Tunze Osmolator ATO Optical Sensor Replacement

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

The most likely culprits in this situation, check in this order-

1)Wrong power supply connected by mistake- Power supply should be labeled Tunze 5012.010
2) The pump speed was adjusted all the way to Max, back down the pump speed slightly, this error is caused by an overload, the pump is drawing too much power or the power supply is not supplying enough or too much.
3) The pump connectors are corroded, shorted (wet) or damaged.

 

[Aquavaj]

There's 2 different addresses given. Which one is the correct one?

Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin TX 78753

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

2121 Cole Springs, we moved May 1st to that new address

 

[kharn101]

Hello,
I also am in need of a new optical sensor, where can I send this to get repaired?

 

[FMF0331]

Hello,
I also am in need of a new optical sensor, where can I send this to get repaired?

Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

 

[jjohnson128]

Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

Hello, I was reading through this thread and believe I have the same issue. Is this still something you can help with? I've contacted TUNZE through their website also about the sensor failing, however I am also experiencing a sensitive power port. The cord has to be positioned just perfectly for the unit to power up.

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

Yes, likely you need a new sensor and a new power supply. Power issues will be caused by corrosion and the power supply tip is damaged very quickly if it ever gets wet while plugged in. If this unit is newer than Jan 2021 you can simply order the parts on Tunze.com, we cannot repair sensors on units older than July 2015. Power supplies for units made before Sept 2009 are no longer available.

 

[jjohnson128]

Yes, likely you need a new sensor and a new power supply. Power issues will be caused by corrosion and the power supply tip is damaged very quickly if it ever gets wet while plugged in. If this unit is newer than Jan 2021 you can simply order the parts on Tunze.com, we cannot repair sensors on units older than July 2015. Power supplies for units made before Sept 2009 are no longer available.

I am unfamiliar of the manufactured year on this unit since I bought it used. Is there a location/serial number I can reference for that information? The only serial number visible seems to be associated with the pump and that is Serial #228761180258.

Otherwise, can I still mail the unit in and pay for necessary repairs?

 

[Bendo2527]

It is really rare that a failing sensor causes overfilling, it is not impossible, but they generally are designed to not fill if the sensor fails. I would check these point of sale

do you still handle the tunze repairs for sensors ?

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

Yes, however I am out of stock until later this week and the policy on these was updated and now anything made since Oct 2019 you can just order the sensor and change it yourself, we only need to get back units made July 2015-Oct 2019 where a circuit board update is needed. Anything pre July 2015 is not repairable.

 

[Bendo2527]

Yes, however I am out of stock until later this week and the policy on these was updated and now anything made since Oct 2019 you can just order the sensor and change it yourself, we only need to get back units made July 2015-Oct 2019 where a circuit board update is needed. Anything pre July 2015 is not repairable.

I need to get a couple in to you. Your in Hutto ?

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

Buda, but we are not generally open to the public. I can make an arrangement but we are wholesale and open 8-4 M-Th and 8-2 Fri and being solo, if I leave for lunch, bank, mail, etc, no one is here.

You can order this part here, I have them, however I am running out, more will get here in 2 weeks.

https://www.tunze.com/US/en/details/5017.300-optical-probe-for-controller-5017.html

 

[TSE]

Good evening @rvitko
Are you still a Tunze representative? I have a Tunze Osmolator 3155 and I believe my sensor has stopped working. It has been a few days and it looks like my ATO is not refilling after the first fill if I were to unplug and plugg back in the power. I soaked it in vinegar and wiped it down but it still seems to not want to top off. Would I be able to send the whole controller and sensor to you?

​

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

Unless it is older you can just order the part now, there have been no technical changes to the 3155 from Oct 2019 until it was discontinued in mid 2024. The sensor on these is a DIY replacement, older than Oct 2019 it does need to come in because we have to replace a resistor and update the software.

 

[TSE]

Unless it is older you can just order the part now, there have been no technical changes to the 3155 from Oct 2019 until it was discontinued in mid 2024. The sensor on these is a DIY replacement, older than Oct 2019 it does need to come in because we have to replace a resistor and update the software.

Thank you very much!

 

[Mighty Man]

Good evening @rvitko

I have an Osmolator 3 (3154) with an optical sensor in a freshwater tank w/sump. It has worked without any issues since installation in Dec 2023, but recently I would open my cabinet that houses the reservoir and the sensor LED would be in solid red mode (safety stop). Water level is consistent with safety and seems to maintain that level perfectly, but does not return to a green state (and I never observe blue state -- I may just be looking at the wrong time).

I unplugged the unit today and removed the sensor from the sump for a citric acid 7.5% soak (between 90-120 minutes, got distracted and lost track), RODI rinse, followed by wipe down with a microfiber cloth. The main sensor area looks excellent, clear/transparent, and now free of algae, but I noticed that the safety sensor appears like it is "corroded." (please see attached pictures).

Appreciate your thoughts on how best to procced.

Please and thank you,
Ivan
Phoenix, AZ

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

Ivan,

On this first production series there was a flaw that could cause the safety sensor to fail, it gets very hot from shorting out and causes this damage. If I can get the serial number and a copy of the receipt we can send a replacement.

 

[BSR]

Ivan,

On this first production series there was a flaw that could cause the safety sensor to fail, it gets very hot from shorting out and causes this damage. If I can get the serial number and a copy of the receipt we can send a replacement.

I have exactly the same problem. It happened to me yesterday, smoke and small fire in a sump. It seems to many of new optical ATO sensors have this problem. I bought three of this optical ATO's and I begin to regret it.

 

[rvitko Verified Sponsor]

First, a fire is not possible, it may smolder but the plastics are chosen so they cannot catch fire, it exceeds all EU safety standards. This happens because the heater shorts in the safety sensor and is almost unheard of on units made after February 2024 as the construction was changed and further checks were implemented of the raw components. After the heater burns, the unit shuts down and will no longer work. If you are in Toronto California, I can help you, I would need the serial number and receipt, if you are in Toronto Canada, you need to contact Xenia North America, Canada is a completely separate market with a separate repair and distribution network.

 

[Clarkjw2002]

Will you have more of the optical sensors in stock for the 5017 controller? I have a 3155 purchased about a yr ago new and the sensor has stopped working. Cleaning is no longer fixing the issue. Surprised because the 3155s always lasted me 5 or more years before the sensor went out in the past.

Hooked my 3152 to the turbelle pump as a patch but I need to pay attention because it sometimes times out since it’s a large system.