому +1

      +Tom Duhamel He deserves it! The man must have a DIY time machine video somewhere too because I can't explain how anyone can be so productive! Holy smokes!

    • @stoneysscapes7544
      @stoneysscapes7544 2 роки тому

      @@duenasj He does but it has some glitches causing some minor cosmetic changes , in fact the more The King travels through time he realized his ultimate DIY the TTM ( time travel machine ) is also a Fountain of Youth ( age & appearance reversal apparatus ) now Joey has the best of all 3 Worlds PAST , Present & FUTURE !

  • @GregoryEddings
    @GregoryEddings 9 років тому +9

    I would highly recommend also wiring the neutral through the other side of the relay. While that style of relay is highly reliable, this will provide redundancy in case one of the relay poles gets stuck in the on position. Also, that style of relay does not have any overcurrent or any other protection. Great video. I always enjoy your content.

  • @RandomlyRantful
    @RandomlyRantful 5 років тому +13

    God I love going back to your old vids when you were in the heyday of DIY. You just saved me 80 bucks!

  • @HesheR82
    @HesheR82 9 років тому

    You are the man ! I got everything ordered on ebay the relay and socket sold together 5$ float switch 1.50 $ a cheap water pump that can lift max 40 inches. I just need it for a 10 gallon newt tank. hate the water that keeps evaporating. this will keep it level and I can just pass the pad on edge to keep the white stains on tank. I never bought one cause they not cheap and for a small 10 gallon half filled this is perfect and safe. YOU ARE THE KING !!

  • @karldeibert270
    @karldeibert270 6 років тому

    I had a hell of a time putting this together. For some reason the relay would not close. Turns out two of the five switches from Amazon were duds. Now it works like a charm, and I can go away for the weekend without having to worry about large swings in my salinity. Thanks Joey!!

  • @tjablaj
    @tjablaj 5 років тому +2

    Would highly recommend to solder the connectors instead of using twistconnectors. Much more safe and rugged. When you are done put some tape over it or go with shrinkable tubes

  • @coffield1961
    @coffield1961 9 років тому

    Thanks for this idea, I am going to use it for my sump pump as I have an overflow box and always worry about it loosing it's flow.This way if my water leave is to high it will shut off my pump and not overflow onto the floor.I have also used an delay timer with a relay to turn off my sump pump (3minutes) during feeding so the food does not all go into the overflow box.Thanks for all the great videos.Ray

    • @chrisjones6002
      @chrisjones6002 8 років тому

      +Ray Coffield those are both great ideas. What kind of a timer did you use in your setup? I found some relays that have a timer do you know if they would work?

    • @coffield1961
      @coffield1961 8 років тому

      Yes they will work just make sure the relay will handle the load of your pump most common are ten amp and that is good to go. I used a delay time and a relay and my first relay was cheep and when I replaced it I went back with a relay with a timer built in. working great now.

    • @chrisjones6002
      @chrisjones6002 8 років тому

      +Ray Coffield So with the timer relay you would wire it as in the video but replace the float switch with a manual switch. Then when you push the switch the relay should turn the pump off for the time set in the the timer and back on when the time is up. Am I understanding it correctly?

    • @cparch1758
      @cparch1758 3 роки тому

      A sump should be set up so that if all the water in the system above your overflow's teeth drains, the remaining volume of the sump should contain it. Thats why sumps arent ran full, and neither are tanks with overflow teeth. If your sump can overflow, it isnt set up correctly.

  • @thingsmadebyjoe
    @thingsmadebyjoe 7 років тому +21

    "I got one from the Dollar store for a Dollar" made me laugh more than it should!

  • @ez7393
    @ez7393 7 років тому

    Just got started in Saltwater tanks. Built this thing... works like a champ. Thanks!

  • @PolarisFx
    @PolarisFx 8 років тому

    Great Design, just used this as an example for building my own. The only difference between this and mine is I spent a couple bucks on a better enclosure, and wired up sockets to allow for easier pump connection. That and in the relays off state it powers a small recirculating pump for the kalk in my ATO reservoir, when the float trips the relay it turns off the recirculating pump and turns on the ATO pump. My costs were about $30CDN all said and done.

