Problem with ATO

[MrsBugmaster]

I have the Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off. The past 3 days now when I go look at my tank the water level is low and the top off controller "too low" is light up. I unplug it and plug it back and in it starts working and fills the sump back up to normal. So the pump is pumping again. Next day same thing. Is the problem with the pump or the controller?

 

[BigHildy53]

The pump turns off after 15 minutes. Could it be that it's taking that long to fill the tank?

 

[MrsBugmaster]

The pump turns off after 15 minutes. Could it be that it's taking that long to fill the tank?

No cause I refilled it manually after because it was so low.
I soaked it in vinegar for a few hours today to clean it so I will see what happens tomorrow.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

No cause I refilled it manually after because it was so low.
I soaked it in vinegar for a few hours today to clean it so I will see what happens tomorrow.

but it stays shut off if it takes more than 15 minutes

 

[MrsBugmaster]

I unplugged it, then manually filled with RODI water to correct level(I have a piece of tape on the sump where the water level should be) and then plugged it back in. I ran for a few seconds and shut off and all lights on controller were good. Next day it was too low again.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

does the pump run at all? have you observed its fillspeed?

you think its intermittent?

 

[MrsBugmaster]

We did have the power flicker off and then on right a way the other day. Maybe that had something to do with why it happened in the first place, but not sure is that's the cause.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

Yes the pump runs when I unplug and then plug it back in, I watched it to make sure. This is the 3rd day in a row this has happened now so not sure what it is.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

After I soaked in vinegar and cleaned it today I left it out of the sump and plugged it in and the pump started pumping water in the sump, so the pump is working, just not sure if it is working all the time or an intermittent problem. I will see what happens tomorrow since in cleaned the sensor today.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Roger that. Hmm thats anoyying. hopefully tunze responds.

 

[NaptownPzzWtr]

Bump. I'm having this exact same problem, except the unit keeps beeping low water (because it gets low like yours), and driving me crazy. I know it's somewhat working because it's pulled at least 8 or 9 gallons out of my reservoir in 2 weeks. Pretty frustrating to still be manually topping off after spending around $100 on this thing...

 

[MrsBugmaster]

Bump. I'm having this exact same problem, except the unit keeps beeping low water (because it gets low like yours), and driving me crazy. I know it's somewhat working because it's pulled at least 8 or 9 gallons out of my reservoir in 2 weeks. Pretty frustrating to still be manually topping off after spending around $100 on this thing...

How old is yours? Mine is 3 or 4 years old now. I have another one on my other tank that is 8 years old. I've had to replace the pump on that one a couple years ago, otherwise have had no problems with either one until now.

 

[rvitko]

Too low means generally the pump has timed out. It is a 10 minute time limit. The pump could be failing (they typically need to be replaced after 2-3 years), the pump could be airlocked and unable to pump (tip it upside down to purge trapped air) or the water level could actually be very low, 10 minutes is equal to about 2 gallons of water, you can vary the pump speed and depending on head pressure it is 1-3 gallons. If too low comes on quickly, within about a minute, the controller was erased by harsh on and off switching (usually when connected to another controller) or by a power surge, we can reprogram the settings if you send it in. If too low is on with too high, this is the water damage indicator.

 

[BigHildy53]

Is it working better?

 

[NaptownPzzWtr]

How old is yours? Mine is 3 or 4 years old now. I have another one on my other tank that is 8 years old. I've had to replace the pump on that one a couple years ago, otherwise have had no problems with either one until now.

I bought it this year, and the pump is a month old. I'm going to try the advice below, and get rid of any trapped air.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

Seams to be working now.

 

[rvitko]

Great news!

 

[forgiven1973]

I’m having a similar problem in which my water level is low and when I plug the pump in it runs for maybe 10 seconds then shuts off with a “water too low alarm. I haven’t tried soaking and cleaning like the guy above yet. Any other ideas?

 

[JoshH]

I’m having a similar problem in which my water level is low and when I plug the pump in it runs for maybe 10 seconds then shuts off with a “water too low alarm. I haven’t tried soaking and cleaning like the guy above yet. Any other ideas?

Is yours new?

 

[forgiven1973]

Is yours new?

No it is not. The pump was replaced maybe a year ago