ATO Project (1 Viewer)

[emixa]

Hello all,

I am looking at options for fixing an upcoming ATO issue.

Right now, I am running MH lights, which means that i go through a 5 gal ATO container in 2.5 days. In the future, I would like to be gone for 9 days and I need a container that will suffice the amount of water needed. In the beginning, I was looking at using a 20 gal can to hold my RODI. So I bought a trash can from Home Depot. The only issue I really had was that it is taller than my sump. No big deal right?

So today I integrated this trash can to my ATO system. It held water ok but the issue is that when the pump turned off from my Tunze Osmolator, the suction continued to fill my sump. Good thing I did a practice crank. I am guessing that the issue is that the water level in that can was at a level where suction continued.

My choices are that I find a container shorter or at the same level as my sump, or find a way to add a device that will stop the suction.

I am totally open to ideas. I would be VERY interested to hear other people's opinions on this dilemma.


Thanks for reading and for your input.

 

[Fish Keeper82]

Drill hole in tubing inside your ATO container at the top before it exits the container. When pump is on water will fill sump and drizzle some back in the same ATO container. When pump stops air enters tube through this hole and breaks siphon.

 

[emixa]

Drill hole in tubing inside your ATO container at the top before it exits the container. When pump is on water will fill sump and drizzle some back in the same ATO container. When pump stops air enters tube through this hole and breaks siphon.

Good advise. Didn't think about that. I appreciate the response.

 

[tthouston]

I see sometimes they give 20g, 30g, or 40g free. You can use those tanks to store your rodi water. I use a 30g tank for my reservoir are perfect.

 

[Clownfish Chris]

I have used a gravity fed float valve for two years with no issue. I clean it once a month and test frequently to be sure it works. It always has.

 

[emixa]

I have used a gravity fed float valve for two years with no issue. I clean it once a month and test frequently to be sure it works. It always has.

So I would do that if I had the ability to not have it exposed. My wife is no a huge fan of exterior things that bulk up the area. If I had the space behind to hide and run a hose from behind., totally would.

 

[emixa]

So I decided to do something that will be temporary. I plan to build a saltwater mixing station with better ease. At present I built a station where on top, I have a shelf with a 35 gallon barrel water storage container. On the side of the frame, I mounted my RO/DI unit. The waste drains to my pool. There is a shelf where, to me, is wasted space. I plan to raise the shelf a little and place the now new 35 gallon barrel container in that area and utilize some used parts and new plumbing. I want to do away with allot of hoses. I would like to have an external pump (on a timer) mix fresh salt with a smaller korila style pump inside constantly mixing. Presently, I have a 35 gallon brute trash can with lid and roller cart used to do the job. Its has been great. But if I want to move water from the can to the tank or jugs, I have to place a pump inside to transfer out. I would rather have the ability to gravity feed the water out.