  • @MrAnirbanchakrabarty
    @MrAnirbanchakrabarty 6 років тому +1

    Can you please tell me connections of the lamp you are testing? Thanks in advance

  • @jasonchaney1133
    @jasonchaney1133 3 роки тому

    Wil this same setup work with an optical level sensor instead of a float switch?

  • @alexbrooks5657
    @alexbrooks5657 7 років тому +2

    great video joey, just whipped one up. little frustrating;) note to people from the states. ribbed side is live and terminals reversed as well hahah

    • @SireSquish
      @SireSquish 6 років тому +1

      Ribbed, but for whose pleasure?

  • @johnnyvvlog
    @johnnyvvlog 9 років тому +9

    It really doesn't matter which one of the wires from the power you cut. It'll work either way. Better is to cut both btw and give each a contact on the relay. That way the whole power is cut off from the pump when not in use and the wiring is a bit simpler to do.

    • @humbughumbughumbug
      @humbughumbughumbug 7 років тому +1

      JohnnyVVlog generally it's better to cut live because if you touch the device and ground, you won't die.

    • @humbughumbughumbug
      @humbughumbughumbug 7 років тому +1

      JohnnyVVlog Otoh, if you cut the neutral and leave the Live/Hot connected, the entire circuit can give you a nasty shock if you touch it by mistake, along with something grounded in the room. like your computer chassis, a stove, conduit, a room heater, etc.

    • @tristan6509
      @tristan6509 6 років тому

      @@humbughumbughumbug yes if you're using a uk plug, but us and eu plugs can be plugged in backwards so whats even the point of it?

  • @lucabondi4544
    @lucabondi4544 9 років тому

    Your the only person I actually watch on youtube. keep it up man. by the way dobyou stillbhave your discus pairs breeding?

  • @johnmartinez4943
    @johnmartinez4943 9 років тому

    Great step by step here. A good use here is to have the float valve shut down your pumps if the tank begins overflowing. I've safeguarded my pvc overflow from blockage with a sponge over the intake, but one can never be too safe.

  • @ryannlarge8414
    @ryannlarge8414 9 років тому

    You'll find shrink tubing is a much safer and more reliable way to seal your wire contacts. Very cool nonetheless I'm learning a lot from your channel. I plan on making an aquaponics setup in my room using my 55 gallon fish tank for some herbs and sunfish or perch. It only fit's I use sunfish or perch though because the piranha I had in that tank for many years loved sunfish and perch.

  • @robbiechizzang
    @robbiechizzang 9 років тому +1

    Hi Joey thanks for sharing this and all your other DIY videos. Like other commenters state, you do make it easy. A question for you on the relay because I am terrible with electronics. Is the voltage on the relay arbitrary? For example, instead of a 12v relay could I use a 5v one? The reason I am asking is because I already have 3 and 5v wallwarts I was hoping to repurpose instead of buying new.

  • @christopheradamson6603
    @christopheradamson6603 8 років тому

    If I use an AC power supply that puts out 12vdc 2A, will the 2A be too much for the float switch? I'm using those yellow and white float switches.

  • @FishNTips
    @FishNTips 9 років тому +1

    another brilliant video joey! also im glad you cleared up that the extension cord was a dollar from the dollar store ;) a big fan of your new style and your Thursday videos too.

  • @xx0505xx
    @xx0505xx 8 років тому

    Do you have a wiring diagram of the relay that you purchased? I'm trying to connect it the same way as yours but it doesn't do anything with my 12v power supply that's plugged in.
    Thank you.

  • @robertl6711
    @robertl6711 9 років тому

    Good idea I been thinking for making and automatic water changer. the wall behind my fish tank is the garage wall. With water and a drain like 3-5 feet away. My worry is a plant branch will break loose and say water level is low and over flow the tank while I am at work. How would I protect the float switch from this happening. Ideas?

  • @SlimTim_dirty_aquatics
    @SlimTim_dirty_aquatics 9 років тому

    Fired Up!!! Tourial on a DIY ato. Plus awesome camera angles.

