3155 ato #**$#q*$!!!

[stlblufan]

Yesterday, I replaced my old topoff unit with the Tunze 3155. I have an Elos Mini, so I need *tiny* topoffs in my sump, but since it is an open tank, I need them frequently. I didn't realize that the 3155 has a (super annoying and non-configurable) ten-second run time every time it is triggered. So my sump constantly gets overfilled, and the alarm is triggered, shutting off the pump but leaving a screaming alarm tone until I turn off the unit.

I haven't even been able to see if the unit works properly, because every time I turn it on, it starts filling the sump, irrespective of where the water level is at that time. Thus my question: does the Tunze 3155 run a ten-second cycle when you start it up? Or is it doing something wrong?

I will be going to Home Depot later today to try to locate a ball or gate valve to rectify the overfilling issue. Really, Tunze should include one in their $200 package.

 

[rvitko]

The 10 second run time should not be triggered on a new unit on start up if the sensor is registering full, if you got it used this could happen with a unit made a couple years ago. It will however run 10 seconds after a fill is registered when it is topping off, so you will need the small valve, a drip irrigation valve is the way to go.

My guess is that the sensor is new and attracting some air bubbles or just has a film of air stuck to the sensor so that is why it is registering that it needs to top off when first plugged in.

 

[stlblufan]

The 10 second run time should not be triggered on a new unit on start up if the sensor is registering full, if you got it used this could happen with a unit made a couple years ago. It will however run 10 seconds after a fill is registered when it is topping off, so you will need the small valve, a drip irrigation valve is the way to go.

My guess is that the sensor is new and attracting some air bubbles or just has a film of air stuck to the sensor so that is why it is registering that it needs to top off when first plugged in.

Looks like I received a (very?) old unit because it does the 10 second run every time I turn it on. Surprised by that because I just bought it new from what I thought was a reputable reseller. Maybe I'll return it when I return next week.

Anyway, I've got it connected to a BRS ball valve now (and hosing, since I couldn't find a valve that fit the Tunze hose), which seems to be doing the trick.

 

[rvitko]

Any update? With a loss of power it may run for a maximum of 2 seconds, it should be less than 2 seconds, just the brief time for the capacitor to charge for the optic sensor, depending on the power down time it will run 0-2 seconds, all depends on the capacitor keeping a charge and the optic sensor actually coming on. Did this unit come with the magnet holders? If so it is a newer unit.

 

[stlblufan]

No update. It always ran ten seconds when I gave it power, which I did multiple times. Either the controller was defective or the unit was old. The optical sensor did appear to be working, though, once I dipped it in venegar/cleaned it.

I'm now in Europe for a week -- I had to get the Tunze on an emergency basis as my previous ATO stopped working just before I was scheduled to leave NYC -- and it would appear that the safety float didn't work, though I won't know until later today when I can have someone stop by to check on the tank. What I do know is that my salinity has plummeted (per Apex). I'm an idiot for trying to set up something so vital so close to my departure, but I didn't really have a choice!

 

[rvitko]

The safety is completely seperate circuitry and should work, is it possible there was a siphon? Is the reservoir beside or above the the tank? I assume there is no sump?

 

[stlblufan]

There is a sump. It's an Elos Mini. I used a five gallon jug as a reservoir; it's next to the tank at a level slighly lower than the sump. A siphon is possible, I guess, but only if the sump was filled past the safety (i.e., the tube from the Tunze was higher than what the level in the sump should be). I checked a video chat (love google, right?) and can't hear the alarm, so who knows. I can't figure out any other reason the salinity would be so low, though. Maybe a bad probe.

 

[rvitko]

It is possible to have the magnet holder assembled wrong so the float is held down and no alarm would sound but this is rare, it can only happen if the outside magnet holder is set up high or the sensors are in the wrong holders on the inside magnet. If the water in the jug is higher than the end of the hose it could siphon. Do you have someone who can physically check your tank?

 

[stlblufan]

Back from Europe. Just to clear up any issues that I created with this thread, the Tunze operated perfectly during my absence. The drop in specific gravity appears to have been caused by the RODI that was put in when I was setting the unit up (i.e., before I realized how much water the unit would put in and installed a valve). I say "appears" because the SG dropped over the course of about 28 hours and then stabilized. In any event, it looks like operator error and not the Tunze. The only problem with the unit itself is that it runs for ten seconds when first powered up, regardless of the water level.

Roger -- thanks for your responses.