Ato backup

[rjp64]

On researching a new setup. Its highly recommended to use an ato. How do you prevent them from failing? Or are they very reliable? I would hate to have one overfill a tank

 

[daikaijureefer]

Look up tunze osmolator. They have built in protection and 3 year warranty. I don’t think there’s another ATO that I would trust as much as the osmolator as they have a long term proven track record. However, if you have a controller like an apex, you can add a float switch or optical sensor as a redundant back up to your osmolator. I use apex optical sensors without issues for things that aren’t critical, but having read some not favorable reviews of them, I don’t think I would trust them as my only failsafe. I’m using an osmolator 3 and love it.

 

[Jamie9]

Some folks (myself included) also use controllers (like Hydros/Neptune/Etc.) to automatically cut power to an ATO if they run too long or reach a high level sensor.

 

[mfinn]

I like my old JBJ ATO. It has a timed run period, so it will stop after a set amount of time.

 

[rjp64]

Thks. It makes me more comfortable. Are the controllers wifi enable. I;e. Get notified on phone if problem occurs? I looked up tunze. I like that one. Also gonna look up jbj

 

[mfinn]

Thks. It makes me more comfortable. Are the controllers wifi enable. I;e. Get notified on phone if problem occurs? I looked up tunze. I like that one. Also gonna look up jbj

I think the JBJ might be discontinued.
I've had mine for about 12 years.
Tunze is top of the line.

 

[daikaijureefer]

I haven’t used other controllers but yes the Apex controller connects to WiFi. I have an optical sensor alarm set up on mine that tells me if my water gets too high in the sump area. Apex works alongside the fusion app and you’ll get push alerts on your phone and you can set up audible alarms too. It’s a very comprehensive controller with lots of options and add ons.

 

[JTP424]

Also Check out Autotopoff.com for a system to use as a backup. Dude is really solid.

 

[tangyluv]

Avast, it’s based on using pressure, so it can’t fail like a digital ato. Gotta clean it from time to time of course but won’t fail like the smart crap advertised

 

[Malum Argenteum]

Another backup tip is to make sure that your sump has enough capacity to handle the entire volume of the ATO reservoir if the ATO fails 'on' -- you'll still have the same bad issues in the tank, but you won't wreck a floor or start a fire in the wall from SW contact (yes, this can happen). It is a basic physics failsafe to fallible electronics.

Having room for an accidental overfill is another of many reasons in favor of a sump.