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Level-Loc ATO
Easy-to-install auto top off system – no tools required
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Aquarium auto top off system boasts flexible, dependable, and easy installation
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Includes a float and solenoid valve to prevent flooding of aquarium sump
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Use with a RO/DI unit for a worry-free way to maintain aquarium water level
Simplify auto top off and prevent unexpected overflow of your aquarium. Level-Loc ATO boasts a float valve AND a low-voltage electronic solenoid valve for dual shut-off of top off water. This redundant safety feature prevents accidental flooding if the float valve should fail. Level-Loc installs on your sump in just a few minutes, allowing you to automatically maintain desired water level in your aquarium or sump. Use with a pump- or gravity-fed water supply or connect to a reverse osmosis unit for worry-free top off of evaporated aquarium water. Features a highly adjustable mounting bracket that accommodates sump rims up to 1-1/2" wide.
Please click on "More Information" for user manual.
Level-Loc ATO (auto top off)
User Manual
What does Level-Loc do? The purpose of any auto top off (ATO) is to replace evaporated water in your aquarium. This maintains constant salinity in saltwater aquariums and automates daily chores. You can go on vacation and not have to worry about water being added to your aquarium.
How does it work? Level-Loc uses a polypropylene and stainless steel float valve to release water at the desired level in your aquarium sump. The water first flows through a solenoid valve which is normally open. A solenoid is an electronic valve that opens and closes when electricity is turned on or off. Electricity to the solenoid is controlled by a float switch which is mounted just above the float valve. The purpose of the float switch is to cut off electricity to the solenoid (and shut off water) in the event water rises above the float valve. This is a safety feature to prevent snails, power cords, and other obstructions from holding down the float and causing excess water to fill the sump.
How do I install it?
No tools are required.
The Level-Loc hangs on the side of your aquarium sump. There are two 1.5" bolts on the outside of the bracket tang that screw against the outside of the sump. These only need to be gently hand tightened and each needs the same amount of pressure so that pressure is distributed evenly to each bolt.
A large 1-7/8" suction cup located at the bottom of the bracket goes on the inside of the sump. Press suction cup against the sump. You will want to clean this surface first so the suction cup makes a good vacuum seal.
To set the float height, loosen the tension bolt on the rise and adjust the riser up or down by loosening the wing nut on the float arm and adjusting the float itself.
Plug the AC Adapter into an outlet, preferably a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet for safety. The solenoid is 12V so there is no risk of harmful electric shock from the solenoid. Note: Never submerge the solenoid. When plugged in 24 hours a day, the solenoid will produce temperatures around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is normal.
You may choose to plug the solenoid into a timer that turns on for a few short intervals each day. When the power is off, the solenoid is closed, thus shutting off the water flow. When used with a timer, it can:
Reduce the number of hours the solenoid needs to run.
Add a second level of safety to prevent overflowing the sump.
Allow you reverse osmosis deionization (RO/DI) unit to run less frequently and run more water at one time. Some information suggests that it is not desirable to allow RO/DI units to produce small amounts of water off and on all day.
Plug your 1/4" water line into the push connect fitting on the solenoid. You should feel the tubing push past the seal inside the fitting and come to a stop. If the tubing can be easily pulled back out of the fitting, it is not pushed in far enough or seated properly. This is the standard size tubing used for refrigerator ice makers.
Installations Options The unit comes out of the box with the float platform oriented to the left as you are facing the outside of the sump (back of the bracket). You have two ways to change which direction the float valve faces.
Option 1: Loosen slightly the plastic float nut that secures the float valve to the platform. Do not loosen the compression nut that holds the water tubing. The float nut is located below the compression nut. You can turn the float in the desired direction so long as it does not interfere or touch the float switch. Retighten the float nut.
Option 2: Loosen the tension bolt in the sleeve that holds the riser in place. Slide the riser down out of the sleeve. Turn the riser so that the float platform faces the desired direction. Insert the riser back into the sleeve until it is back to the appropriate height and tighten the tension bolt.
General Information Mounting the Unit The PVC bracket allows you the ability to mount the unit on the side of almost any glass aquarium sump or plastic storage tub. Two nylon thumb screws secure the bracket to the sump wall. A large 1-7/8" suction cup on the inside of the sump further stabilizes the unit. The float is mounted on a sliding tube that allows you to raise or lower the float to the desired water level. The tube is secured in place by a short nylon thumb screw. The bracket can accommodate rims up to 1.5" wide.