  • @marksadventurechannel8471
    @marksadventurechannel8471 6 років тому

    Funny thing is that I was going to make one of these for topping off the sap in my maple syrup operation. I just had not researched the detailsyet when I stumbled on this video while going through all of your vids.

  • @urvesh0607
    @urvesh0607 9 років тому +2

    If we are using 12 volt Mini water pump which works on 12 volt adapter, then it is okay to connect float switch directly with 12 volt pump or adaptor ?? So I want basically bypass "relay". So my question is, still it will work?

    • @chandlerrogers8096
      @chandlerrogers8096 7 років тому

      It works for me.

    • @toddhayslett8269
      @toddhayslett8269 7 років тому

      yes

    • @chandlerrogers8096
      @chandlerrogers8096 7 років тому

      Update: I installed a second one. That one stays on when it should turn off, it drained half my tank this morning. I'm guessing that it can't handle the 1amp power source.

  • @davidsatow7786
    @davidsatow7786 9 років тому

    Quick question for you about discus... I recently purchased four discus (they have been in my 75g tank for about a week now) and they seem to be schooling on the bottom of my tank in one corner constantly and only occasionally will one of them leave the corner besides when I feed them. Is this normal? Do you have any tips to get them more out and about or will that just happen over time? Thanks!

  • @amigoz2k9
    @amigoz2k9 5 років тому +2

    How do I attach a motor to this for pumping water?

  • @byzon123
    @byzon123 6 років тому

    If this fails is there a chance it can over flow the tank ? Im planing on making this just need to be sure of any problems-before hand

  • @Dubbya123
    @Dubbya123 8 років тому

    I've made the ATO in this video and am very impressed with the results thusfar. I was wondering if it was also possible to do with a 3 prong device, such as a larger pump. Could this still work? What kind of cord would I need then?

  • @kevinhaynes7524
    @kevinhaynes7524 8 років тому

    Can you use any wall cord for the 12v act transformer or does it have to have like that. If box that goes into the wall

  • @jpollonais
    @jpollonais 8 років тому

    great video once again joey. a couple questions though
    1. I want to use this in a sump to prevent water levels from getting to high. will the pump get damaged if it's turned on an off so frequently?
    2. ideally what I would like is a system that will completely empty the sump when the levels get to a certain high, then shut off when it gets low enough and turn back on again when it gets too high and empties the sump. kinda like an auto flood/ drain system. any ideas on how I can do this? thanks a mill buddy

  • @alahambra99
    @alahambra99 7 років тому

    What's the name of the outro song that you use for many videos, starting at 7:45?

  • @YoutubeKenny
    @YoutubeKenny 5 років тому

    hi guys, im a noob, can someone help me. Im in California, should i get the 12V DC or the 100V AC relay? or it depends on my wall adapter? ( the phone charger will lower my current from 110 AC to 12v DC?) mannnn

  • @mandymoore5774
    @mandymoore5774 4 роки тому

    So this will essentially work if a tank cracks say middle of the night & it doesn’t make much noise when doing so, at least not enough to wake you in time to save all ur fish?

  • @mattbrocklehurst7980
    @mattbrocklehurst7980 8 років тому

    hey would anyone know how to wire these switches in series... so when 1 is off they are all off but when they are all on it will activate a pump? can't seem to get them to work... they seem to reverse and interfere with each other

  • @mginster2
    @mginster2 6 років тому

    The one negative of this type of build is no failure prevention if the float switch gets stuck on. It will just top off forever. Most ATO systems have that built in to kill power after being on about a minute. I did a DIY build with an arduino and a solid state relay to program my own failure logic. It doesnt increase the cost much at all, just a learning curve.

  • @uraniumangel5836
    @uraniumangel5836 9 років тому

    is the relay normally open or normally closed? is the relay you used a universal?

  • @that604guyyo
    @that604guyyo 6 років тому

    Is there a purchase list somewhere? I can only find this setup at $30 if not going to wait 53 days for Hong Kong ebay...

