ATO for Waterbox

ReefGirl87 · Sep 22, 2020

Hey everyone! Curious to get some opinions/experience on the most efficient, yet simple ATO system for a waterbox aquarium (40 gallon)
Thanks!

stauzin · Sep 22, 2020

AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro Automatic Top Off System
It can be purchased on amazon
I use this one on my nano tank setup and works great, really quiet also.

Jib · Sep 22, 2020

Here is the one I have and really like it.

Madonia · Oct 4, 2020

Reefbreeders exo ato has been phenom. Only 85 bucks too. Can’t beat it

ashiWaza · Oct 4, 2020

I went with the Tunze osmolator 3155. $200. A little pricey but I honestly researched for a few days and it seemed to be the only ATO I couldn't really find a negative review of. I have hardwood floors where my tank is and cant risk overflowing my tank, so the backup eye/sensor was appealing as well. Just food for thought.

Philly Reefer · Oct 4, 2020

+1 on Tunze 3155

Madonia · Oct 5, 2020

ashiWaza said:
I went with the Tunze osmolator 3155. $200. A little pricey but I honestly researched for a few days and it seemed to be the only ATO I couldn't really find a negative review of. I have hardwood floors where my tank is and cant risk overflowing my tank, so the backup eye/sensor was appealing as well. Just food for thought.

Def a good choice. After probably 5 years in use my tunze gave up. I just bought the reef breeders exo ato, and I’m super impressed. All electronics are on the outside of the tank. It only uses a very small disc shaped approx 1/2 inch thick with 1 inch diameter insert which goes into your sump/filtration area.

Madonia · Oct 5, 2020

Madonia said:
Def a good choice. After probably 5 years in use my tunze gave up. I just bought the reef breeders exo ato, and I’m super impressed. All electronics are on the outside of the tank. It only uses a very small disc shaped approx 1/2 inch thick with 1 inch diameter insert which goes into your sump/filtration area.

The pump is super tiny. Maybe 1.5x1.5inch. But it’s impressively powerful.

and at $85, it’s a Steal

ashiWaza · Oct 5, 2020

Madonia said:
The pump is super tiny. Maybe 1.5x1.5inch. But it’s impressively powerful.

and at $85, it’s a Steal

Yeah that's a good deal. I wasnt super pumped about spending $200 (plus a fancy ATO reservoir...because I'm addicted to aesthetic appeal lol) but even the nano Tunze had some mixed reviews. 5 years is pretty fantastic though! I'd never had an ATO before this, and I have to say, technology is absolutely amazing. I'll never fill my tank by hand like a caveman again haha

Madonia · Oct 5, 2020

ashiWaza said:
Yeah that's a good deal. I wasnt super pumped about spending $200 (plus a fancy ATO reservoir...because I'm addicted to aesthetic appeal lol) but even the nano Tunze had some mixed reviews. 5 years is pretty fantastic though! I'd never had an ATO before this, and I have to say, technology is absolutely amazing. I'll never fill my tank by hand like a caveman again haha

Yeah I recently upgraded and I didn’t want to have an ATO res in my cabinet (need space for other stuff). So in my basement I have my RODI filter which is connected to a float valve inside of a 44gallon brute. i then ran the pump wire and the ATO RO line through the wall which connects to the ATO unit at my sump. I stuck the pump (with water tube) into the brute can which automatically fills with RODI.

essentially eliminates any ATO res needed in my cabinet. It’s been working very well. I couldn’t believe that the little pump was able to pump all the way up from the basement but it does.

ATO is a Game changer for sure