Apex ATO and other options

[Heavymman]

I recently just experienced a failure of my optical sensor with the Apex ATO and I’m a little nervous going forward with my current system now because it is really not very redundant being they use the same sensor for the low and high. I have a PMUP in my basement sitting in a brute garbage pail as my RODI reservoir. Any ideas to make it more redundant or at least has anyone heard if they have plans to fix the optical sensors?

 

[Ranjib]

I don’t believe redundancy is necessarily leads to more reliable setup, beyond certain point. You could consider smart ato which has some heuristic based safety for cases like this

 

[Montiman]

I have heard of many failures with the ATK. My personal favorite ATO option is the Osmolator. It is a proven option with a track record. What alot of people don't consider is that one of the keys to reliability is component quality not just how many redundancy layers

With the sensor replaced you should have dual optical sensors a float valve and the timer function all working together. If these fail it is a component problem and I would look at replacing or upgrading the components.

 

[chaostactics]

Ive used an Avast ATO that uses a pressure sensor for 10 years without issue

 

[Ranjib]

I have heard of many failures with the ATK. My personal favorite ATO option is the Osmolator. It is a proven option with a track record. What alot of people don't consider is that one of the keys to reliability is component quality not just how many redundancy layers

With the sensor replaced you should have dual optical sensors a float valve and the timer function all working together. If these fail it is a component problem and I would look at replacing or upgrading the components.

Osmolator is also another good choice

 

[JimFuller]

I had the main optical sensor go bad on my Neptune ATO. I just plugged #2 into the #1 sensor socket. Then ordered a new sensor. I think that is good redundancy. Even with a failure, I could operate until replacement parts arrived.

 

[Aquavaj]

I don't have their ato but they do state 3 levels of redundant failsafes with their ATO kit. 1st is the second optical sensor. If that fails the system will not go beyond twice the normal fill rate. So if it normally has to refill 1 cup then it should go no more than 2 cups. If that fails as well then there's the float switch. Seems pretty solid to me.

 

[Montiman]

I don't have their ato but they do state 3 levels of redundant failsafes with their ATO kit. 1st is the second optical sensor. If that fails the system will not go beyond twice the normal fill rate. So if it normally has to refill 1 cup then it should go no more than 2 cups. If that fails as well then there's the float switch. Seems pretty solid to me.

The problem with the ATK isn’t obvious on paper. While I haven’t used the unit myself there are many reports of sensors, pumps or other components going bad. The problem is not the design it is the quality. This is the reason why if I have $200 to spend on an ATO I am going Osmolator all day.

 

[Heavymman]

I don't have their ato but they do state 3 levels of redundant failsafes with their ATO kit. 1st is the second optical sensor. If that fails the system will not go beyond twice the normal fill rate. So if it normally has to refill 1 cup then it should go no more than 2 cups. If that fails as well then there's the float switch. Seems pretty solid to me.

I am in the utility business for years and we use relays to protect our equipment which there is always a backup aka redundant relay that is never same manufacture. 3 levels of redundancy IMHO would have been the optical switch, float switch and float valve, even if they went with a different brand of optical instead of a float switch.

 

[smartwater101]

If you have an Apex, getting a breakout box is a great way to go. You can install as many float switches as you deem necessary. (I personally think redundancy/backup is a must)

Programming is easy peasy. You can program it to only run a certain amount of time, or even shut down completely if it runs for too long. A second float switch can do the similar, like not allow the ATO to turn back on if water level gets too high (in case the first gets dirty/stuck/fails) You can even use a 3rd switch in the ATO chamber itself, and send you an email to let you know its time to refill.

From everything I've heard/read, their optical sensors seem like something to avoid. With a breakout box, you can buy whatever float switch you want. (side note: having a switch in the skimmer cup, to shut it down when full, is pretty nice.)

Ditch their kit and set up your own.

 

[Heavymman]

If you have an Apex, getting a breakout box is a great way to go. You can install as many float switches as you deem necessary. (I personally think redundancy/backup is a must)

Programming is easy peasy. You can program it to only run a certain amount of time, or even shut down completely if it runs for too long. A second float switch can do the similar, like not allow the ATO to turn back on if water level gets too high (in case the first gets dirty/stuck/fails) You can even use a 3rd switch in the ATO chamber itself, and send you an email to let you know its time to refill.

From everything I've heard/read, their optical sensors seem like something to avoid. With a breakout box, you can buy whatever float switch you want. (side note: having a switch in the skimmer cup, to shut it down when full, is pretty nice.)

Ditch their kit and set up your own.

I wish they would address the sensors but in the meantime