  • @maxxiang8746
    @maxxiang8746 6 років тому

    You could also use a MOSFET to control the relay, with a flyback diode, for larger relays, as a relay coil could be pretty hard on the float switch.

  • @quransunnah96
    @quransunnah96 5 років тому

    I have the 3 cord wire in which 1 is live 1 is neutral and 1 is earth, my question which can I connect the earth or I can just ignore the earth wire?

  • @gaultierdelbarre7411
    @gaultierdelbarre7411 6 років тому +1

    When you build this, you should invest in quality float switches and more than one float switch in a series to have redundancy in your design. also, insulate all of those exposed terminals. 120V AC is not fun to touch

  • @DeeFromBrooklyn
    @DeeFromBrooklyn 9 років тому +1

    that beats the hell out of the $150 auto off i bought. .. Great video Joey

  • @nicbowman3430
    @nicbowman3430 9 років тому

    sup bro. do u know wat plants r best to keep with the roots in the tank

  • @andyfoogreat
    @andyfoogreat 5 років тому

    Do you have an example for two switches?

  • @kylekll
    @kylekll 9 років тому

    awesome DIY. I ordered parts the day this video came out. I've just built one today and it only cost me $9.

  • @romual90
    @romual90 7 років тому

    Joey, i already have a 12V DC water pump, still i need this kind of relay?

  • @MattacksRC
    @MattacksRC 8 років тому

    hmmm. I wanted to get the hydor auto top off system but don't really feel like laying out the cash right this moment. I may have to give this a try as it could be a good temporary solution at the least.

    • @MattacksRC
      @MattacksRC 7 років тому

      well, I just made one of these too. it's been working great but the wiring of my relay chassis was different and for some reason my float switch would work until I jiggled it on and off really fast.. that threw me for a loop. I thought I had a bad switch. anyway, it's been working flawlessly.. and it was diy!

  • @southwests5508
    @southwests5508 5 років тому

    Really cool idea but a few problems. Number one is there is no live wire on AC current so u can use either wire it wont matter as ac current alternates between positive and negative 60 times a second on both wires. Number 2 never use crimp caps for 110v they are rated for 12v and no approved for use in the home. Also using a 12v relay means there is a possibility that 110v can jump the gap and make a connection between the magnet. The only reason voltage is rated is the ability to just different size gaps same reason 12v fuses have a much more narrow gap than 110v.

  • @franklinmichael671
    @franklinmichael671 8 років тому

    How could i set up a system for my reef tank to keep the salinity constant that doesn't depend on the water level? I want something that drips RODI water at different rates depending on the salinity of the water. The reason I want this is because I would want to add saltwater constantly and have it overflow through a separate skimmer having a constant wet skimmed water change.

  • @ruffrider8769
    @ruffrider8769 7 років тому

    whats the extension cord plugged into i live in uk so no 2 pin sockets?????

  • @compyginorio5604
    @compyginorio5604 7 років тому

    Hi Joey, did you got an idea of what do the other side upper of the relay sucket???

  • @aljonroxas231
    @aljonroxas231 9 років тому

    i have a setup that i used a sprinkler valve. with a float relay. down side is its hard to control the temp of water . but a tempcontrol valve will solve that noble trade sells them

  • @christopherboddey2242
    @christopherboddey2242 8 років тому

    hey joey how would I apply this to a sump to cut off my return pump ?

  • @danecobb4977
    @danecobb4977 4 роки тому

    does anyone know how to add multiple switches to act as a fail-safe? do i just connect each switch's wires all together?

  • @quransunnah96
    @quransunnah96 5 років тому

    and why do I use relay socket, TMC v2 ATO don't use any relay and ATO works perfectly fine without any issues. Please let me know. Thank you.

  • @popopogi69
    @popopogi69 9 років тому +2

    theres a good way also to do that to avoid 110v or 229v and relay just buy 12v pump (7$) and float switch (2$) then use a 12v ac adaptor.

    • @Stoplightcircus
      @Stoplightcircus 6 років тому

      or buy an automatic bilge pump with switch in it and adapter!

