3152 ATO, upgrade??

[AwwNuts]

Just picked up a Tunze 3152 from a friend for my 125 gal, not being familiar with ATO's I was wondering if i'm able to upgrade this unit with a tunze 3155 control box & optical sensor or will it be fine the way it is?

 

[rvitko]

You would need the full size, the nano maxes out at about 55 gallons due to the safety timer, it can only run the pump a short time before as a safety it shuts down. While you can upgrade by buying the controller and magnet holder 3155.600, it is not very practical, the two parts total about $190, all that would be left of the nano is the pump and power supply.

 

[AwwNuts]

Almost the same as buying a whole new unit then. Dang it. should have done my research before i jump on this purchase.

So this unit will not be as efficient in maintaining my water level?

 

[AwwNuts]

.... double post .....

 

[rvitko]

It just won't work, the evaporation rate is too high from a larger tank, the 3152 will only let the pump run for 1.8 or 3 minutes as you set it, even 3 minutes is less than 3/4 gallon of water, it will constantly time out and have to be unplugged and plugged back in. The 3155 has a much longer safety timer (10 minutes) it also runs the pump at a faster flow rate which is user adjustable and because it has the additional safety of a second sensor, it can reliably work with the longer timer as a secondary safety, in 10 minutes at full pump power it can add 3 gallons before it would shut off.

 

[AwwNuts]

Ah I see, with your explanation i see the power reset being a big issue and not convinient. Well I either make good use of it with my frag tank or pass it along.