Recommendations for a ATO
- Thread starter carram204
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Tunze or auto aqua are good
tunze
Tunze
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carram204
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yes I was looking at the nano version bc I have a waterbox 20.
I've had no issues with my Kamoer ATO. A lot cheaper than Tunze and the pump doesn't have priming issues like the older Tunze models.
If you have an apex the best ATO is the breakout box and couple cheap float switches/brackets.
I would actually still recommend the osmolator 3 for a nano or if you can find a used 3155 that's working, they'll last a long time. I have two 3155's still in service after 10 years of use. Roger can replace the sensors on the 3155 if they aren't working. I had mine replaced almost two years ago. It was still working, but figured I would replace before it went out. There are some other smaller ATO's out there, which are less expensive, but I think those need to be checked and cleaned more frequently than others.
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I have the Tunze Osomolator 3 for my system.
My only suggestion if you are going out of town would be to have it turn on and off a few times during the day to reset. It has a max fill amount per day which can be less than what my tank evaporates. So I have mine click off during feed times, then click back on so I can triple the amount it will refill (it turns off 3x)
My only suggestion if you are going out of town would be to have it turn on and off a few times during the day to reset. It has a max fill amount per day which can be less than what my tank evaporates. So I have mine click off during feed times, then click back on so I can triple the amount it will refill (it turns off 3x)
carram204
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Okay thanks for this info
Btw, Ben @BST310 has a used 3155 for sale right now. I would seriously buy it, especially for the price. It's what I used in my 22g sps AIO and I never had an issue with it. In fact, if I lived close to Ben I would probably buy just to have it as an extra. Plus, you're not going to find a better deal.
carram204
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Thanks. Picking it up today!
i been using a nano on my 120 for many many years. works fine
A crazy stat. The Icecap AToEz is one of CoralVue's best seller. I never complaints one the and they retail for under $100.00
happyreefer
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Is the gravity fed ATO made DIY?
Kind of, just buy a float valve and mount in your sump. I use the Eshopps one that you can adjust the height. My reservoir is an Ace Rotomold 25g container, which I connected a quick connect 1/4" fitting and use RO tubing to feed the float valve.
I'll take a few pics and post here later today.
I use a ball valve on the line feeding the float valve so I can turn off the water if I need to do maintenance or clean the valve. Some people will drill a hole in their sump if you have an acrylic sump, but the eshopps kit avoids you having to drill a hole. You just have to put the reservoir higher than the valve and you’re good to go.
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DanK.Reefer
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I use a ball valve on the line feeding the float valve so I can turn off the water if I need to do maintenance or clean the valve. Some people will drill a hole in their sump if you have an acrylic sump, but the eshopps kit avoids you having to drill a hole. You just have to put the reservoir higher than the valve and you’re good to go.
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^^^ I bet the float valve makes for tighter salinity control and less fluctuations than float or optical switches.
I use the AutoAqua Smart ATO on 2 tanks and an old JBJ ATO on another. All seem to work well.
The JBJ is probably 15 or more years old and still going strong, never a hiccup. That thing is a workhorse. There is something to be said for the reliability and longevity of mechanical and analog controls. They just work.
One of my Auto Aqua smart ATO's occasionally doesn't shut the pump off when the reservoir is dry. The other smart ATO is 3+ years old and has never had an issue.
