Do I need an ATO?

[newbreefr]

Tank: Innovative Marine 15 gallon cube

I have a Tunze Osmolator 3 ATO I recently purchased but haven’t put it to use since I bought it. I usually top off manually which is why I haven’t used it but is it worth putting it to use or should I just sale/return it?

 

[Tahoe61]

Absolutely. Easy installation, you will be glad you did.

 

[fish_collector]

Use it, especially with only 15 gallons of water.

 

[andrewey]

It's up to you. It's convenient for sure, but on that size tank, you could go either way for sure. Ive run that size tank with and without ATO. Not necessary in the slightest, just nice for stability and to offload a task.

 

[edsbeaker]

I would never have a tank without one not only for the convenience, but for the stability of your tank parameters.

 

[towels]

You’ll regret not setting it up sooner lol

Instead of daily top offs you can just do one quick fill in the Ato reservoir every week. Maintains salinity and if you can automate anything in this hobby - I think you should

 

[Cichlid Dad]

 

[MoshJosh]

If you can afford it absolutely. You can manually top off, and if you are diligent, organized, and home a lot you can probably make this work for a while. . . if not your going to want an ATO

 

[newbreefr]

Well. I already have to unit so looks like I’ll be installing it right now. Thanks to all for the replies haha!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

You definitely won't regret the convenience of it! My tanks much larger but it's one of my favorite investments

 

[KrisReef]

Well. I already have to unit so looks like I’ll be installing it right now. Thanks to all for the replies haha!

This is my tank of shame. It doesn’t have an ATO and the pictures show how evaporation can impact salinity.

Some corals, mushrooms, Organpipe, and blue ridge coral have survived in the salty water but more delicate species didn’t make it.

Topping off daily is ok, but topping off continually will provide the best environmental stability for fish and coral, so an ATO is a great addition to a tank if you want the best results.

 

[BriDroid]

Yes, I think it’s a necessity on a nano tank to help keep things stable. My 10 gallon evaporates over 1 gallon a week.