Osmolator issues

[alexk3954]

Hi,

I have a Tunze ATO that came with a used tank setup. It has been working great for the last 2 years but has started to act up over the past few days. I took out and cleaned the optical sensor, but that did not fix the issue.

The problem is that the pump is being turned on when it shouldn't be and the compartment overfills and sets off the alarm. Just now I heard the pump turn on so I went to look and the pump was triggered when the optical sensor was entirely submerged.

Any ideas for a fix? Thank you!

 

[alexk3954]

It seems that the optical sensor is turning on the pump when the water level falls just below the clip that holds the optical sensor in place. The pump will turn on for 10 seconds and then turn off. Then for some unknown reason, the pump switches back on after a few seconds and remains on until the water level rises high enough to turn the alarm on.

 

[rvitko]

Usually a faulty sensor results in no fill, an overfill is more likely bubbles, the sensor only detects the difference between air and water. If you catch in the act next time, just wipe your finger under the sensor, if it stops, we would know for sure it is bubbles. If the controller is newer (Nov 2011 or later) it could also be a calibration issues as the newer controllers have a calibration for the switching points. It is not possible to rule out the optic sensor, rarely when they are dying, they overfill a few times before they fail completely.

 

[alexk3954]

Thanks for your reply Roger. The sensors are in the last section of a solana 34 gallon tank. I never see ANY bubbles in there so I am pretty sure that is not the issue.

When I cleaned the sensor the first time I just did so with hot water and it looked perfectly clean to me. I was looking around online and may have come across an old comment by you saying that minerals could precipitate on the sensor and leave only a minor film that would only become visible upon drying. Hoping that might be the case I soaked the sensor in vinegar for an hour and scraped off any possible residue my nails. So far it seems to be working great again, but I am out of town for two days so I will continue to monitor when I get back.

 

[rvitko]

Be very careful with scraping them, I would only soak for a few hours and then use a soft towel, if the sensor is scratched it can be ruined. Let me know if that was it, I assumed you had soaked it already so that was why I omitted that.

 

[alexk3954]

It is not possible to rule out the optic sensor, rarely when they are dying, they overfill a few times before they fail completely.

Well I just got back and my water level was low, but luckily everything in the tank looks OK. The sensor now thinks the water level is appropriate, even though the water level is way below. I have tried unplugging and plugging back in, wiping off the sensor, squirting it with water, but nothing seems to make a difference. I guess the sensor just got old and tired. Time for a replacement I guess, darn.

 

[rvitko]

The sensor can be replaced, we ran out, but I expect more around Jan 21. If you send it in, I can likely repair it.