I'm getting ready to buy my very first ATO. I was thinking about the osmolator, but I use kalk in the reservoir. I've read so-so reviews about it. With that said, what's the most reliable ATO for reservoir mixed with kalk? Thanks.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I used to run Kalk in my ATO then switched to a stirrer, so much better and no way for it to clog. If you do use a ATO pump in a kalk reservior build a small space to house the pump that is 2-3" deep to keep the settling kalk out of the pump.I'm thinking about clog issues as well. Kalk can get pretty pasty and plug the tiny hole where the water comes out. And if the pump sits on the bottom of the reservoir (which it will) that might cause problems too.
+1 for the Tunze. I've never experienced a problem with it.Hey buddy. I went through many reviews and videos and finally decided on the Tunze ATO 3155. It has 3 stop loss measures. Many people also have it for a couple years or more. The other ATOs seem to crap out over a year.
Tunze makes a nano version but they say the full size one is better.
Mine is on the way, so I can't wait!
I think what that refers to is not to stir the kalk precipitate so it gets sucked up into the ato pump. I've never used a kalk stirrer before, but I believe they gently stir the kalk solution in a way that the precipitate doesn't get introduced into the tank.I thought stirring kalk was a no-no. Better to leave it crusty??? Somebody educate me! Bear with me....I'm still learning this stuff. Thanks again for your help.
I thought stirring kalk was a no-no. Better to leave it crusty??? Somebody educate me! Bear with me....I'm still learning this stuff. Thanks again for your help.
I thought stirring kalk was a no-no. Better to leave it crusty??? Somebody educate me! Bear with me....I'm still learning this stuff. Thanks again for your help.
You may want to take a look at the Spectrapure ato. It's highly customizable and claims to have a kalk-safe pump. I have the older Spectrapure ato, the UPLC-II. The newer one is the same but with better magnetic mounts.
The Tunze's are good for safe ato operations, but the pumps crap out quick. They're cheap to replace, but I prefer the former.
That new Spectrapure ATO is $270. A little spendy, but it is kalkwasser safe and has s 5 year warranty. If the pump runs dry it won't hurt it. The sensors are very different from the other ATO's I've been looking at.
A kalk sitrrer or reactor houses the kalk at the bottom say a cup, your ATO water gets pumped into that near the bottom section and exits through the very top. You would have it stir at intervals, I did 15 min every 3 hrs to keep the watter saturated. There is never contact between any pumps to saturated kalk water this way and no more mixing kalk in a ATO or transfering to a ATO once mixed etc. Just refill the kalk stirrer every 3-4 weeks and that's it. I ran a K1.
https://www.avastmarine.com/collections/you-built/products/kalk-stirrer-kit
How large is large? My tank is 8' long x 2' x 2'.
Just be aware these types of ATO's will let your water level fluctuate approx 3-4X that of the Tunze or the like. It has to break syphon to work which takes a fair amount of water volume with these. My LFS runs this on there large Frag system 12'X4'x2' and they reccomend using it only on large systems.