I've used jbj ato for years! Like 5+ yrs and only replaced aqua lifter 2 times. Never over flowed on me. Not once. Idk why seems folks don't like this one. Has a safety shut off if on too long as well. Idk if I missed the memo but i haven't seen any reason that it wouldn't be a great option. Only issue I did have is, I had to replace float switch because it stopped telling ato to actually add water. Replaced cheap n kept going n hasent needed to be replaced since. Would love any info on if or how could be bad choice. Never afraid to learn something new lol. Great vid tho as usual!
After trying several ATO systems and almost immediately returning them every time. I ultimately settled on a simple 30 dollar float valve, much like what's in the back of a toilet. It's analog and has almost zero chance of malfunctioning. I have another one leading from my RO system to a reservoir in my basement so everything always stays full and I don't even have to think about it any more
Well I been topping off my evaporation with a float valve for 20 years all its been doing ever day is basically using high TDs water that's been sitting in filters rotting now I run and flush ro till it's running 001 and filtering 10 gallon at a time
I have reverse osmosis system in my house it filters my well water and comes out of every pipe in the house. Costed 7k. Is it the same thing can i just use my water to top off
It may be worth sending in a water test to be 100% sure. Most whole home RO systems don't include any DI stage, so depending on how well it's performing, you may or may not need to add a DI stage for your reef.
So what make sthi so special? Dont most have the optical sensors and safty shut offs? You would reomend the nano with a float switch versus a cheaper ato that is a name brand like JBJ and auto aqua. If it werent for the fact that I want to put kalkwasser in it I would just keep doing it by hand! Before I knew the other uses I used to think how lazy can a person be that hey cant take a minute every few days to top off! I live in florida though so I usually top off daily, or maybe its the same very where but we have crazy humidity here especially in Tampa!
Beginner reefer here: so I have a 10 gallon tank, currently in the process of cycling (doing so with nitrifying bacteria and ammonia chloride). I’m noticing every other day the water that it’s causing air to flow into the tank. The situation is resolved when I top off with RO/DI water but I’m wondering will this prolong or delay my cycling?
A tank will typically cycle a bit faster at lower salinity vs higher salinity, so make sure to keep the tank topped off regularly to maintain a proper salinity level.
Hope you have time to answer. I do not see a filter thru this whole show on this 40 breeder. Which is pretty cool. Does it need one? Cuz I really like this set up
We actually do have a few filters on this tank. An Eheim power filter for mechanical filtration and carbon, a HOB refugium for natural filtration from the algae, and a HOB protein skimmer :)
We don't suggest adding salt directly to the tank or sump housing live animals, so your best bet to raise salinity is going to be to top the tank off with saltwater. This will effectively raise your salinity level over the course of a few days. To lower salinity, you're correct. Adding some freshwater to the system will indeed lower it.
Bulk Reef Supply sweet thanks for the quick reply! And I don’t mean to ask so many questions but by any chance do you know of some places I can get salt water I went to petsmart and petco but I didn’t seem to find any
distilled water is certainly better than most tap water sources, but RODI is ideal. If you don't want to set up your own RODI system at your home, most local fish stores will offer RODI water for sale by the gallon for a low price.
The trim has to be cut if you want the water level to be covered by the black plastic rim of the 40 breeder. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of great ATO options for sump-less systems.
Tap water isn't recommended for our saltwater tanks due to a number of potential contaminants. RODI water is preferred, but if you don't have an RODI system or a local fish store that sells RODI, distilled water is a decent alternative.
My ato can never keep my salinity stable due to my filter socks, it raises the level of water in the DT and drops it in the sump whicb makes the ato add more freshwater to the tank.
Maybe consider an automatic roller mat? This way, the rollermat would be removing the particles that would be clogging your filter socks before they become a significant impact on water level.
With a wave that big, you'd likely have issues. The optical eye or float (depending on which model you're using), requires a pretty steady water level to operate effectively.
Doesn’t an uncovered RODI bucket build up TDS over time? Then getting to zero TDS to only have it creep up in your holding reservoir would be self defeating. Probably best to drill a hole in the bucket lid for the tubing to go through. How about you guys testing TDS creep in open and closed container situations, of 2, 5, 10, 20 gallon sizes. Thanks
Even with zero TDS and a lid I believe containments would still build up. Every few months I wipe my buckets down n almost seems like sand or persipitation or something. Can't say it's from salt tho cuz top off does it too. But still would be an interesting vid either way
Zero TDS water will absolutely draw in things from the air that will cause a rise in measurable TDS. That said, it's of little concern because even though we shoot for zero TDS, what the water is pulling from the air is likely not at all toxic to the tank. If we have 100 TDS tap water on the other hand, we have no idea if that 100 TDS is simply sodium chloride from a water softener or something more damaging.
