Lets talk ATO systems...

[EllisJuan]

I want to get an ATO system but am a bit overwhelmed at my choices. Money is not really an issue, but I love bang for the buck. Can someone please recommend a good setup for me?

 

[SoLiD]

The Tunze Osmolator seems to be very desirable...

 

[shifty51008]

I use the dual float switch unit from aquahub and have never had a problem with it after 6 years.

I have also heard of good things with the tunze unit, and their coustomer serveice can't be beat if you ever have a problem.

 

[ExFOWLR]

I use spectapures top off system with a kalk reservoir in my basement, works great

 

[muffe]

Some thoughts on the Tunze Osmolator

1. Every time the unit loses power or is unplugged and plugged in again, it will start pumping water for 10-15 seconds even if you are at the correct level or above.
2. There is an alarm to signal too much water. It's loud and can not be disabled unless you take the unit apart and move a jumper.
3. The eye didn't work correctly out of the box. I had to wet it and rub it with a clean cloth vigorously to get it to function. Once cleaned it worked. I question it's long term reliability.

 

[gpkozmp]

Since we are on topic here has anybody ever tried the setup that is on melvesreef.com?

 

[EllisJuan]

OK, I am about to order the blueline tsunami and an aqua offer pump. Is there anything else I should order also?

 

[shifty51008]

Since we are on topic here has anybody ever tried the setup that is on melvesreef.com?

the unit he runs is the same thing I run from aquahub or autotopoff.com I have been running it for over 6 years with no problems

OK, I am about to order the blueline tsunami and an aqua offer pump. Is there anything else I should order also?

that should be all you need, the only downfall I see to that unit is that it only has one switch and no backup if the switch fails.

 

[Logzor]

Some thoughts on the Tunze Osmolator

1. Every time the unit loses power or is unplugged and plugged in again, it will start pumping water for 10-15 seconds even if you are at the correct level or above.
2. There is an alarm to signal too much water. It's loud and can not be disabled unless you take the unit apart and move a jumper.
3. The eye didn't work correctly out of the box. I had to wet it and rub it with a clean cloth vigorously to get it to function. Once cleaned it worked. I question it's long term reliability.

I have the spectrapure ultra-precise auto topoff unit. It doesn't have any of the problems mentioned above.

Mine has worked flawlessly for the past 3 years.

The system works with an air pressure sensor, it's a rock solid. It also has a backup float switch if the sensor was moved up too high on accident. This float switch will kill power to the pump.

Not to mention, the peristaltic pump it uses can move water from more than 20 feet away.

I would highly recommend getting the spectrapure unit. Also has a 5 year warranty...

 

[aquaman67]

I'm using the two switch model from autotopoff.com

I haven't had any problems. I read good things about the JBJ model too.

We're not really making this easier are we?

 

[moondoggy4]

Not a fan of suction cups Use a magnet I glued mine to a magnet. Also be careful about where the wires are in the sump they could interfere with the float.

 

[dogstar74]

Since we are on topic here has anybody ever tried the setup that is on melvesreef.com?

Please don't wire the float switch directly to the high current 120V Powerline of the air pump, or aqualifter. This can be very dangerous.

A preferable technique would be to wire a low voltage current through a relay switch. Such as this.

Hope this helps.
Aaron

 

[moondoggy4]

preferred

preferred

Please don't wire the float switch directly to the high current 120V Powerline of the air pump, or aqualifter. This can be very dangerous.

A preferable technique would be to wire a low voltage current through a relay switch. Such as this.

Hope this helps.
Aaron

Could you give a link for those products Thanks in advance

 

[shifty51008]

you can find all those parts on autotopoff.com

 

[reefsurfing]

Im interested in the New elos top off and I wonder if anyone here has experience with it?!:thumbsup:

 

[dustinc]

Im interested in the New elos top off and I wonder if anyone here has experience with it?!:thumbsup:

I have the Elos ATO unit and have used it for a year and it is amazing. It is very precise and there are no moving parts to fail. It is one heat sensor with a micro-processor to back it up. It has been flawless since the day I've had it. The other ATO units I've used have gotten the float switch stuck at certain points and that is just not ok with me. I want peace of mind. I would definitely recommen it!

 

[reefsurfing]

Thanks Dustinc; I am curious how it attaches to my sump b/c it looked like it just had some zipties. Was there a mounting bracket? if so I think I found my unit!!

 

[dustinc]

Thanks Dustinc; I am curious how it attaches to my sump b/c it looked like it just had some zipties. Was there a mounting bracket? if so I think I found my unit!!

It has a bracket that comes with it. Below is a picture of everything that comes in the box. You can see the bracket in the middle, it's clear.

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4928499228_09fbbfcbe6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="102_2163"></a>

 

[dagon138]

I have the new elos digital ATO unit for my 10g nano.
Works great, no issues since I've had it, and the probe is small which is great since I don't have a sump and had to put it in the display.

 

[forddna]

That Spectrapure kit is currently out of stock.

A friend of mine has owned both the Tunze and the autotopoff.com unit, and he says the Tunze failed him, but the autotopoff.com one never, ever failed him.