ATO Sensors In Display Tank?

[Nihil]

Im looking to set up a rimmed tank potentially, and I am trying to decide on an ATO to use. Im thinking about starting either a 20 long or a 29. I am considering either a Tunze 3 Nano, or a Duetto 2. I am wondering what everyone's experience is with putting sensors in the Display tank. I have been looking into the Duetto with the little magnetic overflow box. Aside from surface agitation effecting the sensor, would something like snails crawling on them also potentially trigger the pump? Is the overflow box Duetto my best option? Any other (reliable) ATO suggestions? Looking forward to hearing your experiences and recommendations.

 

[RedReefer]

You need the sensors in the sump to keep the water level steady for your skimmer & return pump. Mainly the skimmer. If you are not running a sump then it will be ok to put in the display.

 

[Nihil]

I am not going to have a sump for sure. And I will likely not have a skimmer unless I decide to just set up an AIO, but I'm really leaning towards a standard tank.

 

[Red_Beard]

Ive done this. You need to either tone down the surface agitation or build a wave ring that will block a lot of the waves. I used a clear plastic tube piece. Works just fine

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have 3 tanks with no sumps, and those tanks have sensors and ATO's. Just find a quiet spot that is not heavily agitated, likely a corner, and it will be fine.

 

[twentyleagues]

I ran a Tunze 3155 on a 30g for over a year with little issues. Had a rim and hob filter. The only issue I had is the sensor would get dirty and needed to be scrubbed off with a tooth brush which took all of 1 minute every two weeks. If you can find a calm darker spot or figure out how to block the light you probably be fine. I am not sure on the Tunze 3 nano if it has the same design as the 3 (I think it does) that would probably eliminate the issue I had. Been running a Tunze 3 on my 80g cube for over a year without issue but its in the sump.

 

[Nihil]

Thanks for the responses. Any concern about snails? Would they trigger the ATO on if they crawled onto the sensor?

 

[Red_Beard]

No,but they could block it from turning on until they crawl off of it.

 

[Nihil]

Thanks, I wasn't sure exactly how they worked. My experience is with float switches. Im much more comfortable with it not turning on than the opposite.