Big A.T.O. Problems... please help!

stunreefer

stunreefer

Reef Hugger
I've had my Profilux Plus II and Dosing Pumps (3) for about ten months now with little to no issues. Recently I have been noticing problems with the top-off... it's not topping off. I have a line drawn on my sump where the water level should always be, and lately this has not been doing its job.

I use the Optical Sensor for ATO, and I use one of the three GHL Dosing Pumps to top off from an RO/DI reservoir. I've cleaned the sensor lightly before, but never anything heavy as it didn't need it. There has never been any build-up on it. So last night in hopes to fix this I gave it a good cleaning in some vinegar - didn't fix the problem.

I can lift the Optical Sensor out of the water, and it does not kick on the ATO Dosing Pump... if I fiddle with the sensor a bit (like wipe with a paper towel) sometimes it kicks on, but only for a second even though the sensor is not submerged. I disconnected the Optical Sensor from the Profilux several times and re-connected, and it doesn't make any difference.

My other thought is that the Dosing Pumps' pump is getting wore out... I KNOW it's doing a lot more work than the other two pumps, and it definitely seems to be "wearing down." If I manually press the pump that's for ATO and compare it to one I use for dosing, it's considerably slower, or at least makes a different (slower) noise. Even if it is the pump, it doesn't make sense to me why the sensor isn't functioning properly.

I currently only use my Profilux Plus II to monitor temp, dose CA and ALK, and A.T.O.... that's it.


I had to work late the other night, and when I came home my sump was waaay to low, almost damaged my ATB Airstar pump :eek:

Please help... Thanks!
 
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Thanks for the reply Michael... I actually spoke with my good buddy Todd earlier this morning.

I was just wanting to confirm that's whats going on, I cannot fathom it's anything else... I'll be sending it to Todd today.
 
Hey Jason,

No, when I go into the Profilux program on my computer you cannot click "reset errors" under Sensor options (which means it thinks it's working).

I sent the Optical off to Todd yesterday, and apparently he's waiting to get some new ones in... I really hope they come fast... the ATO on this thing is a life-saver and is my #1 reason for having it right now!

After talking with Todd I've also decided to use a different pump rather than the dosing pumps for my ATO because the Dosing Pumps are just not designed for the constant use they get when using them for ATO. Unfortunately this means I have to buy a Power Bar of some kind, so I'll make the change on my new tank when I switch everything over.
 
That was my next suggestion. Don't get me wrong I just hooked up my dosing pump, but I use a maxi-jet for my top off. Haven't had any issues.

Good Luck
J
 
Unplug the power from the profilux controller. Sometimes it needs a hard reboot and the sensor becomes active again. This has happened to me 3x so far.
 
buy a backup and you wont have this problem

i dont use the optical but i have 2 spare float switch

to be honest i have a spare unit and power bar just in case
 
xenon - tried it... didn't work this time. That's my fix if anything goes wrong, unplug it and let it sit :lol: One morning I woke up and my Profilux was speaking german (displaying)... I was like "What the hell?" Unplugged it and let sit for an hour or so, and it was back to English. Must use Rosetta Stone or something ;)

Harry_Fish - I'm tempted... very tempted. BUT, I bought the controller to control everything, so I don't want the seperate Tunze controller... might be a safe bet though. Like I said the only use I have for the Profilux on my current system is ATO, Dosing and temp monitoring... ATO is the most important overall and now it's down :mad:

chadfarmer - After an episode like this I'll definitely have back-ups. I'm in the midst of a new tank build and things like this just cannot happen. If they do, whatever fails is gone quick. I'm curious as to why you like the float switches over the optical sensors?
 
I hate to admit this (and I'll proabably get another nasty e-mail for saying it),
but I am loosing faith in this controller more and more everyday.

The tunze osmolator is about $200, For that you get the
Pump the controller and an optical and float sensor.

For the money I think the Tunze is cheaper and more reliable.


The optical sensor for the Profilux is about $100, the float sensor is
about $40 then you still need to buy a mount for the sensors and a pump.

By the time your done it cost more to use the Profilux top off.

That is if you can even get the Optical sensor; I tried to
get one for over a month and they were always out of stock.

When they were in stock I was told 2 or the 3 were spoken
for due to warranty relacements..... uh thanks, but no thanks.


.
 
