ATO really necessary?

Fish rookie 07 · Mar 5, 2020

I’m rather new and this is my first “reef tank” I’ve kept tropical fish for a couple of years but thought on progressing, couldn’t help myself! Anyways I was wandering the best types of ATOs for a 65 gallon. Heard a lot about Tunze any suggestions or recommendations as I’m still in the cycling stage.

Pau Hana Reefer · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!! So ATO is not absolutely needed... if you’re okay topping off water manually. Depending on how fast your water evaporates, you could find yourself topping off every day. With that said, ATO definitely helps a lot... I love my Tunze and couldn’t imagine not having it. I sometimes go through 5 gallons in 3-4 days in my 90g tank.

Crabs McJones · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R! Tunze work great, theres also the smart ato which I personally use.

Krully · Mar 5, 2020

Yes they really are necessary, I mean you could live without it but you'll get really sick of it in a matter of weeks and you won't be able to leave for holidays etc... The Tunze 3155 is a safe bet.

Gernader · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R!! Tunze Osmolator, XP Aqua duetto, and Autoaqua smart ato are the good ones that I know.

texdoc77 · Mar 5, 2020

I have used the Avast Marine Works pressure switch ATO in the past and really like it. that said I might consider a Tunze ATO for my new build.

Peace River · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R!!! ATOs help with stability which is a key part of successful reef keeping. Is it required? No. Is it beneficial and does it limit your regular fish chores? Yes. I use the Auto Aqua SMART ATO on multiple tanks. Good luck with whatever you choose!

champyeti · Mar 5, 2020

They're necessary if you want to go on a vacation.

Not necessary if you plan on never leaving for more than a weekend and dont mind manually topping off every day or two.

GoVols · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!!

russell13 · Mar 5, 2020

I wouldn’t say they’re a must but they definitely make life easier and keep your salinity level more Stable

fishguy242 · Mar 5, 2020

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here
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NHgoalstop · Mar 5, 2020

My ATO is down right now while I wait for a new pump, and my life is miserable without it. LOL. Filling that dang sump to make sure the pump isnt running dry twice or three times a day sucks.

ahiggins · Mar 5, 2020

I top off every day with my 3, 10, and 40 tanks. I’ve heard horror stories about them sticking so not sure I would ever get an ato

Coral Reef Keepers · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R!! No, an ATO is not a necessity but when you get tired of topping off everyday and then for get to top off and your tank runs dry, you will want one!

Devisissy · Mar 5, 2020

Out of all the things for tanks, yes ATO is a must. I mean, if you have a life outside your home.

Cell · Mar 5, 2020

It's not absolutely necessary, but it sure is a helpful tool and can increase your success greatly. But plenty of people still just manually top off once or twice a day and can get by.

dbl · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing family. I'll simply echo the others comments and say necessary no, but certainly beneficial. I've found the Tunze to be very reliable with no issues (knock on wood).