  • @LarsHendrichs
    @LarsHendrichs 9 років тому

    Very good one! I will try this to turn of my existing top off when the Walter level in my RO Tank is to low (to prevent damage for the pump).

  • @tristanbeligan6242
    @tristanbeligan6242 9 років тому

    Did you plug both the light and the 12v AC adapter into the extension cord?

    • @thekingofdiy
      @thekingofdiy  9 років тому

      +Tristan Beligan No, the extension cord and AC adaptor go into the wall.

    • @tristanbeligan6242
      @tristanbeligan6242 9 років тому

      +The king of DIY oh okay. It was kind of hard to tell

    • @MikeLemming
      @MikeLemming 8 років тому

      +The king of DIY and the pump to the end of the extension?

  • @diegosandovalmiamifl8445
    @diegosandovalmiamifl8445 6 років тому

    Some help please I tried to do it with a MY2N relay and i could not duplicate it. Thanks for the feed back

  • @Lardzor
    @Lardzor 6 років тому

    You'd never under any circumstances recommend running a float switch directly to the water pumps wiring. My water pump runs off 5v DC. So, you would recommend running 12v through the switch because it would be safer than running 5v through the switch?

    • @andyh7537
      @andyh7537 6 років тому +1

      It's a current issue. Your 5V pump might draw 3 amps. The contacts on the little magnetic reed switch inside the float are not rated for much current, and can weld themselves closed. The relay is 12V, but it only draws 75mA, which is a very small amount of current.

    • @Lardzor
      @Lardzor 6 років тому

      Thank you.

  • @bdhxdbdbdbbf8370
    @bdhxdbdbdbbf8370 8 років тому

    I got mine for 4? I'm using this build for my diy canister filter and want to thank you for doing this video 😀

  • @gmac9641
    @gmac9641 9 років тому

    I'm terrified of doing my own electrical work. Why are cheap pre-built float switches so hard to find? Seems someone should be making these and selling them to the many that could use them. Anyone have any leads?

  • @Fupalord117
    @Fupalord117 8 років тому

    How would I add a second float switch to turn it off if 1st one is stuck on ?

  • @kyle2010pg
    @kyle2010pg 9 років тому

    Hey Joe is there a way to hide the wires from the wave maker in a saltwater aquarium

  • @hellcat1988
    @hellcat1988 6 років тому

    I'm surprised I haven't seen a recommended video yet of someone using the fill valve and float assembly from a toilette. Sure, you'd need a decent sized aquarium to use one, but it'd be a way of having an auto top off with no power or pump needed.

    • @bluewater82
      @bluewater82 6 років тому

      The water going to your toilet is under pressure... The float system is worthless without something to pump the water...hence the need for power/pumps for aquarium ATOs.

  • @mef1975
    @mef1975 9 років тому

    QUESTION:
    What sort of relay and power transformer would I need for a float switch that requires 100V DC minimum?

  • @danielvalderrama6809
    @danielvalderrama6809 8 років тому

    how do you add a second float? does it needs another dc power connection?

    • @Fupalord117
      @Fupalord117 8 років тому

      Daniel Valderrama did you ever find out how to do it?

  • @johnc306
    @johnc306 9 років тому

    how would you hook 2 or 3 float switches?

  • @coffield1961
    @coffield1961 8 років тому

    Jonathan Olivero that's easy to add a second switch for a backup, just wire them in series. Take one wire from each switch and twist them together and put a wire nut or a butt conector on it. And then use the other two wires like it is one switch.

    • @Fupalord117
      @Fupalord117 8 років тому +1

      Ray Coffield is there a diagram for doing this? I'm sorry just having trouble understanding the directions

    • @MattacksRC
      @MattacksRC 8 років тому

      Ray Coffield I think you mean parallel. wiring them is series wouldn't work.

  • @johnsmothers1268
    @johnsmothers1268 9 років тому

    Joey that was a great video thank you for your time.

  • @alarcon99
    @alarcon99 6 років тому

    Thank you very much! exactly what I was looking for for my automated hydroponics set up.

  • @andyfoogreat
    @andyfoogreat 6 років тому

    I would really like to know how to wire two float switches where the pump turns on on a high level and turns off on a low level.

