ATO not working

[tolo13]

Came home and water level was low, looked and no lights on on my ATO. Unplugged and replugged a few times with no luck. Next evening cleaned it plugged it back in and it worked fine. Went to bed got up with red light Low water level on. Pump would not kick on. Replaced pump and still no luck. I added water to sensor and went to green light.

 

[tolo13]

Any thoughts on this?

 

[rvitko]

The prime culprit is a film of calcium on the optic sensor, soak it in vinegar for a couple hours and wipe it off with a soft towel.

 

[tolo13]

been there done that already.

 

[tolo13]

But willing to try again............thanks!

 

[tolo13]

Can these be repaired or is it not worth the time?

 

[rvitko]

It depends on the nature of the problem, if it just needs a new optic sensor or capacitor, it is worth repairing, but in many cases if it is 4+ years old a new osmolator is more economical if you were interested in the upgrade to the new magnet holders. When you consider a 4+ year old osmo will likely need a new pump soon and a new power supply and if you want the magnet holders that is $110 about on top of a $60 repair and then it may just be worthwhile to buy new and have the new version controller with warranty. Either way I would send it in and we can take a look, if it isn't worth doing I will let you know.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

 

[tolo13]

It seneses the green light, the red low level light but not the yellow and wont turn the pump on to top off. I had a new a pump which didn't help. Thanks for your help!

 

[rvitko]

This can be a few things, two of them would be cheap ($25) to fix, the other is not cheap and a new controller would be the way to go.