Last edited:
I have the tunze and loved it to a degree - but I was always nervous because about twice a year the optical sensor would not stop filling up (yes, I clean the probe and there were no microbubbles to confuse it) - yes, the float safety kicked on sending a piercing sound all over but still - then the pump is only rated for a couple of years life. On top of that, the controller mounted next to a pump, etc - apparently can confuse the controller. So lately I installed reef fanatics level controller and use an aqualifter for top off - I feel a lot more comfortable and am impressed by the controller - it uses float switches.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14385280#post14385280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harry_Fish
I hate to admit this (and I'll probably get another nasty e-mail for saying it),
but I am loosing faith in this controller more and more everyday.

The tunze osmolator is about $200, For that you get the
Pump the controller and an optical and float sensor.

For the money I think the Tunze is cheaper and more reliable.


The optical sensor for the Profilux is about $100, the float sensor is
about $40 then you still need to buy a mount for the sensors and a pump.

By the time your done it cost more to use the Profilux top off.

That is if you can even get the Optical sensor; I tried to
get one for over a month and they were always out of stock.

When they were in stock I was told 2 or the 3 were spoken
for due to warranty replacements..... uh thanks, but no thanks.


.
Click to expand...
 
To clarify the optical sensor

A batch last year had shown signs of leakage due to the resin craking around the cable if pulled or twisted. These are few and far between, we have sold over 200 optical sensors last year in NA alone and have to date 4 come back.

BUT as GHL are very attentive to any possible issue asked us to return any of the older style to be replaced with the new ones, these have only arrived to us in the past 3 weeks.

BUT we can not replace any until we receive them back and many dealers STILL have not returned these to us, so until they do they do not get replaced.

So if you have a suspect optical sensor return it to us directly and we will replace simple as that.

In regards to Tunze, I have never yet has a single case of the control being an issue, the only question is getting it set up correctly, once set up everyone loves it and there are zero reported issues after set up.

So to clarify, the Tunze control is THE most advanced you will find, if you have a set up query that does not mean it does not work, it means you have to ask us to help you set it up.

If you have a suspect optical sensor return it to us and we will replace.

If your dealer has no optical sensors and only some requiring returning for replacement then maybe ask them why they have not yet returned them to us.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1575216
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14385814#post14385814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnb
I have the tunze and loved it to a degree - but I was always nervous because about twice a year the optical sensor would not stop filling up (yes, I clean the probe and there were no microbubbles to confuse it) - yes, the float safety kicked on sending a piercing sound all over but still - then the pump is only rated for a couple of years life. On top of that, the controller mounted next to a pump, etc - apparently can confuse the controller. So lately I installed reef fanatics level controller and use an aqualifter for top off - I feel a lot more comfortable and am impressed by the controller - it uses float switches.
Click to expand...


I see they sell just the float switches at about $20 each
I may just do a roll your own top off unit with a microcontroller.

The tunze top off pump loooks nice though and is fairly cheap.

I had tried a Aqualifter a long time ago but it did have the
power to push the water up high enough for my old tank.

Does the Aqualifter do better at pushing or pulling the water?

Thank you
 
in the tunze forum there are similar experiences while most with new sensors which need warm cloth wash to remove manufact residue - otherwise; I know how to install and maintain my equipment and I know what I experienced and know how to read

there are many who love very very much - I just need more confidence- especially if I am going out of town.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14385937#post14385937 target=_blank>Originally pos

In regards to Tunze, I have never yet has a single case of the control being an issue, the only question is getting it set up correctly, once set up everyone loves it and there are zero reported issues after set up.

So to clarify, the Tunze control is THE most advanced you will find, if you have a set up query that does not mean it does not work, it means you have to ask us to help you set it up.

If you have a suspect optical sensor return it
Click to expand...
 
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don't know - I only push a little ways - you can use any pump you want on the R.F.

The tunze top off pump loooks nice though and is fairly cheap.

I had tried a Aqualifter a long time ago but it did have the
power to push the water up high enough for my old tank.

Does the Aqualifter do better at pushing or pulling the water?

Thank you [/B][/QUOTE]
 
do you mean the tunze pump used for their auto top off? - I am not sure what your needs are - but it is a slow pump (which is good for ato) but like the aqualifter has limitations - i think it is a bit more powerful. but like I said above - its life span is shorter than some like


I think you might need to check to see if it can push water
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14386932#post14386932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harry_Fish
I may just get the Tunze pump as I can roll up
a power supply for it easy enough
Click to expand...
 
Guys

Just a gentle reminder, this is a ProfiLux forum for the discussion of ProfiLux products only.

IF you have an issue with your optical sensor please contact us by email and we will support you, same as Tunze where we can help with your set up to have it runnign smoothly.

All posts commenting on third party equipment will be deleted, sorry, but GHL pay a lot for this forum not to advertise other equipment, I am sure you understand.

Thanks
Aqua Digital and GHL
 
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