JBJ Automatic Top Off (A.T.O.) System Water Level Controller

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Know Your Evaporation Rate by German

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 10/18/2009 from WOODBRIDGE, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: I does what it says and it stops the pump periodically if it has been running longer than 2-3 minutes. This saved me from a big flood when my tube from the reservoir to the sump slipped off from its position to the floor. Linkable Brackets took a while to understand how to link them, after you figured it out just use the Bracket with the clip and hook it to the baffle where you want to regulate the water level. There is a clicking noise when it turns on the pump but hardly noticeable. Done... Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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Excellent!

FANTASTIC! by ADAM

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 10/17/2009 from TRACY, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: Just what I needed to keep my water level constant in my sump.Works perfect just the way it was suppose to.I love it, I would absolutely buy again! No more filling a chug of water to top of my tank. A+ product Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

jbj a.t.o. by JOHN SAWYER

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 9/24/2009 from Kingsport, TN UNITED STATES

Comments: well i must say that i was a little skeptical about it's performance.but after getting the sensors adjusted this thing is great.don't have to worrie about my evap no more. mine has a on and off switch inside the controller to shut off the alarm when the unit is pumping.i also bought a aqua lifter pump and it does great with this unit. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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Excellent!

does what its supposed to by PAUL

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 8/22/2009 from CLEMMONS, NC UNITED STATES

Comments: Has worked flawlessly since set up a few months ago. Note is does require a separate pump. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

JBJ Top Off by Ramses66

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 7/29/2009 from TALLADEGA, AL UNITED STATES

Comments: Easy to use. Several of my friends own one. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Excellent by BDB

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 7/26/2009 from ALLEN, TX UNITED STATES

Comments: I've had my JBJ ATO running for about a week. I love it so far. I wish I would have purchased one a long time ago. I decided to use the Tom Aquatics Aqualifter as the pump. Everything is working 100% perfect. For the $$$ it can't be beat. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Awesome by SHAUN MISHLER

Experience Level: Beginner

Posted on 7/17/2009 from CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH UNITED STAT

Comments: Easy to setup and works great. Attached this unit to a Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter Dosing Pump which means no more carrying cup fulls of water for this aquarist. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

A.T.O by Calamari

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 7/8/2009 from MD

Comments: works very well and its a very small unit. i expected to see the unit as big as a brick or something but it is very compact in size and was easily placed under my 125 reef. i am definitly going to purchase for my 15 nano Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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Great

Works well by WILLIAM FITE

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 6/3/2009 from ORLANDO, FL UNITED STATES

Comments: This little system works quite well, maintaining my water level within about 1/4 inch. My only quibble is the mounting system, which is a little on the cheesy side. It would not fit the top of my 125 gal tank and its range of adjustments is limited. You may want to devise your own mounts, as I did. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

Failure rate by CMG

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 5/2/2009 from VIRGINIA BEACH, VA UNITED STAT

Comments: I have now bought two of these units. Both stopped working after about a month. I'll never by a JBJ product again. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Worth it 100% by DEBORAH WATTS

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 4/3/2009 from ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL UNITED ST

Comments: I have had absolutely no trouble with this system, it works just like it is supposed to. Really easy to install. My water line stays right where I want it. I did secure the sensor with zip ties that sits in my fish tank. The plastic rods that comes with it, did not attach to my style of fish tank well, which was a very easy fix. I have already recommended this system to several people. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Love this device by DAVID BENNETT

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 3/24/2009 from MISSION VIEJO, CA UNITED STATE

Comments: I was used to the cheap single floater device and burned out 2 pumps and didn't want to spend a lot for such a non-complex maintenance task. This devcice works fabulously. I'm not using the suction cups even though they look heavy duty. The plastic clip on arm anchors are easy and very effective and keep the floater sensors secure and VERTICAL!! The dual sensor system is excellent and has already worked twice when my source water bucket went dry. Just found out today that they also have a design feature that isn't written up in the description ... the control unit has a fail safe timer setting that stops the pump after a certain period of time so that if the sump sensor malfunctions the pump won't just keep filling and fillng. Having been the victim of a sump overflow due to a horizontal sensor that came loose cuz of an old suction cup, THIS is as useful as a check valve. Highly recommend this product! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Great

reliable by ERIC VERNON

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 2/17/2009 from SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY UNITED ST

Comments: i have been using the same unit for a year. first in my 90 gallon reef tank then my 40 gallon reef tank. its very straight forward and easy to use. and it has a few safety features which has save my reef tank from over flooding.(will not let pump run for more than 3 minutes). the key is to find the right sized pump to put in your reservoir . only this is some times it is hard to set a precise level you want because of the plastic brackets that it uses to hold the sensors. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

