ATO siphon issue - how to fix?

[Alexander1312]

I have recently changed the ATO from RedSea to Hydros, since I was not happy with the RedSea at all, as it seemed unrealiable.

However, the BIG benefit of the RedSea was that it had a siphon prevention mechanism - which allowed the setup I have with a tall container to work (we talked about this @gmdcdvm when you were here, Gerry).

Unfortunately, I just filled up the ATO and it does create a siphon when the water level is higher than shown on the picture. Is there a way to prevent this from happening?

 

[derek_SR]

Use the Red Sea siphon breaker.

Red Sea Reef ATO Siphon Breaker (Red Sea Part # 35627)

Red Sea Reef ATO Siphon Breaker (Red Sea Part # 35627)

www.marineandreef.com

I use a siphon breaker AND set the outlet tube as high as possible in the sump - basically against the roof of my stand (and then channel the water downward with a piece of PVC pipe).

 

[albertlin]

I just used a needle to poke a tiny hole in the tube (anywhere above water line in the reservoir). Worked perfectly for me

 

[MichaelB]

+1 not possible for a reverse siphon if the drain end of the tube is suspended well above the water, plus a in line siphon break as mentioned above couldn't hurt.

Easiest to do is keep tube above water and let water freely drop into sump or tank

 

[Alexander1312]

Use the Red Sea siphon breaker.

Red Sea Reef ATO Siphon Breaker (Red Sea Part # 35627)

Red Sea Reef ATO Siphon Breaker (Red Sea Part # 35627)

www.marineandreef.com

I use a siphon breaker AND set the outlet tube as high as possible in the sump - basically against the roof of my stand (and then channel the water downward with a piece of PVC pipe).

Thanks so much - works like a charm. The breaker itself should be sufficient, since I have used this setup already since this tank was setup less than two years ago.

 

[derek_SR]

+1 not possible for a reverse siphon if the drain end of the tube is suspended well above the water, plus a in line siphon break as mentioned above couldn't hurt.

Easiest to do is keep tube above water and let water freely drop into sump or tank

It will still siphon as long as the outlet is below the water line in the ATO, whether it's in the water or above it.

 

[RandyC]

I use a siphon breaker AND set the outlet tube as high as possible in the sump - basically against the roof of my stand (and then channel the water downward with a piece of PVC pipe).

This is the way. Use both for fail safe reasons. While not likely, if siphon break hole gets clogged, it can siphon.

Here's my ATO line.

 

[MichaelB]

It will still siphon as long as the outlet is below the water line in the ATO, whether it's in the water or above it.

Lol maybe I said it with the wrong terms but I meant the end of the tube that the water drips out of, freely suspended it above the water, than there is nothing to sphion back into the reservoir but air. Also called a air gap at least in food service.

 

[derek_SR]

Lol maybe I said it with the wrong terms but I meant the end of the tube that the water drips out of, freely suspended it above the water, than there is nothing to sphion back into the reservoir but air. Also called a air gap at least in food service.

My bad, I missed the "reverse" part of your siphon comment.

 

[Alexander1312]

+1 not possible for a reverse siphon if the drain end of the tube is suspended well above the water, plus a in line siphon break as mentioned above couldn't hurt.

Easiest to do is keep tube above water and let water freely drop into sump or tank

I do not think this would have been practical for my setup unless I misunderstood. Keeping the end of the drain so high up above the water line would cause quite a lot of splashing noise.

 

[Alexander1312]

I just used a needle to poke a tiny hole in the tube (anywhere above water line in the reservoir). Worked perfectly for me

I almost think this is exactly what the breaker does, so poking a small hole in the tube above the water line is probably the most economical way to achieve what I wanted to do. Since I still had the breaker from my Red Sea ATO, I used that but love the hack, thank you.

 

[MichaelB]

I do not think this would have been practical for my setup unless I misunderstood. Keeping the end of the drain so high up above the water line would cause quite a lot of splashing noise.

Its a ato doesn't run constantly (should only turn on less than a minute a few times a day). And It only needs to be above the water a few inches at most. Mine is like 2 inches on most of my tanks, using a dosing line holder to ensure they don't fall into the water while screwing with the tank.

 

[Alexander1312]

Its a ato doesn't run constantly (should only turn on less than a minute a few times a day). And It only needs to be above the water a few inches at most. Mine is like 2 inches on most of my tanks, using a dosing line holder to ensure they don't fall into the water while screwing with the tank.

But does it not need above the water line of the reservoir?

 

[MichaelB]

Not the resivor that part doesn't matter. The end of the tube that the water drips out of into your sump or tank is what I'm speaking about. Keep that end of the tube above the water line in your tank or sump.

Than there is no way for it to suck in water.

Imagine holding a drinking straw 2 inches above a glass of water no matter how much you suck on it you won't be able to drink with it unless that straw is actually in the water. Water can only drip out of it. But can't be sucked through it.

 

[derek_SR]

I do not think this would have been practical for my setup unless I misunderstood. Keeping the end of the drain so high up above the water line would cause quite a lot of splashing noise.

That is what the PVC Pipe is for See Randy's pic. The water just runs down the pipe - silent.

 

[JVU]

When it comes to preventing unwanted siphons when unattended, you need to be able to be 100% sure. The problem with relying on poking a hole in the tubing, or probably the Red Sea siphon break thing, is that the tiniest clog of the siphon break hole and then you have an unexpected siphon again, which can be a complete disaster.

The best way, when you can is to:
1. Have the end of the tube in the sump high enough that it cannot ever be submerged in water, even if the water level in your sump rises for example when you turn off your return pump.
2. Have the end of the tube in the sump at or higher than the full level on your ATO reservoir. This is fairly easy to do if your reservoir is elsewhere, mine is lower in my garage via a pass through. If you have it in your cabinet it’s more difficult.

 

[JVU]

Also if you use kalkwasser you can dose the approximate amount of evaporative loss you have so that you almost never need to have your ATO on, decreasing noise/risk.

 

[gmdcdvm]

That is what the PVC Pipe is for See Randy's pic. The water just runs down the pipe - silent.

I like this idea. Simple, no risk of obstruction. Might have to try it out.

 

[popper]

Place the tube outlet in your external overflow.

 

[Patio]

Also if you use kalkwasser you can dose the approximate amount of evaporative loss you have so that you almost never need to have your ATO on, decreasing noise/risk.

I’ve been running it like you mention for the last year with the ato turned off. I run a small fan to force more evap if I notice too much is dosing. Not very often.

My Versa doses more when the container it pulls from has more volume in it. I don't know if that is a versa issue or standard. It pulls/pushes RO into the kalk reactor.