Another 5017 problem..

[shopping4trucks]

My ATO started acting weird about a month ago, at least that is when I first noted something was not right. I travel often so have not had time to do anything about it other than ask my wife to keep an eye on things.

Anyhow, I can vacuum the gravel and the water level will fall inches below the normal water level, like 5 gallons worth. The controller is happy with a green light. However, if I unplug and remove power from the device, and plug it back in, the controller senses the low level condition and begins to work. I did replace the pump about three months ago.

I performed another test and removed just a little bit of water, and again, the controller did not sense it. I reset the power, and the controller came on, filled up the water to the correct level and shut off.

I lifted up the float sensor to see if that was working, and it does, it sounds the alarm.

It appears that the logic in the device checks the level every so often and it appears that step is "broken" because resetting the device makes it work. But after a while the controller stops maintaining the level, but all indicators seem normal.

So, do these controllers get flakey after a while? Can they be repaired, or do I need to order a new controller? I am sure it is out of warranty.

Regards

 

[Mindflux]

Have you tried cleaning the optical sensor? Calcium can build up and cause weird issues like this. Also when you first apply power, regardless of water level the pump seems to run for 8-15 seconds while the controller initializes to sense the proper water level.

 

[shopping4trucks]

No, but...

No, but...

Have you tried cleaning the optical sensor? Calcium can build up and cause weird issues like this. Also when you first apply power, regardless of water level the pump seems to run for 8-15 seconds while the controller initializes to sense the proper water level.

Thanks Mind'. This happens to be a freshwater tank, so there is no buildup of any kind, algae, etc. One of the first things I did was check to make sure there was nothing there, no light interference, etc.

 

[rvitko]

The problem you describe would generally be an optical sensor issue, either it is failing or it has a mineral haze blocking the "view" of the water. Even on freshwater, this is possible and a first step would be to just soak the sensor in vinegar for a few hours. If that doesn't solve it, I would send it in. We can usually repair this problem for about $50 by replacing the optic sensor and some related components.

 

[shopping4trucks]

Thanks

Thanks

The problem you describe would generally be an optical sensor issue, either it is failing or it has a mineral haze blocking the "view" of the water. Even on freshwater, this is possible and a first step would be to just soak the sensor in vinegar for a few hours. If that doesn't solve it, I would send it in. We can usually repair this problem for about $50 by replacing the optic sensor and some related components.

Thanks Roger, I will clean it again in vinegar, then polish it off with a soft towel. If this does not work, I can send it in, or drop it off even. Aren't you in Austin? When I visit Austin every other month, I always stop by Aqaua Tek. In fact, I was there the weekend of the fourth looking for a power supply for the ATO, thinking it was a voltage problem... they did not have any in stock.

 

[rvitko]

Either is fine. I will be in Germany from July 28- Aug 9. Please send it in or bring it by soon as no repairs will be done during this time. Power supplies are not a commonly needed part, none of the dealers stock them but we do have them here. If this is an older Osmolator with the larger wall pack transformer with the vent slots, this is possible, what can happen is the rectifier goes out and it puts out AC instead of DC. You can faintly see the LED's strobe in this condition.

 

[shopping4trucks]

Yes, that's it...

Yes, that's it...

In fact, this one does/did have the big power supply as you described. It does not look at all like the other ATO's I have (one on saltwater tank, and a spare). I took the power supply from the spare and put it on the freshwater controller. One thing I noticed is that the power of the pump was stronger when I did that, this is why I thought I needed a new power supply. Even though I have one on there now, it is from my spare, and I'd like to keep an extra around so when I send in my unit, I will probably order a new Tunze power supply to go with it.

For what it's worth, the freshwater tank going low is no big deal because it is not a reef/ready tank, however, my saltwater tank is a different story. I once had three tanks, all with ATO, but I simplified my life and am down to only two now. :headwally:

 

[rvitko]

The oldest power supplies had a switch for 9-12V, we then switched to a constant 9V and finally to the unit we use today which is 11V, the voltage is the cause of the different pump performance.

 

[shopping4trucks]

Tunze USA address

Tunze USA address

Hello Roger,

I will be sending in the unit tomorrow; I was out of town on business and did not have time to do this sooner. I realize no repairs will happen when you are out, and I am okay with that. Please let me know also what the cost will be for the "official" power supply to match my others, it looks like Model 04151-110160. I just want to confirm that this is the correct address:

TUNZE USA LLC
305 Victor St
78753 Austin


Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Yes, and it is Austin, TX 78753, the website is run in Germany and they don't use states and the postal code is first so the web form has the European layout. I actually could get it done before I leave if you ship today.

 

[shopping4trucks]

Btw...

Btw...

It was sent yesterday, I think it should arrive Wednesday. I will PM my contact info.

 

[shopping4trucks]

Thanks...

Thanks...

Thanks again Roger. Wow, great service. I sent it in Monday, and you are returning it Wednesday. Have fun in Germany, and enjoy the cooler weather! Bring some back to Texas!

 

[shopping4trucks]

Now overflow...

Now overflow...

Hello Roger,

I think I still have issues. Now what happened is opposite of what happened, this time the tank over-filled, and caused water to flood the floor. :spin2:

Any ideas what might cause a unit to do this? I'm sorry I am just now getting to reply about it, but I travel too much!

 

[rvitko]

This could generally only happen if the float was pinned down and couldn't respond or, it could happen due to a siphon if the level in the reservoir is above the end point of the hose.