sleepydoc
Team RC
I've used a Tunze for about 3 ½ years now and the only time I've needed to clean the sensor was when the skimmer was out and I totally let the tank go before taking it down to move it, and by that point, the sump was so full of scum I'm surprised it worked at all.
All sensors can fail, be it an optical, a float, or a trained monkey. IME, the optical sensor that the Tunze uses is less prone to failure and requires less maintenance than a float sensor. There is a large number of people who use the Tunze osmolator and never have any issues with it. That does not mean it never fails, but it has a pretty good track record.
Float sensors are notorious for sticking and failing, especially if not cleaned regularly. If it's installed properly, the Tunze ATO uses a float as an emergency backup that normally stays out of the water, making it less prone to failure.
While you certainly may have a bad unit, I would look at the installation first, since that is generally the most common source of 'failure' for Tunze ATOs.
Edit: the Tunze also has an auto shutoff feature that shuts off the unit it it gets stuck 'on' for some reason. When it was running, what did the lights on the unit read?
All sensors can fail, be it an optical, a float, or a trained monkey. IME, the optical sensor that the Tunze uses is less prone to failure and requires less maintenance than a float sensor. There is a large number of people who use the Tunze osmolator and never have any issues with it. That does not mean it never fails, but it has a pretty good track record.
Float sensors are notorious for sticking and failing, especially if not cleaned regularly. If it's installed properly, the Tunze ATO uses a float as an emergency backup that normally stays out of the water, making it less prone to failure.
While you certainly may have a bad unit, I would look at the installation first, since that is generally the most common source of 'failure' for Tunze ATOs.
Edit: the Tunze also has an auto shutoff feature that shuts off the unit it it gets stuck 'on' for some reason. When it was running, what did the lights on the unit read?
