Red Sea ATO+ randomly drains itself into sump

[cp32]

Hi all , I was wondering if anyone who uses the redsea ato+ has had this issue where it will randomly start dumping gallons into sump ? The first time I thought it was just a fluke checked the sensor and readjusted it , but now this has happened 4 more times (about ever 2 weeks ) since and I’m just trying to figure out why !

 

[mmorrison55]

What are you using as a reservoir and where is it located in relation to your sump? Many times this will happen if your reservoir is located higher than the sump water level and it will create a symphonic on its own and back fill into the sump.

 

[cp32]

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[cp32]

What are you using as a reservoir and where is it located in relation to your sump? Many times this will happen if your reservoir is located higher than the sump water level and it will create a symphonic on its own and back fill into the sump.

I’m using the redsea 4.8 gallon slim and tall resi . And it is located right next to my sump

 

[mmorrison55]

That was supposed to be siphon not symphonic… Dang autocorrect. Anyways…

If your ATO pump is lower than your sumps water level, that should be happening.

It could be a bad ato pump or water level sensor in your sump that is not telling the ato to stop.

 

[northernreefin]

Did you ever get a fix? I have had this issue as well and just ordered a new sensor

 

[cp32]

Did you ever get a fix? I have had this issue as well and just ordered a new sensor

No fix for me . Ordered a new sensor but same issue every couple weeks . I ended up just turning the red sea ato off and then manually starting it when water dips . Looking into different ATOs currently

 

[AmateurAlchemist]

Odd. I’ve got three and never had any of them do this.

Where is the water level relative to the sensor when it does this? I.e, is the sensor misreading or is your tank > sump valve clogging and causing the water level in your overflow to rise?

 

[cp32]

The

Odd. I’ve got three and never had any of them do this.

Where is the water level relative to the sensor when it does this? I.e, is the sensor misreading or is your tank > sump valve clogging and causing the water level in your overflow to rise?

The water level in sump will show as low but in my threshold, for some reason it will just dump 2+ gallons every few weeks . I don’t think it’s a valve clog ? I can look . I try to clean out everything once a month

 

[Ziggy17]

My experience with this issue is that it’s a flow issue. Try cleaning the valve on your downspout and then recalibrate your return pump to the downspout. If it gets out of sync, the sump will lower and it triggers the ATO. This will happen until the system catches up, but really it’s over topped the water level…. It causes salinity drops as well.
I think the main cause is that the sensor on the kit is not overly sensitive or precise to subtle changes in sump water levels. Combine that with an out of sync return flow issue, this issue happens.

I clean my valve once a month and recalibrate the return flow to mitigate the issue. I also wait 12 hours in between adjustments to see what’s going on, if I don’t, I find I’m always chasing and adjusting.

And even still, it’s not perfect….

 

[cp32]

My experience with this issue is that it’s a flow issue. Try cleaning the valve on your downspout and then recalibrate your return pump to the downspout. If it gets out of sync, the sump will lower and it triggers the ATO. This will happen until the system catches up, but really it’s over topped the water level…. It causes salinity drops as well.
I think the main cause is that the sensor on the kit is not overly sensitive or precise to subtle changes in sump water levels. Combine that with an out of sync return flow issue, this issue happens.

I clean my valve once a month and recalibrate the return flow to mitigate the issue. I also wait 12 hours in between adjustments to see what’s going on, if I don’t, I find I’m always chasing and adjusting.

And even still, it’s not perfect….

Ok I’m going to look and recalibrate this weekend . Your chart looks really similar to mine .

I do notice a steady decline in salinity after water changes

 

[AmateurAlchemist]

Ok I’m going to look and recalibrate this weekend . Your chart looks really similar to mine .

I do notice a steady decline in salinity after water changes

Is it possible you’re removing more water than you’re adding during water changes and the ATO is compensating for the delta?

 

[northernreefin]

No fix for me . Ordered a new sensor but same issue every couple weeks . I ended up just turning the red sea ato off and then manually starting it when water dips . Looking into different ATOs currently

Shame, I just contacted redsea about it. And set up an optic sensor to shut it off on apex.

 

[cp32]

Is it possible you’re removing more water than you’re adding during water changes and the ATO is compensating for the delta?

No I don’t think so because when I do water changes , I shut the ATO off . And I have down pretty spot on with how much water to take out and how much salt water to make .

I haven’t had the ATO do this after a wc , just randomly through the month

 

[cp32]

Any have any issues with the reservoir volume not updating in the app ?

 

[Uncle99]

Mine does that if the sensor is dirty.

 

[cp32]

Mine does that if the sensor is dirty.

Strange I do a cleaning once a month on everything and randomly the resi amount will not update even when it empties . I’ll have to reclean it

 

[cohojoe412]

What kind of return pump are you using? Do you clean it at all?

 

[cp32]

What kind of return pump are you using? Do you clean it at all?

If you read the thread , I stated I clean all the tank and equipment at least once every month , sometimes more

 

[Uncle99]

It can get a “coating” from the calcification process, that needs a soak in vinegar, and a brush.

It may not be your issue at all, buts common.

Good luck