I'm in need of an ato and am considering the tunze or autoaqua. I've got a 20 long without a sump, so it will have to be placed in the display. I've heard good things about both, with the Tunze seeming a bit more reliable. I really like the small size of the smart micro, though. What do you guys think would work better for my display? If possible, I would like the tank to be filled past the black trim so I don't see the waterline. Will this be possible with either of these?
Autoaqua smart ato micro vs. Tunze Osmolator
- Thread starter JRBaker
- Start date
Unfortunately I have leds. I hadn't heard of that issue before. I'm assuming it messes with the sensor? Any way to make the Tunze work with the waterline above the bottom of the trim?
zooman72
New member
Yes, my understanding from reading up on the AutoAqua is that overhead LEDs may disrupt the internal LED used in the optical sensor.
As for the Tunze (or Tunze Nano), unfortunately the only option may be to try it and see it it will work as intended for your application. You may have to trim back the upper trim piece possibly...
JohnnyHildo
Member
i personally have an the larger tunze osmolator and have had no issues with it. that being said i recently asked my lfs owner why he didn't recommend the nano version and he basically said that they have proven to be unreliable in more cases than he's comfortable with.
newbie2014
New member
Yep. It took me a while to decide on the tunze 3155. I use it in my 40B DT. You cannot see the water line unless the wave makers are on. Depending on how thick is the trim, it may work for you too.
Another thing you should consider is how strong the ATO pump needs to be. My top off water has to go from ground level up and over the rim of the DT, about 4.5ft high.
zooman72
New member
Another offering that runs dual sensors is the IceCap ATO, but unfortunately, both are optical, although I see no warnings of LEDs lighting associated with it. I run one on my IM Nuvo 20 (in the rear compartment of course), and it performs well, and is a lot less expensive than the Tunze.
I too have run into issues with the Tunze Nano (3 failed over the last couple of years, including 2 within the last couple of months, which is why I tried the IceCap model). I am still using four of the Tunze Nanos (out of current necessity), but will probably retire them in the near future if the IceCap ATO continues to do well.
I have not come across the same percentage of issues with the larger Tunze model, and it enjoys better reviews overall.
Thanks for the tip! I hadn't run across that one before. I don't care for the color (since it's going in my display), but I think I could live with it at almost $70 cheaper than the Tunze.
zooman72
New member
No problem. but just a word of caution - just because I find no warning for display use like the AutoAqua, doesn't mean there isn't a possible issue, especially since they use the same technology (optical switches and internal LED).
I am thinking of getting another one to use in my mini rock flower nem tank on my home desk (only 4.5 gallons), and since it would be in the display (no sump of course), I might run it on a timer so that it is only on at night after the light have gone out. Something to consider as a work-around...
zooman72
New member
Good luck, and keep us posted... :thumbsup:
I bought the icecap ato and have had it running for about two weeks now. I'm very happy with it! The only issue I had was getting the pump to run for the first time after initial setup. I disassembled and reassembled the pump, and it's worked fine since then (not a big deal, I've had to do this on several pieces of new equipment on my other FW tanks). The led lighting doesn't seem to mess with it at all. The bracket holding the sensor is smaller than I thought it would be, so it really isn't that noticeable in the tank. It keeps the water line just above the black trim. I still may end up trimming the inside of the black trim to raise the water line about 1/2-3/4" so it is even with the bottom of my aquaclear 50 HOB (I use it for my chemical media since I don't have a sump). The waterfall effect from the filter gets on my nerves due to the bubbles it makes in the display. Very happy with this ato! Thanks for the tip, zooman!
blackway1688
New member
Either Tunze or Autoaqua smart ATO micro all use the Infra red optical sensor, the wave length is different from the normal LED lighting. I think it's no issue to use in the display tank.
zooman72
New member
There is no guarantee of issues when using the AutoAqua under LED lighting, but some have noted it, and the manufacturer even cautions users about the risk. The optical water level sensor is also not infrared in the AutoAqua to my understanding - not certain in the Tunze, as the manufacturer mentions it is not affected by light.
Also, the OP has already employed a different option... :rollface:
blackway1688
New member
As I know, every optical level sensor uses Infrared lighting including AUTOAQUA, Tunze...
For Led lighting, it is no problem unless there is infrared led inside it. For T5,T8 lighting, it's a full spectrum lighting and there is a few portion of infrared, so this could influence the detection. I think the lighting should be very close to the sensor to provide the enough power to sensor.
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