The Float Valve The float valve controls the flow of water into the sump. It is made of polypropylene with a stainless steel locking bolt and wing nut. The float can be swiveled to point in different directions to allow for obstructions in your sump. By loosening the wing nut, the float can be adjusted up or down depending on your needs. The water line connects to the float with a compression nut. The unit comes fully assembled out of the box.
The Solenoid and Float Switch The purpose of the solenoid and float switch combination is to provide safety backup to the float valve. In the event of a float valve failure (mechanical, stray power cord, snail, etc.), the float switch will sense the rising water and the solenoid will close. Having a solenoid also gives you the added option of plugging it into a timer so that the water is only on when the timer turns on the solenoid. This gives you an added layer of safety and allows your RO/DI unit to run less frequently and generate more water at one time, extending the life of the RO membrane.
The solenoid is 12V DC which makes it safe around water and is energy efficient. It is constructed from polypropylene and stainless steel so no corrosive materials come in contact with the freshwater. The wire connectors on the solenoid are completely insulated with heat-shrink connectors to ensure that the terminals do not corrode. The wiring connections to the float switch are inside the riser tube which is sealed with 100% aquarium safe silicone. The solenoid sits atop the bracket. It can withstand salt creep and some moisture. Please be aware that the solenoid normally runs slightly hot. This is normal and it should not cause any concern.
Kalkwasser (lime water) The solenoid produces temperatures approaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to these high temperatures, dosing kalkwasser through Level-Loc will cause precipitation inside the solenoid which will eventually obstruct water flow. Additionally, kalkwasser particles can obstruct the solenoid and float valve. Therefore, using kalkwasser voids manufacturer warranty. If you choose to do this, please clean the solenoid often by running RO/DI or vinegar through the unit periodically (do not allow vinegar to enter your aquarium). The supply water is connected to the solenoid via a push-connect fitting. No tools or extra fittings are required. Note: It is not recommended to use kalkwasser with the Level-Loc as undissolved kalkwasser can clog the solenoid. Also, calcium will precipitate on the warm solenoid and cause blockage.
Level-Loc features include:
PVC bracket that secures to the side of any aquarium style sump up to 1.5" wide. Two nylon thumb screws hold the bracket in place while a large suction cup on the inside of the sump stabilizes the unit.
Polypropylene float valve dispenses the replacement water. It can be swiveled to adjust the orientation and also has an adjustable arm that further allows height adjustment.
Float switch and 12V solenoid for safety backup and for use with a timer. The solenoid is 12V, 5W which minimizes power consumption and makes the unit safe to use around water. It is constructed of polypropylene body and stainless steel core. No copper or corrosive metals are used. In the event the float valve fails, the float switch will cut power to the solenoid and shut off the water.
With an optional timer, the solenoid can be turned on two or three times per day to further control your auto top off duration and add another layer of safety.
Running a reverse osmosis unit continuously for auto top off is generally not good for the membrane as very small amounts of water are created at a time which doesn't allow enough water to bypass the membrane and keep it flushed. Adding a timer to the Level-Loc addresses this problem.
The operating temperature of the solenoid is approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It feels hot to the touch but this is normal. The solenoid is rated for continuous duty so it is fine being plugged in 24 hours a day, 7 day a week.
Your water source connects to the solenoid through a 1/4" push connect fitting. Water can be supplied by a water pump, reverse osmosis unit, or gravity fed from a container.
The unit can be raised to a maximum height of 5-6" from the top of the sump. Fully extended, Level-Loc can maintain a minimum water level of 2 -3 inches. However, at this low level, it would require adjusting the wing nut and pointing the float downward.
Using a plastic tub for your sump? No problem. Level-Loc can be used on any sump container that the bracket can sit on so long as it is less than 1.5"thick. For very thin sump walls such as an acrylic sump, a small spacer may be needed between the bracket bolts and the sump wall.
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Annoymous
This ATO system works very well. I don't have to worry about my tank being nuked by fresh water because of a stuck valve either. This is a very well constructed device. I would highly recomend this to anyone who needs a "set it and forget it" ATO.
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