ATO comparisons... which one would you prefer?

[Mr.Tan]

I've had my tank setup for about 2 weeks now and I am already tired of having to manually fill it. I've been researching ATO systems that would be good for the size tank I have (29g display with 10g sump) and have narrowed it down to 2 different ATO systems... One which has been around for awhile and one that is fairly new.


Tunze osmolator nano 3152

&

AutoAqua Smart Micro ATO system ---this one i can't find much info one at all since it seems so new?

Does anyone have any experience with either? The only complaint i read about the tunze nano ato is that it only used 1 float valve which some people didnt like. the smart micro ATO is nice because it uses an optical lens for reading the level, so in theory there is no float valve to stick.


Is there another people like? I dont want a ton of equipment to fill the sump up, and I want something user friendly that wont fail. BOth are the same price at just under $100.

 

[g_langley]

I have the Tunze 3152 and it's great. The only thing which is required is a clean once a month of the pump and float valve, especially essential if using Kalk in the auto reservoir.

 

[Sapelo]

+1 Tunze -- LOVE mine

 

[BlackTip]

I've been using Tunze for 6 months now without any problems.

 

[gone fishin]

I have had the tunze for quite awhile now and have had zero issues with it. A costly but a sound quality product.

 

[Rod1972a]

I´m also very happy with my Tunze Osmolator...

 

[cincyjim]

+1 Tunze!

 

[JRR1285]

I use a JBJ ATO with an Aqua Lifter to deliver Kalk and vinegar. The Aqua Lifter has been clogged a few times but hot water or running straight vinegar through it fixes it right away. I should get a second one on hand in case the Kalk finally kills it. The JBJ has never failed me in about 2 years of service.

 

[DrewHaus]

I have the Tunze 3152 and it's great. The only thing which is required is a clean once a month of the pump and float valve, especially essential if using Kalk in the auto reservoir.

^ I use kalk in my resevoir and it requires cleaning every couple of weeks. Not a big deal for a great ATO.

+1 for the 3152

 

[Portsie]

Another vote for tunze, but I'd get the full version, with the optical sensor. I just can't trust a single float switch, eventually it will fail. I've been using mine for 3 years, topping off with Kalk, and have never once cleaned the pump or optical sensor.

 

[Tweaked]

Majority will say Tunze. That said, I have had one cranking 24/7 for 4 years

 

[Drmojo]

I love my Tunze. Highly recommend!

 

[Mr.Tan]

are all of you using a tunze with the dual float switch or an optical level?


my biggest concern is just having one (which the tunze nano uses), thats why im looking at the autoaqua since its fully optical. I have no real need to step up to the larger tunze unit since i do not have a big tank that requires a lot of refilling.

 

[89Foxbody]

I have the JBJ and it works great.

 

[rffanat1c]

Tunze nano on my 37 and the bigger one on my 90.

 

[pete33]

Been using the one from autotopoff with an aqua lifter pump. No problems so far. However I only let it run for 5 minutes per hour with my apex.

 

[xxsevxx]

I got mine from autotopoff.com and i couldn't be happier. Its been running for 6 months and works perfectly, only cost about 40$.

 

[richieii]

I have the Smart Ato, not the micro one. It works so far without fail. Running about 4 months.

 

[Jade5051]

I like the smart ATO because it tells me when something is wrong like the reservoir is too low or pump disconnected.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I got mine from autotopoff.com and i couldn't be happier. Its been running for 6 months and works perfectly, only cost about 40$.

Been running 2 of these for over a year. I haven't had a single problem with them and would not hesitate to buy one again.