Question(s) about ATO with the Fluval Flex 32.5G

JNalley · Oct 25, 2021

So, probably gonna want/need an ATO before too long, some folks are going 6 weeks without adding water to this, but I'd rather keep the salinity and water level more stable than that. The AIO system is completely full with media baskets, heater, skimmer, and pump, so I'm probably going to have to modify the top to get an ATO in there, which is ok, I'm not opposed to it. But I do have a couple of questions.

1) Around the rim of the aquarium is a black honeycomb pattern, which I think looks pretty good, and allows you to see your water level, and hides the "ring around the tank" pretty well, but can an optical sensor see through it?

2) Does anyone with this tank have a good ATO they'd recommend that works?

blaxsun · Oct 25, 2021

I keep seeing the Fluval Flex 32.5 pop up so I thought I'd finally check it out (I've had a chance to peer into the 13.5 and figured this would be along the same lines). If you weren't running a protein skimmer that would be the obvious logical choice.

The ATO I was thinking might work best is the Tunze 3152 Nano. The float switch is attached to a magnetic clip and will face inwards, so the honeycomb grid won't be applicable.

Here's a video in German, but they demonstrate it installed on the side of a small tank (which I figured might be more applicable than in the back of an AIO or in the sump). Best of luck!

JNalley · Oct 25, 2021

blaxsun said:
I keep seeing the Fluval Flex 32.5 pop up so I thought I'd finally check it out (I've had a chance to peer into the 13.5 and figured this would be along the same lines). If you weren't running a protein skimmer that would be the obvious logical choice.

The ATO I was thinking might work best is the Tunze 3152 Nano. The float switch is attached to a magnetic clip and will face inwards, so the honeycomb grid won't be applicable.

Here's a video in German, but they demonstrate it installed on the side of a small tank (which I figured might be more applicable than in the back of an AIO or in the sump). Best of luck!

Thanks for the reply, I knew a float switch would work, I just don't like the idea of snails being able to trigger it and keep it triggered for hours which could cause catastrophe. I'm sure I could rig up a snail guard, but if I know an optical sensor works, that would be the more ideal route. Opticals generally have a smaller footprint too. But I definitely appreciate the response, if all else fails the Tunze may be the way I go :)