Need a new ATO

[DoriReef]

Hey so I usually fill my tank up every day morning and night cuz I am scared for an ATO will fail and overflow. I am going away during Christmas time for a week so need an ATO, I currently have the N-Fill smart ATO that has a shutoff if ran for 90 seconds but that can turn back on and go for another 90. Are there any ones you guys recommend out there? I have a 25 IM aio.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Tunze Osmolator! They are the best ATOs I can think of. I have one for my tank and have never once had any issues with it

 

[Gobiidae]

If you’re ok with Amazon products, I’ve had no issues with the Fzone ATO. It’s a single optical sensor and has a failsafe. I believe the basic version ~$40 right now which I am using on two tanks.

 

[DoriReef]

Tunze Osmolator! They are the best ATOs I can think of. I have one for my tank and have never once had any issues with it

Have you heard anything about the nano? Confusing I have a 25g and it is $100 cheaper would go with that, but seems like it’s newer

 

[DoriReef]

If you’re ok with Amazon products, I’ve had no issues with the Fzone ATO. It’s a single optical sensor and has a failsafe. I believe the basic version ~$40 right now which I am using on two tanks.

Seems to be a bunch of bad reviews on it, so glad it has been good for you so far

 

[Gobiidae]

Yea for sure, that’s why I always try to lead with “if you’re ok with Amazon products”

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

My Kamoer ATO's have never let me down yet, one is 5 years old the other is 4 years, not a single failure to date.

 

[Bmaytime]

Why are you scared of the N-Fill failing? Have you had an overfill? N-fill It’s pretty reliable, if you are worried about an ATO failing you can add a smart plug and only have the ATO turn on for 2 mins a couple times a day.

 

[exnisstech]

I use a single sensor cheap unit from Amazon, two kamoer units, an old osmolator and two osmolator 3 as well as old jbj units no longer made. I've not had any fail. Some people use ones that are a bottle that's sits on top of a nano tank. Everything manufactured has a risk if failing.

 

[BryanM]

Unless you're a Hydros controller user already its hard to beat Tunze.

 

[DoriReef]

Why are you scared of the N-Fill failing? Have you had an overfill? N-fill It’s pretty reliable, if you are worried about an ATO failing you can add a smart plug and only have the ATO turn on for 2 mins a couple times a day.

Have never used one and have heard so many stories of them failing. Have you used a smart plug that works well for this?

 

[exnisstech]

Have never used one and have heard so many stories of them failing. Have you used a smart plug that works well for this?

Not who your asking but I don't use smart plugs for any life support equipment. I've had too many fail. Really no need for one on an ATO since it should be on 24/7 and the nicer units have overfill and low level sensors as well as continuous run protection built in.

 

[DoriReef]

Have never used one and have heard so many stories of them failing. Have you used a smart plug that works well for this?

Not who your asking but I don't use smart plugs for any life support equipment. I've had too many fail. Really no need for one on an ATO since it should be on 24/7 and the nicer units have overfill and low level sensors as well as continuous run protection built in.

Safer to just get a tunze nano? And not worry as much?

 

[exnisstech]

Safer to just get a tunze nano? And not worry as much?

I don't have the nano but I do have 3 tunze ATO units. They're not cheap but I trust them as much or more than the others on the market. A 5 year warranty that they stand behind is also a plus.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Have you heard anything about the nano? Confusing I have a 25g and it is $100 cheaper would go with that, but seems like it’s newer

Yep, that's what I have. I got one of the nanos when they were new on the market. They are the same thing as the Osmulator 3, just meant for nanos.

 

[Grog]

I have a cheap Mag Tool off Amazon on my 180. I don't worry about it getting stuck in the on position as I keep my ATO reservoir smaller than the volume that could flood my tank. 4-gallon bucket and I refill it every two days with RODI and my AFR dose. Been going for 2 years w/o issues.

When it runs dry, it groans, the LED turns red, I refill the tank, and reset the head unit then it keeps chugging along.

 

[rtparty]

Tunze Osmolator 3 Nano. BRS has the brand new version listed. Multiple upgrades and worth every penny

 

[DoriReef]

Tunze Osmolator 3 Nano. BRS has the brand new version listed. Multiple upgrades and worth every penny

Upgrades? Like what?

 

[DoriReef]

I have a cheap Mag Tool off Amazon on my 180. I don't worry about it getting stuck in the on position as I keep my ATO reservoir smaller than the volume that could flood my tank. 4-gallon bucket and I refill it every two days with RODI and my AFR dose. Been going for 2 years w/o issues.

When it runs dry, it groans, the LED turns red, I refill the tank, and reset the head unit then it keeps chugging along.

Sorry what is mag tool?