  • @kyle2010pg
    @kyle2010pg 9 років тому

    Also is there a way to make a refugium look like a planted aquarium

  • @compyginorio5604
    @compyginorio5604 7 років тому

    Hi Joey, I doble check all the wires and still don't work for me. Can you please give me an advice

  • @chaitanyasharma9964
    @chaitanyasharma9964 9 років тому

    u r amazing !!! your tutorials helped me many times thanx

  • @VikingsAquatics
    @VikingsAquatics 9 років тому +3

    good build

  • @juancid1607
    @juancid1607 8 років тому

    Thanks you. This information is exactly what I needed.

  • @mikenothin1052
    @mikenothin1052 8 років тому

    Hey what if I don't want to use the extension cord just float switch and 12v D.C. Wall plug? P.s my pump already has its wire stripped

    • @zacharycoronado6749
      @zacharycoronado6749 7 років тому

      I would not recommend that.
      Pretty dangerous setup, could catch fire (personal experience)

  • @kierantulbure5299
    @kierantulbure5299 7 років тому

    Hey Joey. Awesome videos bro! Do you know if it has to be a 12 volt transformed to power the relay or will a 5.4 volt supply do?

    • @PP_687
      @PP_687 3 роки тому

      It will do..but you have to connect only 5 volt relay.

  • @ZackeryTaylor
    @ZackeryTaylor 7 років тому

    Does anyone know how to wire one of these with two floats: one to turn on and one to turn it off if water gets too high?

  • @jcole429
    @jcole429 7 років тому

    How would I wire multiple float switches into this?

  • @RoadSpawn
    @RoadSpawn 8 років тому

    Great video. I tried making it but to no avail. Can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

  • @ErickMirandadotcom
    @ErickMirandadotcom 9 років тому

    Awesome man! Well done!

  • @tristanbeligan6242
    @tristanbeligan6242 9 років тому

    Also how would you wire multiple float switches?

  • @DavidTheMechanic
    @DavidTheMechanic 8 років тому

    can you use an automotive relay

  • @musicmixcapecod
    @musicmixcapecod 8 років тому +3

    Best line "I grabbed one from the dollar store for a dollar" lol

  • @nicholasschulz9304
    @nicholasschulz9304 7 років тому

    How can you do this with 3 wires. Like a 3 wire extension cord

  • @tammylovescats
    @tammylovescats 9 років тому

    Great video! Good info to keep in mind

  • @Theninja80291
    @Theninja80291 5 років тому

    Where does it show where the light connection is ?
    I don't see where the light is connected in the circuit.

  • @gentlegiantjeffy
    @gentlegiantjeffy 7 років тому

    Can I use a 12v AC relay?

  • @allancerf9038
    @allancerf9038 6 років тому

    fabulous, fabulous video. thanks.

  • @TheXxneowolfxX
    @TheXxneowolfxX 7 років тому

    Have you thought about using arduino/raspberry pi for any of your builds? You could almost automate and monitor just about everything.

  • @ajus83
    @ajus83 8 років тому +3

    Can i use 5-12v DC pump? Is the float switch can handle pump current?

  • @stranger21ny
    @stranger21ny 9 років тому

    Awesome video and idea. Thanks

  • @mattluney517
    @mattluney517 7 років тому

    lost me at the float switch to the AC adapter. should,be clearer there. does the float switch need power. . .

    • @Nightstalker350119
      @Nightstalker350119 7 років тому

      Yes the float switch does need its own power to send to the relay or the relay wont know weather to open or close the circuit, usually its a voltage of around 5 - 12 volts dc.

  • @miguelpires5856
    @miguelpires5856 8 років тому

    i have a overflow box and you just thought me how to stop the pump in the sump if it fails , thank you

  • @Mike-vs3nh
    @Mike-vs3nh 7 років тому

    so I'm trying to find these parts. my problem is the floats I find can only take 1 amp I found I think the relay he uses but it puts out 2 amps and I don't want to burn up the sensor

  • @mitian
    @mitian 9 років тому

    Dude you are awesome.... Thanks for sharing.