ATO help

LiveFreeAndReef · Dec 27, 2021

Hi guys! Just looking for some quick ATO pointers.
Should I keep a powerhead in my ATO tank to keep things moving?
Should I have a heater in there too, or is room temperature fine?
Does anyone keep theirs on a timer so that it only comes on a couple times a day, rather than anytime the water level drops a bit?

Thanks!

Water Dog · Dec 27, 2021

No pump or heater is necessary in your ATO reservoir IMO. As far as a timer goes, it really depends on how confident you are in your ATO. I’ve run a Tunze 3155 and now a Spectrapure UPLC-ATO and have never felt the need to put mine on a timer... based on your ATO brand and how confident you are in it, YMMV.

moz71 · Dec 27, 2021

Hi! no need for circulation nor heater! Not sure of size of your tank but the percentage it fills at a time has no impact on overall temp. I would not put on timer, only gives more room for problems. Having a sensor to read if tank is low I’d a place though in case of failed ATO

Fatrip · Dec 27, 2021

The reasoning for no circulation would be that it should be RODI water and has no need for turbidity. No need for heater because there shouldn't be that much water at one time period being input into the system to effect the tank temperature.

I would not use a timer.

But agree that you should be confident in your ATO system. I also agree, if your able to, you should have a low water sensor in the tank. This is great to know via either an audible alarm or email alarm if your ATO has failed.