JBJ'S ATO by CAPREEMAN

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 2/7/2009 from WATERBURY, CT UNITED STATES

Comments: I PERSONALLY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT JBJ'S Water controller. It's compact and reatively easy to setup. I am using (mode B)example 3. Two sensors (float switches),in my sump.It turns my sump pump on,whenever it's called on to operate. Being a retired Moldmaker, the plastic (linkable brackets)are well made. It's realy like a high tech.toy that you can't stop playing with. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Great Product by IAN ROSCOE

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 1/21/2009 from KANSAS CITY

Comments: I love this thing! It really does keep the salinity perfect in my tank! And it gives me the confidence to leave town for a while without having to worry about all my water evaporating and destroying my filter. Its super sensitive to level changes. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

JBJ ATO Stinks by JM in Charlotte

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 12/24/2008 from CHARLOTTE, NC UNITED STATES

Comments: I have had about 7 of these ATO's in the course of about 5 months. I had one that lasted a month, then one that lasted a week, then several that only lasted a few days. I have been in contact with Manny at JBJ and he sent new ones out to me and I would send the broken ones back to him. I have given up on JBJ ATO and now that I would like my money back Manny doesn't return my calls. The design of the thing is very simple and you would think that it would work correctly. I will never buy another JBJ product for as long as I live. I would give no stars if that was possible but I guess I will settle for 1 star and an unsatisfactory rating. I am now trying out the Spectrapure Power Liquid Level Controller and it has been working for over 24hrs which is more than I can say for the JBJ ATO. I would not recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

Great - while it worked by TANUJ MOHAN

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 12/12/2008 from LOS ALTOS, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: I have used this for 8 months and was thrilled with it. Using it for freshwater top-off in a 60G reef. Ran unattended till it decided to stop working- seems completely dead no lights nothing - following up with support/warranty to see if they will do something. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

Over it by M. BECKER

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 11/16/2008 from KISSIMMEE, FL UNITED STATES

Comments: I'm on my second ATO and it quit working after 3-4 months use, just as the first one. I will admit the JBJ did honor the warranty, but after having two just quit, I'm done and moving on. I guess the old saying you get what you pay for comes in to play with this product. It's junk and I'm over it. Going to try a Tunze this time. I would not recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Great

Works Great by KEITH PADO

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 11/14/2008 from CANONSBURG, PA UNITED STATES

Comments: I got this ATO last week and it works perfectly. Very easy to set up. New switch feature added to allow you to turn off the buzzer (just unscrew and open unit). My unit already had the switch turned to "OFF". Only issue are the plastic hanging clips. They work, but there is about an inch or so between setting, so if you need a precise level your only option that is provided in the accessories included with the unit is the plastic suction cups, which I just don't trust to stay on. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

Would be good if... by PAUL AUGER

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 9/29/2008 from NEWBURY PARK, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: Would be a great product except for the inability to alter the auto shutoff time for top off pump. The 5 minute shut off is not viable for use with many kalkwasser reactors. The unit also often malfunctions either staying on or shutting off inappropriately. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Average

Well... by GEORGE MEZORI

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 8/24/2008 from SEBRING, FL UNITED STATES

Comments: A lot of us use Kalk/Limewater in our ATO. You can use Mode B with dual-switches and put them real close together so you don't overdose. You don't want to put too much RO/DI water in all at once either. Problem is , unlike Reef Fanatics ATO, sensor 1 and 2 act like a min. and max. where one turns it on and the other off. There is no redundacy or fail-safe. In RF's ATO if water is at the max. it won't let the pump come on. If it's not and the min. is activated it will turn off when min. sensor is raised, BUT if it fails then sensor 2 max. will act as a shut-off too. JBJ seems to be more worried about protecting your pump than your livestock with their pump protection features. I could care less about a $10 pump. The one fail-safe the JBJ has is a 3:45 minute auto shut-off, but depending on the pump that could be a lot of KALK or RO/DI water. Some people are saying even the 14 min. option won't fill their sump up.. all you gotta do is put your 2 sensors closer together. You shouldn't be dumping a bunch of water in all at once anyway. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Excellent! by AL

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 8/17/2008 from BURBANK, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: This has been very useful in both my 12 and 24 gallon aquariums, where shifts in salinity occur very quickly. Highly recommended. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Great

works perfect but expensive by BOWEN LI

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 7/24/2008 from CALGARY, CANADA