@@BRStv Water softeners don't release NaCl unless they are defective. They do release sodium ions. I use a water softener and an RO/DI unit. The filters/membrane/DI cartridges last much longer because the water softener has removed much of the TDS prior to getting to the RO/DI unit.
When I had tanks as a kid in the old days I always had an air stone or 2 running. Guess the hobby got away from them. In fact corner filters & under gravel filters were run by air stones
Fair point. One thing to consider is that the condensation on the bottoms of the glass lids can and will impact light penetration, so when setting up your lights, take that into consideration.
Bulk Reef Supply Oh it does? I have a light with a glass lid and plan to keep coral. Do you think I will be fine keeping coral. Another reason I have a lid is because I’ve had a clownfish jump out and snails crawl out in an old small saltwater tank.
This is why you make sure your ato tank can fit in the sump and tank so if it does get stuck on then your tank and sump won't overflow. Simple common sense.
@@kblasterbug I've done that in the past for like 3 months when I first got my ato. Then I checked my water why my corals were all unhappy. Lost 5 corals.
I'm not sure whose idea it was to start this series, but "Wow, these videos are so valuable. Thank you so much!"
crying seeing these prices in 2023
THANK YOU I DONT KNOW WHY THIS IS SUCH A SKIPPED TOPIC FOR BEGINNERS!!!!!
I've used jbj ato for years! Like 5+ yrs and only replaced aqua lifter 2 times. Never over flowed on me. Not once. Idk why seems folks don't like this one. Has a safety shut off if on too long as well. Idk if I missed the memo but i haven't seen any reason that it wouldn't be a great option. Only issue I did have is, I had to replace float switch because it stopped telling ato to actually add water. Replaced cheap n kept going n hasent needed to be replaced since. Would love any info on if or how could be bad choice. Never afraid to learn something new lol. Great vid tho as usual!
You mean I was not supposed to be topping it off with saltwater?! Crap
@@kblasterbug na use vinegar
After trying several ATO systems and almost immediately returning them every time. I ultimately settled on a simple 30 dollar float valve, much like what's in the back of a toilet. It's analog and has almost zero chance of malfunctioning. I have another one leading from my RO system to a reservoir in my basement so everything always stays full and I don't even have to think about it any more
Well I been topping off my evaporation with a float valve for 20 years all its been doing ever day is basically using high TDs water that's been sitting in filters rotting now I run and flush ro till it's running 001 and filtering 10 gallon at a time
Osmolator is the best! I have mine for 10 years and still runs. In only replaced the pump 2x
I have reverse osmosis system in my house it filters my well water and comes out of every pipe in the house. Costed 7k. Is it the same thing can i just use my water to top off
It may be worth sending in a water test to be 100% sure. Most whole home RO systems don't include any DI stage, so depending on how well it's performing, you may or may not need to add a DI stage for your reef.
What do you put in the top off water won’t it dilute salinity?
So what make sthi so special? Dont most have the optical sensors and safty shut offs? You would reomend the nano with a float switch versus a cheaper ato that is a name brand like JBJ and auto aqua. If it werent for the fact that I want to put kalkwasser in it I would just keep doing it by hand! Before I knew the other uses I used to think how lazy can a person be that hey cant take a minute every few days to top off! I live in florida though so I usually top off daily, or maybe its the same very where but we have crazy humidity here especially in Tampa!
Beginner reefer here: so I have a 10 gallon tank, currently in the process of cycling (doing so with nitrifying bacteria and ammonia chloride). I’m noticing every other day the water that it’s causing air to flow into the tank. The situation is resolved when I top off with RO/DI water but I’m wondering will this prolong or delay my cycling?
A tank will typically cycle a bit faster at lower salinity vs higher salinity, so make sure to keep the tank topped off regularly to maintain a proper salinity level.
Can I use distilled water to top off my tank ?
Hope you have time to answer. I do not see a filter thru this whole show on this 40 breeder. Which is pretty cool. Does it need one? Cuz I really like this set up
We actually do have a few filters on this tank. An Eheim power filter for mechanical filtration and carbon, a HOB refugium for natural filtration from the algae, and a HOB protein skimmer :)
Bulk Reef Supply ooook I could see anything but the slimmer. So I don’t “NEED” a sump?
Bulk Reef Supply only thing I see in the video is the In Tank Skimmer. 🤷🏻♂️ You be hiding the others very very well. Lol
If the salinity is to low do I add more salt to the tank and if it’s to high I just add distilled water right?
We don't suggest adding salt directly to the tank or sump housing live animals, so your best bet to raise salinity is going to be to top the tank off with saltwater. This will effectively raise your salinity level over the course of a few days. To lower salinity, you're correct. Adding some freshwater to the system will indeed lower it.
Bulk Reef Supply sweet thanks for the quick reply! And I don’t mean to ask so many questions but by any chance do you know of some places I can get salt water I went to petsmart and petco but I didn’t seem to find any
@@irecon-_516 I thought both of them had water but any place that sells fish usually does.
