Why? Controller vs. Tunze ATO

[natedogg]

Why do some people buy an expensive top off unit when their controller can do the same thing with a couple of float switches?

 

[Rockys_Pride]

No idea, I can only speculate though: Frees up a slot on the controller, got the ATO before the controller, they don't want to get the modules for the controller, another fail safe if the controller goes down. Really I have no idea.

 

[snorvich]

All of those sound reasonable. Power failures may impact choices here as well.

 

[James77]

Why do some people buy an expensive top off unit when their controller can do the same thing with a couple of float switches?

The Tunze is also not just a couple of float switches, it has an optical sensor, that greatly adds to the cost. Some people also do not like trusting their entire automation to just one device. If it goes out, you are left with nothing. It frees up a slot as it is an all in one unit.

 

[SaltyMember]

I had an autopoff unit before I got my Reef Keeper Light. I still use it since I don't have to take up outlets on my controller as others have mentioned. I also like the idea of the topoff being separate if anything should happen to the controller.

 

[E.intheC]

it was actually cheaper for me to use an autotopoff.com unit, and at the time of purchase, there wasn't much information readily available about the Reef Keeper's ATO, so I went with the ato.com unit.

 

[natedogg]

Thanks for the input everyone! The Tunze set up is looking like the way to go. People love it.

 

[Brwestern]

Tunze is great. I will continue to use it when I get a controller. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

It works perfectly.

 

[Zebodog]

I top off with kalk but switch to RO/DI if the pH climbs too high; pretty easy to do with a controller.