Deciding on an ATO

SLPMonkey

New member
Hi All!

I just set up my first reef tank. It's a 40 breeder with 2 HOB filters. I'm looking into getting an ATO, but it will have to sit in the display tank because I don't have a sump. Does anyone have any advice on a good ATO for my tank? So far I was looking at the Tunze Osmolator Nano 3152 and the JBJ Automatic Top Off System With Acella Powerhead/Pump.

Thanks!

-Sarah
 
I recommend the SMART ATO, I think it's a smaller footprint than the Tunze but I'm not sure. Heard good things about the Tunze also.

The SMART ATO runs perfectly and the customer service is first class. I had a pump go bad more than a year after installing and they sent a new one next day at no charge. Give them a look.
 
Just note, if you do go with the Smart Micro ATO in a sumpless tank, you will have an always on blue LED light shining into your display tank at all times.
 
tunze osmolator you can use the nano since it is under 50
i use one on my 40 breader and the full size on 65 and 125

Is the recommendation for total volume? I'm running a 40b/40b setup with probably 60-65 gallons of total volume (I'm actually unsure how to get a better estimate). I need an ato, but $200+ for the tunze seems excessive. I was looking at the nano one, but I wasn't sure it would work with my system. Also, I'm not sure how it can tell the difference. The only difference I've seen between the two is the addition of the "eye" sensor.
 
The pump on the 3155 and the 3152 is the same. The controller is the only thing different. Pump run times and length of time failsafe etc is the big difference. Personally, I think the nano should only be used on 30 gallon and under. And frankly the 3155 full size can be used just fine on those size setups, the sensor and float is just larger is all.

3152 is float shutoff. 3155 is sensor shutoff with a float failover shutoff.
 
Just note, if you do go with the Smart Micro ATO in a sumpless tank, you will have an always on blue LED light shining into your display tank at all times.

Ya you're right, that's a new model. I have the other one, no LEDs facing the tank.
 
I agree with most... Happy with my Tunze 3155. But I will say this the pump is a bit loader than I thought... My tank is right off the living room and I can hear it every time it comes on.
 
I just bought a smart ato micro, its been running in the tank for about a week so short term id say its been great. Now ask me again in a year and hopefully I will still feel this way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I've had mechanical ATO's get stuck and cause a flood once before. I'm pretty paranoid so I bought the Smart ATO this time around.
 
Back
Top