Tunze ATO in rimmed tank - How can I raise the optical sensor?

[Frogspon]

I have a Tunze ATO in my rimmed tank with no sump. I'm using a HOB filter, so I need to have the water level fairly high to not shoot bubbles everywhere.

I need the optical sensor to be about half an inch higher than the rim is letting me put the mount.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[shwareefer]

Mount it on the side of the HOB?

 

[Frogspon]

Mount it on the side of the HOB?

I don’t think the water level in the HOB goes up and down?

 

[shwareefer]

I don’t think the water level in the HOB goes up and down?

It doesn't but I thought there might be some of the HOB hanging over the water that might be useful for attaching to.

 

[fuelman]

.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

You have to lower the water level, it sucks I know. I had to lower the water about an inch, so now I always hear water trickling from my HOB. The only other way is to cut part of the rim, there are videos on youtube on how to do it, but I ain't doing that. its a great machine, but that is such a terrible design flaw

 

[Frogspon]

You have to lower the water level, it sucks I know. I had to lower the water about an inch, so now I always hear water trickling from my HOB. The only other way is to cut part of the rim, there are videos on youtube on how to do it, but I ain't doing that. its a great machine, but that is such a terrible design flaw

Dang that's what I feared. Not interested in hacking away at the tank.

I'm going to try my hand and fabricating a type of clip that will hang the sensor over the rim.

 

[Shirak]

Dang that's what I feared. Not interested in hacking away at the tank.

I'm going to try my hand and fabricating a type of clip that will hang the sensor over the rim.

is this a plastic rimmed tank with the optical sensor/float switch setup? I might be able to modify one of my tank brackets.

 

[Frogspon]

is this a plastic rimmed tank with the optical sensor/float switch setup? I might be able to modify one of my tank brackets.

Yes

 

[Shirak]

Yes

Took mine out of my frag tank so I could tinker with a design. I am printing up a prototype and checking fit on some things.. Work in progress but wanted to let you know I decided to give it a whirl since I have the same issue on my 20L tank.

 

[Shirak]

rough design needs some tweaking. Basically will slip over the plastic rim and secure on the inside. 2 slotted holders in adjustable channel. One for the float shutoff and one for the optical sensor.

 

[Frogspon]

Nice! Keep me updated on the process would love to buy one if it works

 

[Shirak]

Made some tweaks and adjustments for size of the float switch etc.
Working on the fit for the sliding holders so they are snug but not impossible to adjust later.
Couple photos.. one off the tank and one on. Looks like you could get the optical sensor to about the top of the tank if you wanted! It also locks on by twisting slightly like it does on the Tunze holder.

 

[kenbennedy]

autotopoff.com offers sump brackets similar to this, could you use one to hold your sensor? might require some mods/alterations but would probably be a good place to start...

 

[Frogspon]

Made some tweaks and adjustments for size of the float switch etc.
Working on the fit for the sliding holders so they are snug but not impossible to adjust later.
Couple photos.. one off the tank and one on. Looks like you could get the optical sensor to about the top of the tank if you wanted! It also locks on by twisting slightly like it does on the Tunze holder.

That looks perfect! exactly what I need... how much? lol

 

[Shirak]

That looks perfect! exactly what I need... how much? lol

$12 plus $4 first class package shipping. $16 total

 

[Mhamilton0911]

I'd be interested in buying one as well, I have a rimmed tank and knew that the level would have be lower to work, so that's why I haven't bought an ato yet. Great idea!!

 

[Shirak]

I'd be interested in buying one as well, I have a rimmed tank and knew that the level would have be lower to work, so that's why I haven't bought an ato yet. Great idea!!

Thanks Some minor tweaks on the fit of the slot in the bracket and the stem on the two holders and maybe increasing the length a little on those two pieces to allow a little more flexibility in sensor and float positioning.

Send a message and we can finalize everything.

 

[Shirak]

Not sure If I mentioned early. Black ABS with black nylon screws, so reef safe. I also have blue and red ABS if anyone desires.

 

[Frogspon]

$12 plus $4 first class package shipping. $16 total

I’ll send you a PM