Cheapest ATO possible

[sushi]

You get what you pay for... but here it is:

12v 1 amp switching power supply
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Black-DC...-/191210306026


12v 3 meter lift pump
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-3M-Br...p/251990373545

12v relay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RELAY-5-WIRE...-/261983427835

2 float switches
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-Horizon...-/321956345652

10 feet food grade 5/16 id tubing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-X-Vinyl-Tu...-/301863077584


power supply 4.99
pump 5.77 + 0.99
relay 4.90
float switches 5.59
tubing 7.62
-----------------------------------------
total 29.86

The idea is one float switch turns on the pump, while an upper float switch is on when not floating, and will interrupt the lower switch when it floats. This is to prevent overflows if the lower float gets stuck down. I would be careful with this, I am thinking of using it on the 3 gallon pico contest where an overflow won't cause damage because my ato reservoir is going to be 1 gallon but I wouldn't use it for anything expensive or important

[crabbysd]

good thread dude. I only run the single float system w no relay. I got the floats in bulk like 8 for for the same price so i change them out. I also got the float switch holder a must for in thank(snail and grab guard). came out about the same or less price as I had 12v supplies already.
This same kit on the ebay is 45 to 65. But I had to replace the supply on the kit w one with more amps to get more lift out of the pump.

[sushi]

I am still thinking about the relay. Some people say you don't need it, others say the float switches could get stuck on if you use them directly. The relay was so cheap I decided to use it. I forgot the holder, I think I'll find some way to make it by heating and bending acrylic or some kind of plastic.

[Kris]

Cheap, and no pump to fail:

In the sump:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Plastic...4AAOSwBahVdOR4

Into the lower end of a 5 gallon bucket with lid (Water reservoir):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270860014169...84.m1436.l2649

I use 1/4 inch R/O tubing and position the bottom of reservoir above the sump to gravity feed top of water automatically. Years of service!

[crabbysd]

Cheap, and no pump to fail:

In the sump:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Plastic...4AAOSwBahVdOR4

Into the lower end of a 5 gallon bucket with lid (Water reservoir):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270860014169...84.m1436.l2649

I use 1/4 inch R/O tubing and position the bottom of reservoir above the sump to gravity feed top of water automatically. Years of service!

Great for bigger tanks fo sho!

[Kris]

Great for bigger tanks fo sho!

Yes, I guess if you only have a small sump it would be problematic to make space for the relatively "giant" float switch.

ANd thanks back at you, cause I was not aware of how inexpensive electric water level switches are. (I won't use one. I am the king of cheap.)
Last paren is half the "Why I am not jumping on the Pico Contest." Wife & $$$ is the other

[Squid]

I use gravity and a float for my ato. Just like Kris above. Thought it cost me about $ but I just remembered it was free since I already had the float and 1/4" tubing when I bought my rodi.

[crabbysd]

Yes, I guess if you only have a small sump it would be problematic to make space for the relatively "giant" float switch.

ANd thanks back at you, cause I was not aware of how inexpensive electric water level switches are. (I won't use one. I am the king of cheap.)
Last paren is half the "Why I am not jumping on the Pico Contest." Wife & $$$ is the other

We should do a cheap off challenge. The pico challenge would only run me about $100 all in with the parts I have in the garage. thats a lot a zeros to a Scrooge..

[sushi]

We should do a cheap off challenge. The pico challenge would only run me about $100 all in with the parts I have in the garage. thats a lot a zeros to a Scrooge..

My life is a cheap off challenge


I just ordered all the parts for the ato

[sushi]

Float sensor holder prototype



Finished product!




All the other equipment is here except the pump. When it gets here I'll see how it all works.

[sushi]

Alright, all the parts came in, here it is assembled:



And here is a video of it working. I left the hose in the water so it would siphon back out and keep refilling so I can make sure it won't burn out. I've had it going for 20 minutes already.

[SammieT]

Alright, all the parts came in, here it is assembled:



And here is a video of it working. I left the hose in the water so it would siphon back out and keep refilling so I can make sure it won't burn out. I've had it going for 20 minutes already.

Very nice! I'm currently putting mine all together at the moment


Thanks for the vid!

[SammieT]

Float sensor holder prototype



Finished product!




All the other equipment is here except the pump. When it gets here I'll see how it all works.

What did you use for the holder on the float sensor?

I want one of those

[sushi]

Very nice! I'm currently putting mine all together at the moment


Thanks for the vid!

Oh yeah, I am getting ready!!!!

Also don't worry fellow pico tank contestants - this is just tap water, I am not filling my tank early!

[sushi]

What did you use for the holder on the float sensor?

I want one of those

I got a little sheet of acrylic from home depot, they are a few bucks, and cut an L shape out and bent it with heat. I just made a little lamp with rubbing alcohol to heat it up and bent it on the edge of my table and with a metal ruler to get it the right shape. Then I carefully drilled the holes for the floats. It took two attempts to get it right. I recommend making it with paper first to make sure the size is right.