How does the Tunze Osmomat 5024 work?

[SCIronMike]

I'm shopping for an auto top off unit for my 29 gallon with no sump. I'm interested in the Osmomat 5024, but I can't figure out how the whol thing works by looking at the photo of the product at the Tunze website. Is there a box in the tank that pumps water out to a water receptable which then has another pump that pumps water back into the main tank?

 

[rvitko]

The Osmomat uses the same basic technology as the Osmolator, it is essentially just a change in mounting and designed for in tank use.

The Osmomat uses a small box with a surface skimmer measuring roughly 5"*5"*2". A small pump in the box pulls water from the surface and through the box. This allows the box to magnify surface changes via the following formula.

Change in water level in aquarium/ Change in level of Osmomat=
Surface of the Aquarium/ Surface of Osmomat.

This is of less consequence in small aquariums such as yours but it is the only practical way to use the 5017 Water Level Controller as the Osmolators mounting design would require running the water level approximately 1.5" below the level of the trim and would be unsightly. Inside the box are all the sensors of the 5017. The sensors report to the 5017 Computer which turns on the included bilge pump in a reservoir. The pump delivers the water to the aquarium.