Osmolator 3155 issue

[Frozn]

Hello. I have been experiencing an issue with my 3155 ATO that is just over a year old. The problem has been occuring for a few months now and im wondering the best way to have this repaired/replaced. This is an essential piece of equipment for my tank as i am gone 12-14hours everyday for work.

The problem is that the waterline will fall and trigger the pump. It turns on and runs for a moment, beeps and stops the flow, then begins to pump again. It will continue this cycle until i unplug the unit or the secondary overflow float is triggered.

I have opened up the case and inspected for any visible signs of bad solder joints/corrosion/water anything at all. The sensors have all been cleaned as well. The unit will typically run fine for a week or so and then start this beeping/running cycle.

I dont have an issue with sending it in, however it is not viable for my tank to be without an ATO due to the time i am away on a daily basis. If i had more water volume it could be a bit more negligible, however i have an SPS dominant shallow reef that evaps close to a gallon a day with about 65 gallon total volume.

I purchased this unit for my new setup after using one for several years without issue on my previous 120 setup up until i had to leave the hobby for a few years due to moving around.

 

[rvitko]

Unfortunately, I would need to get it back to repair it, I would have it repaired within a day of getting it and you are probably looking at 7-10 days total turnaround. The most plausible issue would be a bad power supply, if you have a voltmeter I would start there and check it carefully for corrosion. If the voltage is outside of the range of 9-12V the controller will turn off and on and run properly, a corroded connection can also do this.

If you send it in, include the pump, power supply and controller and a note with return address and phone number.
Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

 

[Cbsailor11]

I too am having an issue with my 3155 that is under a year old. My pump has locked up it seems and the power connection doesn't always stay on(the rca style plug). Can I send mine in for repair/check up and get a second replacement pump also when the unit is returned?

Sorry if I hijacked

 

[Frozn]

Unfortunately, I would need to get it back to repair it, I would have it repaired within a day of getting it and you are probably looking at 7-10 days total turnaround. The most plausible issue would be a bad power supply, if you have a voltmeter I would start there and check it carefully for corrosion. If the voltage is outside of the range of 9-12V the controller will turn off and on and run properly, a corroded connection can also do this.

If you send it in, include the pump, power supply and controller and a note with return address and phone number.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

Thank you Rvitko, i will try to figure out a temporary method for top off and then get this sent out. I do have an extra dosing pump so perhaps i can use this to offset the bulk of evap while im away.

 

[Frozn]

I was just thinking, could i just replace the 9v power supply?

 

[rvitko]

If you are sure that is the cause, you can, if it is obviously corroded you could order a new one on Tunze.com or Amazon, I think Premium Aquatics stocks this part as well. If the voltage is low and it is free of corrosion, it is under warranty.

CbSailor- yes, but typically on pumps we can replace them with just a copy of the receipt and I would check the power supply first for corrosion, typically the hole in the middle (positive terminal) is what will be damaged if it got wet and then you could just order that part.

 

[Cbsailor11]

rvitko- Purchased fall of 2013, in service since June 2014. I will look at the connections, always been mounted in a dry location. Also noticed some rust coloring inside the intake side of the pump on the shaft area.

 

[rvitko]

The shaft is stainless and can develop some surface corrosion much as stainless utensils will when they stay wet. The main culprit will be the power supply tip, people often neglect this, they unplug the power at the controller and that tip lands in a sump or puddle, with the DC current going through it, if it is in saltwater, you basically reverse plate it and strip the nickel off the cathode.

 

[Cbsailor11]

rvitko- I looked everything over and can't find corrosion or anything. I would still like to send the unit in for a checkup, fix or replace the seized pump and purchase a second pump for future backup.
Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Yes, of course, just send it in as I instructed the original poster.