Comments: I have used this one almost 1 yr and find it works perfect!! I do not need to care about everyday's water evaporation, it load automatically. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Average

good auto top off by GORDON CHEN

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 6/16/2008 from RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA UNITED ST

Comments: I have owned this JBJ for more than 1 year and it did a good job at filling the tank with water where it should be. One MAJOR designing flaw is the BUZZER... It's just too loud. They should have a on/off switch for the buzzer on the outside of the case then it would be perfect. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Works Well for the Price by Seth

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 6/7/2008 from Lynnwood, WA, US

Comments: I've had my ATO running for about a year. I figured it was time to share my experiences with you. Float Sensors -- I prefer the style with no moving parts but if I keep the floats clean and it works reliably for me. I just pull them out and give them a scrub with vinegar water every few months and that works well. Control Module – I didn’t have the issue with the buzzer that other reviewers talk about. There were clear instructions on how to turn it off. I just had to pop off the cover and flip a switch. No complaints about the control. Pump Safety Protection – In case you didn’t catch this in the product description, the manufacturer includes a 15 minute timer that shuts off the pump if the float switches don’t do their job. This is a great feature to keep your ATO from draining your top-off reservoir into your system. My problem was that I first had it paired with an Aqua Lifter Dosing Pump but the pump couldn't replace all of the evaporated water before the ATO's 15 min safety timer cut out. This was an issue with the pump choice, not the ATO. Once I replaces the pump with little Rio I had laying around, problem solved. The Aqua Lifter would probably be just fine on a smaller system has about 15 gallons of water in a wide return section of my sump and once the float switches turn on the ATO, it takes a gallon or so to float the switch back up. Conclusion – Great device, especially for the price. Keep the floats clean and pair it with a pump that can do the job and you won’t regret it. You can finally get away for a long weekend. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Nice Unit! by GENE LOUTHAN

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 4/30/2008 from SALEM, OR UNITED STATES

Comments: This JBJ was exactly as stated and was a snap to install. It started its life servicing a 75 gallon main reef tank via a 36 gallon sump, feeding from a 75 gallon mixing tank. It has functioned with perfection fom time one and I suspect it will for a long, long time! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

At last - stability by Newbie

Experience Level: Beginner

Posted on 4/19/2008 from NC UNITED STATES

Comments: Mine that I just bought didn't seem to have an on/off for the audible alert but I have never heard it (which is good). It works perfect. The water line stays right at my mark. I was so tired of constantly checking the sump and worrying if my inverts would be stressed if I left it one day without checking as my sump level fluctuates wildly on its own. Now it is beautifully stable. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

Unsatisfactory

Hopeless by BRUCE RECTOR

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 4/4/2008 from WEST NYACK, NY UNITED STATES

Comments: I bought this product along with an Aquamedic Dosing Pump. The dosing pump would never work correctly so I tossed it and tried this unit with another pump. It turned out that this unit did not work either. When the water was low, the pump light would go on, but it would not reliably turn on the pump. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. I tosed it in the trash next to the Aquamedic dosing junk and bought a Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155. Lived happily ever after! I would not recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Great product by ANTHONY MACALUSO

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 4/3/2008 from ROCKWALL, TX

Comments: I have only had it running for about a week, but it works like a charm. I use this to keep my top-off water reservoir filled. Just wish it would run longer than 14 minutes as my reservoir never fills completely (I am running mode B). Extremely easy to use... Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Great

nice ATO by AARON AMEZQUITA

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 3/29/2008 from TUCSON, AZ UNITED STATES

Comments: Does the job. the Audible Alert comes off by default if you need the beep unscrew and turn it on. The 4 stars if because the manual is not too complete (for that example how to turn on the audible or put more time on the pump. just doy say anything about this but marine depot did a good info reserch. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Time saver by CHRISTINA HERRING

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 3/10/2008 from SAN MARCOS, TX UNITED STATES

Comments: The ATO is fantastic! Setup was simple, and it keeps my salinity perfect. I'm glad they added the switch for the buzzer, but the top off is so quick, I barely notice the alarm anyway. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Good Product! by ROGER TISDALE

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 3/5/2008 from SCRANTON, SC UNITED STATES

Comments: I have 3 of these. 1 on a 180g reef, 1 on a 56 reef & 1 on a 55 FOWLR. They all have worked great for over one year. Occasionaly check the floats for a small brittlestar as they can jam the float from working properly. I have had no problem with setup after fiddling a little w/the mounting to get it right! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Great Product!! by ROBERT MORALES

