My lfs suggested that I get one since evaporation can cause large swings in salinity especially in a nano tank. He said not to go with a float valve system but to look at units that use sensors to detect water level and then turns on a pump to top off the tank. Sounds pretty cool.
Justfebreezeit
Valuable Member
Definitely a must if you plan to keep sensitive coral or go on vacation.
I like the Tunze ATO 3155, Not cheap but its practically foolproof.
I built a couple DIY ones with a float switch and they got stuck and flooded my tank a couple times so I gave up on them.
I like the Tunze ATO 3155, Not cheap but its practically foolproof.
I built a couple DIY ones with a float switch and they got stuck and flooded my tank a couple times so I gave up on them.
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Ive been using the auto aqua smart ato micro for the last year. No issues so far.
NY_Caveman
likes words, fish and arbitrary statistics
+1 ^^^
I have used the Tunze 3155 for two weeks now. It is excellent because it has a optical sensor and a float switch. The redundant float switch already saved me from one flood when I was setting it up.
NY_Caveman
likes words, fish and arbitrary statistics
Good question. Simple redundancy. The float switch sits higher than the optical sensor.
Here is an example. I set mine up and it worked fine. Then I had to do some work on something, so I cut the main power to the tank. I was new to the unit and did not realize when I powered down, it would not remember the water level (seems obvious, but I did not think of it). When I turned main power back on, the water level was above the optical sensor (until the returns started pumping) and the optical sensor could not “find” the water level. The pump pumped continuously until the float switch triggered and the alarm sounded. It saved my hardwood floors. Dumb mistake. I learned to always cut the ATO first when turning off the returns, then run them first for a minute before powering the ATO back on.
Also, if one has a sump, there is a second magnet included if one wants to use it even higher than using it on the magnet with the optical sensor.
Kyle Rinker
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I agree with the above recommendations. I wouldn't run a small tank without an ATO--even though there may be less total volume of evaporation per day compared to a larger tank, the percentage of total volume can be much higher.
As far as a recommendation for an ATO, it depends on which tank you have and how much space you have to play with. I am using a Neptune Systems ATK on mine. I had to remove the float valve for it to fit well, but it still has 2 optical sensors as well as an auto time off feature, so I still have 3 layers of redundancy.
I have also used the smart ATO micro on my 125 and it works well, but 1 less optical sensor than the Neptune ATK.
As far as a recommendation for an ATO, it depends on which tank you have and how much space you have to play with. I am using a Neptune Systems ATK on mine. I had to remove the float valve for it to fit well, but it still has 2 optical sensors as well as an auto time off feature, so I still have 3 layers of redundancy.
I have also used the smart ATO micro on my 125 and it works well, but 1 less optical sensor than the Neptune ATK.
NY_Caveman
likes words, fish and arbitrary statistics
LOL. My 45 gallon tank has 2 overflows, 2 return pumps, 2 heaters with a controller, a fused power center into a GFCI outlet and as mentioned, the ATO. Yes on redundancy and not just for the ATO.
Dsnakes
Knight Reefer
I’ve got the Innovative Marine Hydrofill ATO on each of my tanks. It works well for me.
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