DIY Top-it-Off Kit Premium - Aquahub

This is very easy to set up if you have an even slight DIY ability. I recommend watching the BRS YouTube video on this that walks you through the whole thing. It's exactly what you need, you just need to put it together.

You really don’t need to know electrical work to get this up and running. It is a pretty great solution.

This is not an complete kit - there are a few things you'll need to purchase separately:

1. Water Pump
2. Tubing for the water pump
3. Water Reservoir
4. "An extension cord long enough to to go from your outlet to your tank/sump"

Two points on #4
1) If you're not comfortable cutting into an extension cord you should consider something more plug and play
2) This solution adds the need for an extra electrical outlet. Most solutions require one; this requires two

Final point: if this is your first shot with one of these (and you're not an electrical engineer) read the direction thoroughly. Then read them again. I missed one word and went off on a dead end for an hour. The directions are perfect but every word counts.

That's it. The product is working perfectly. I'll come back in a few months with an update.

I almost hit the buy button for one of the more "top end" ATO's and I couldn’t be more happy I didn’t. The system works great! Putting the project together was a lot of fun. So far the ATO has been running flawlessly for over a month. If you are forgetful, you will be happily reminded that you forgot to unplug the system when you perform a water change.. Hopefully that was a one time mistake. ;-) When I have some free time I plan on adding another float switch inside the FW reservoir. I would recommend this to a friend with >= average intelligence, or they could learn what 110v's feels like real fast. lol

This went together very well, and I had fun figuring out how to tailor it for my needs. The "click" when the relay turns on and off is barely audible (the project box muffles it well). I already had an aqua lifter pump, tubing, and a container, and the whole thing was up and running in about an hour. Great purchase, highly recommend this item.

This kit is fun to out together for a DIYer. It works great and I see no reason that it will not last many years.

Been using this ATO with aqua lifter pump for 4 years now with absolutely no issues. was fun to wire up as a DIY'er with straightforward instructions. I also purchased an additional kit for shutting down my return pump if my display is overfilling. That kit has also worked flawlessly... Also highly recommend the aqua lifter pump... I've ran my reservoir dry on a number of occasions and the pump is still going strong. Thanks BRS!

This kit was easy/fun to build. It's been in use for about 1 year and has worked flawlessly. I just bought another one for my new 110 gallon project. Thanks BRS!!

For about $30 more, you can purchase a JBJ ATO system if you won't want to go with a "do-it-yourself" option. I, however, wanted to customize the system to my needs. Here are some points to consider:

1: can be setup several different ways, with a single switch, two switches, or three. This allows both an initial cutoff, a secondary cutoff in case the first float switch gets stuck in the 'on' position, as well as a switch that can flip if your reservoir is empty. The JBJ only allows two switches--this can run all three.

2: I was able to splice additional wire lengths to customize the reach and fit. In general, I don't want the system right against the sump--I want the sensors to have a long reach into the tank and locate my system elsewhere. I can use a longer power cord as well. The mouldable mounting bracket allows you to setup specifically to your sumps needs.

3: there is a 'click' when turning on and off, which several reviewers have mentioned. However, when in the project box (the case for the system), it is barely audible. This is, however, useful when testing your project to ensure it is triggering on and off properly.

4: why not just splice a float switch onto your topoff pump power supply and be done with it? Because a) you will have a 120V line running through your tank that is not rated to handle it, and b) the float switches are not build to handle that current (or even close).

5: by combining an RODI reservoir (in my case, a 5-gallon RODI bucket) with a float valve and auto-shutoff, as well as a pump of your choice (in my case, an aqualifter pump), I have never had to run extra buckets, turn my RODI off, or top my tank off again. Even when we're away for days, the water level stays perfectly even.

6: I combined everything in (5) into a 12-gallon tupperware bin next to my tank. RODI in and water out are run through 1/4 ID rubber grommets. Pump and ATO are on a drainable shelf and all hooked to a surge protector that will trip if wet. It's well packed, clean, and runs well!

I've been running this ATO for about 6 months now. Haven't had any issues. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow. The one thing I would say you need to be aware of is the relay makes a loud clicking noise when it engages. Mine can be heard from several rooms away.

Was a little hesitant about building my own ATO (actually considered selling the kit and buying a pre-made unit) but by the time I put it together I had read through the instructions so many times I had them memorized. Turned out to be a piece of cake.
Only issue I fretted over was the height of the mold-a-holder as I wasn't sure where the water level would be on the float switch (just fyi: it's just about even with the bottom of the snail guard lid) but I left the extra material on, test fitted and re-heated and got it squared away.
Definitely would buy this again if the need ever arises.

So far so good. I've had this running for a little over a month now with no issue's.. vary good product for the money