Karen Nation Thx for the reply, I decided to make my own salt water and so far my tanks been running for a little over a month and it’s doing great
How did you attach the ato water line to the 40 breader?
What about the Auto Aqua Smart ATO Micro? It’s been reliable on my pico tank the last 2 years.
You mean I was not supposed to be topping it off with saltwater?! Crap
Build a dyi ato for 20 bucks ppl. It works great.
Can I use distilled water?
distilled water is certainly better than most tap water sources, but RODI is ideal. If you don't want to set up your own RODI system at your home, most local fish stores will offer RODI water for sale by the gallon for a low price.
How you do keep your water level above the top frame with the 3152? Did you have to cut it?
The trim has to be cut if you want the water level to be covered by the black plastic rim of the 40 breeder. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of great ATO options for sump-less systems.
So should we add fresh water in the reservoir with ATO?
Correct. The ATO reservoir gets filled with fresh RODI water. Since salt doesn't evaporate, you want to top the tank off with freshwater.
Can I use water from my sink? And put it in when the water in my tank gets evaporated?
Tap water isn't recommended for our saltwater tanks due to a number of potential contaminants. RODI water is preferred, but if you don't have an RODI system or a local fish store that sells RODI, distilled water is a decent alternative.
My ato can never keep my salinity stable due to my filter socks, it raises the level of water in the DT and drops it in the sump whicb makes the ato add more freshwater to the tank.
Maybe consider an automatic roller mat? This way, the rollermat would be removing the particles that would be clogging your filter socks before they become a significant impact on water level.
If I use the vacuum to clean the tank do I top it off with salt water in that case?
If you're siphoning out saltwater, you'll want to replace it with saltwater.
How does the tunze perform in a sumpless system with at a 2-3 inch wave? Getting tired of manually topping off my tank.
With a wave that big, you'd likely have issues. The optical eye or float (depending on which model you're using), requires a pretty steady water level to operate effectively.
@@BRStv I kind of figured that lol, better safe to ask than spend the money and flood my basement 😂. I'll wait till I upgrade and have a sump
Doesn’t an uncovered RODI bucket build up TDS over time? Then getting to zero TDS to only have it creep up in your holding reservoir would be self defeating. Probably best to drill a hole in the bucket lid for the tubing to go through. How about you guys testing TDS creep in open and closed container situations, of 2, 5, 10, 20 gallon sizes. Thanks
Even with zero TDS and a lid I believe containments would still build up. Every few months I wipe my buckets down n almost seems like sand or persipitation or something. Can't say it's from salt tho cuz top off does it too. But still would be an interesting vid either way
Zero TDS water will absolutely draw in things from the air that will cause a rise in measurable TDS. That said, it's of little concern because even though we shoot for zero TDS, what the water is pulling from the air is likely not at all toxic to the tank. If we have 100 TDS tap water on the other hand, we have no idea if that 100 TDS is simply sodium chloride from a water softener or something more damaging.
@@BRStv Water softeners don't release NaCl unless they are defective. They do release sodium ions. I use a water softener and an RO/DI unit. The filters/membrane/DI cartridges last much longer because the water softener has removed much of the TDS prior to getting to the RO/DI unit.
Tunze nano flooded my den 2 times. 2 months apart.
Thats why i only add enough water in my reservoir that will fit in my sump without spilling. I always use a 5 gallon jug as a reservoir.
I added a float valve to the incoming line so if sump level ever reaches a certain height. The float will block the incoming water.
Just buy an ATO when you buy your tank. Learn from our mistakes
Dumb question... why not keep tanks covered?? I always had my freshwater tanks covered & fish still jumped out.
Better oxygen exchange with the top of the tank open 👍
When I had tanks as a kid in the old days I always had an air stone or 2 running. Guess the hobby got away from them. In fact corner filters & under gravel filters were run by air stones
Or you could just get a simple glass lid and evaporation almost stops completely. Plus, it’s usually cheaper.
Fair point. One thing to consider is that the condensation on the bottoms of the glass lids can and will impact light penetration, so when setting up your lights, take that into consideration.
Bulk Reef Supply Oh it does? I have a light with a glass lid and plan to keep coral. Do you think I will be fine keeping coral. Another reason I have a lid is because I’ve had a clownfish jump out and snails crawl out in an old small saltwater tank.
This is why you make sure your ato tank can fit in the sump and tank so if it does get stuck on then your tank and sump won't overflow. Simple common sense.
You mean I was not supposed to be topping it off with saltwater?! Crap
@@kblasterbug I've done that in the past for like 3 months when I first got my ato. Then I checked my water why my corals were all unhappy. Lost 5 corals.
U still have to fill up the bucket every few days I see this as a very big waste of money it does nothin
It adds the new fresh water slowly in small amounts. If your ok with slowly adding by hand then yes its a waste of money
77? I paid 99.99!
w w