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 1/6/2008 from DAVIE, FL UNITED STATES

Comments: I purchased this unit because I was going on vacation for 2 weeks, and needed something to cover for the evaporation. I was a bit nervous during the trip since I didnt really get to test it before leaving, but I returned to a perfect tank and every fish in great condition. The JBJ auto top off system worked perfectly. I had originally purchased this to top off my tank when I go away but I think I'm just gonna leave it on and use it all the time. Great product!!! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Two Thumbs Up! by JASON H

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 12/13/2007 from EL SEGUNDO, CA UNITED STATES

Comments: Another great product from JBJ. Priced within anyone’s price range. Works just as well, if not better, than the higher priced units. This was a breeze to set up and I haven’t had a problem with it yet. I am glad that they finally installed an internal (accessed by taking off the four screws in the back) on/off switch for the loud buzzer that signified when the pumps were running. One of the most beneficial things that I have purchased for my tank to this day. Finally I can go on short vacations with piece of mind that my pumps wont run dry and my salinity will stay constant. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Cherry by GREG VEHAR

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 11/9/2007 from ALBUQUERQUE, NM UNITED STATES

Comments: This thing rocks. Best 75 bucks I have spent on my tank. I can only say one bad thing about this unit. The plastic clips dont hold down the sensors. Other then that this system rocks. I can now dose my chemicals through this system very sweet... Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Great! by JASON HUCKINS

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 10/28/2007 from NORTHFIELD, NH UNITED STATES

Comments: Great product, it keeps my salinity at a constant 1.024 all the time.... No need to worry about evaporation anymore! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Great customer service by FREDERICK

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 9/28/2007 from NJ, UNITED STATE

Comments: I ordered this top off and for some reason it didn’t work I called them and they very promptly sent me a new one and it has worked flawlessly. Not really a huge deal but I wish there was a manual on/off switch for the audible alarm either way great customer service. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Quality equipment by ROBERT MORALES

Experience Level: Expert

Posted on 9/20/2007 from LA VERNIA, TX UNITED STATES

Comments: Very easy to set-up. Works great on my reef tank. No problems with this unit. It's great to be able to buy a quality item. Thanks! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

FREEDOM!!! by BRANDON POWELL

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 8/11/2007 from NEW JERSEY

Comments: It may initially seem expensive... but when you compare topping off your tank water every day... to filling a freshwater holding tank every week or two or more (depending on your holding tank and evaporation rate)... It seems stupid not to have one. Mine has been in use for 6 months; no problems, no noises... I highly recommend this product. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Great

could be good by MICHAEL PRZYBOROWSKI

Experience Level: Intermediate

Posted on 6/28/2007 from SCOTTDALE, GA UNITED STATES

Comments: Not verty adjustable for a small window of water level. Floats are very sensitive and responsive howerver. If used on a sensitive water level be creative on mounting sensors and you will be happy. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Works great - John has a point by ANDY SCHACK

Comments: Unit works great and has saved made my life much easier but John is right about the noisy buzzer....this should have been fixed before it was brought to market. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Average

A.T.O Controller by Steven Berg

Comments: Agree with John. Buzzer should be switchable. Also can't use unit as an overflow sensor due to the cutoff "feature." This is purely a refill switch and a loud one at that. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Average

Nice Idea, bad features by John Wildman

Comments: I have 2 major issues with it. 1.Alarm that sounds when the pumps are in operation. 2. The “Emergency” shutoff timer. To Turn off buzzer you must open unit and rip buzzer off the board. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Great

Dittos by ANDY SCHACK

Comments: John pretty much nailed it. The soldered in buzzer is just plain stupid. Called the company to complain and they said they were "thinking" about putting an on-off on newer models. Unit DOES work. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

requires modifications by Bill Smith

Comments: I love the ATO but it requires "marine" velcro sold at TAP Plastics to hold the sensors. Toss the suction cups and plastic rods as they are junk. An internal switch controls the buzzer now. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Cheap and works perfect by proraptor

Comments: This thing is cheap, and works great....One of the best things I have bought for my tank Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent!

Flawless operation by Gman

Comments: Latest version comes with switch to turn on/off audio alert. Works great. Keeps constant water level within 1/8" to 1/4". Pricey but worth it! Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Great

yes again that buzzer ... by joe

Comments: agreed buzzer stinks!! i understand the thought, but an on/off switch should have been a no brainer to the jbj folks. how much more expensive would it have made it, 5 bucks? BUT, it does work great. Yes, I would recommend this product to my friends.

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