Neptune ATK ATO - is it really that bad?

[D-Nak]

I'm finishing up my new build and need to choose my ATO. In the past I've always used the Tunze Osmolator and loved them. This time around I thought I'd give the ATK a try, especially since I'll be using an Apex, and want to take advantage of the extra features I can use with the FMM.

However, I've seen quite a few used units for sale locally, and a TON of bad reviews. Is the ATK really that bad? Thoughts? I'm hoping to hear from those that have them, and those that have had them, and the reasons why you got rid of it.

At this point, it's either between the Tunze and the ATK, so no need to try to steer me towards another ATO.

 

[Centurio]

Yes, it really is. I love almost everything Neptune makes and won't run a tank without an Apex, but the ATK is a horrible product. It simply doesn't do the job with consistency.

 

[illuminata]

Out the box one of my atk optical sensors were reading as a flow meter which I had to get replaced. This was a brand new sealed unit. It was a free replacement but a hassle to email back and fourth and wait for the replacement.

A few weeks ago my replacement sensor (2 months old) was being stuck on an "open" position when it was fully submersed for a few days making my water level higher than I wanted. Some more emails with Neptunes. Then, all of a sudden it starts working again.

I might go back to my DIY setup which gave me zero issues for 4 years.

 

[MMacro]

Go with the tunze. Ive had both and my atk never worked properly out of the box. I tried replacing sensors and resetting the apex but nothing really worked. Strangely, now that I have it set up with a solenoid and connected to my ro/di system its been working fine for the past month or so. Fingers crossed.

 

[D-Nak]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys. I'll order a new Osmolator.

 

[OurCoralReef]

Neptune ATK ATO - is it really that bad?

I have been using "œSmart ATO" by autoaqua and i have been very happy with it for over 3 years

https://amzn.to/2CFbT9y

 

[Kinetic]

I've had the Tunze and now the Neptune ATK.

My ATK never had a single issue (1 year now, knock on wood). My Tunze didn't either (4+ years).

The only thing that I had go wrong with the Tunze was my float sensor got stuck after getting a bit crummy.

My ATK is great because I also have it setup to work with my RO/DI.

My RO/DI fills a 5g reservoir via the Neptune solenoid. In my reservoir I have two optical sensors and one manual float valve. These fill the 5g reservoir automatically from my RO/DI. It's controllable by the optical sensors as well as the manual float valve and an overall timer (that's 3 different failsafes). At the same time, my ATK will wait until the reservoir is re-filled before trying to pump water into the main tank.

The ATK itself has been wonderful, having both a timer that learns and averages out as a failsafe, and then the float valve.

My only issue with the whole system was one of my optical sensors was bad, but they replaced it immediately. The optical sensors in the sump got a bit covered up with gunk, so I had to clean it (this is after like 8 months). So now I make sure to just wipe them down every couple weeks just in case.

Overall, the extra control is really nice, and having alarms on weird things works well too. I may have been lucky, but the trick is to make sure you check all the components when you first get the ATK. If they're functioning, it works great, otherwise Neptune will send you stuff fairly quickly (I believe they're in south bay, so we get replacement parts within a day or two of asking for it).

 

[scuzy]

Atk senors always needing cleaning. I had a dump of my alk. So yeah it's not as reliable.


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[D-Nak]

I keep hearing that there are issues with the sensors. If Neptune finds a new supplier of reliable sensors, then I'd consider it. But I've had three Osmolators and they only needed occasional cleaning. I'm looking for a low maintenance option. Isn't that why we get ATOs? :headwally:

 

[Maximus]

I implore you to consider the Spectrapure ato. It’s a little pricey but i feel it’s the best one out there with a 5 year warranty. Mine has been rock solid for almost 2 years. It is truly set and forget.

https://spectrapure.com/Ultra-Precise-Auto-Top-Off-System-with-Magnetic-Probe-Holder

 

[kennytze]

I agree with with Maximus about Spectrapure ATO. Never a problem in 2 and a half years. There products are top notch.

 

[crawling junk]

Go with avast. 3 years without an issue here


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[danreefman]

I have been using “Smart ATO” by autoaqua and i have been very happy with it for over 3 years

https://amzn.to/2CFbT9y

 

[toky916]

Had the ATK for the year now only issue I’ve had was user error on my hand. Where my floor sensor was picking up moisture and was turning off the top off. Other then that it’s been running fine without any problems.

 

[D-Nak]

I implore you to consider the Spectrapure ato. It's a little pricey but i feel it's the best one out there with a 5 year warranty. Mine has been rock solid for almost 2 years. It is truly set and forget.

https://spectrapure.com/Ultra-Precise-Auto-Top-Off-System-with-Magnetic-Probe-Holder

Sang... since you used the word "implore" I took a look at the Spectrapure. :beer:

Then the Osmolator went on sale at BRS so I picked one up. It made sense because I already have extra parts from old units (pump, sensors, power adaptor, etc.).

 

[DivingTheWorld]

I don't think I've cleaned the sensor on my Osmolator in 2-3 years. The only thing that ever failed was the pump after about 3 years and it was a super easy swap out. I think you made the right choice.