ATO Recommendations

RMAS0934 · Feb 12, 2016

Hey everybody,

I'm in the market for an ATO and was wondering what you all's opinions might be? I've been looking at the Hydor Auto, the JBJ, the AutoAqua Smart Micro (this is all for my SUMP), and some models on ATO.com. Any thoughts on these or even any I haven't listed? I'm trying to stay in that price range for all supplies. Thoughts? Thanks for all the help!!

Bob Escher · Feb 12, 2016

What is that website for ATO's
I type in ATO.com and get nothing

reef_grrrl · Feb 12, 2016

I have the Hydor on my nano and it works well. I have it hooked up to an aqualifter. It does glitch sometimes- maybe once or twice a month it beeps instead of turning the pump on, but unplugging it, waiting a second, and plugging it back in magically fix it. It was the best option for my price range.

DereksReef77 · Feb 12, 2016

Tunzee ato all the way man. I have one set up on every system I have going at the moment. 3 total and never had an issue with them. A little pricey but worth every penny imo.

RMAS0934 · Feb 12, 2016

Bob-the website is autotopoff.com
Derek- are you using the 3152 Nano? Do you have to clean the Tunzee more than other brands?

DereksReef77 · Feb 12, 2016

I don't have the nanos i have the regular one. I think it is model number 3155. I have not had to clean them at all. No issues with them at all. Been on my systems since july of 2015.

RMAS0934 · Feb 12, 2016

Thanks for all the info so far! Anyone else have any thoughts?

AZDesertRat · Feb 12, 2016

I have been using the Spectrapure UPLC-II for 8 trouble free years. I have replaced exactly one silicone peristaltic tube in all that time.

ReeferBob · Feb 12, 2016

JBJ is my vote. I have the JBJ and the Tunze Osmolator and never once had an issue with the traditional floats with the JBJ but frequently have issues with the Tunze. The stupid electric eye is very finicky and the biggest issue is it gets some growth on it and won't register when the water is low. This happens every 2-3 months. Not to mention the Tunze is 3x as much as the JBJ.

Bulletproof ATO probably isn't really out there but JBJ is as close as I have found.

MikeyAl · Feb 12, 2016

AllTheseKids said:
I have the Hydor on my nano and it works well. I have it hooked up to an aqualifter. It does glitch sometimes- maybe once or twice a month it beeps instead of turning the pump on, but unplugging it, waiting a second, and plugging it back in magically fix it. It was the best option for my price range.

Yeah. Me too. I had a tunze osmilator that went sour and bought the Hydor. Cheaper solution but I think the Tunze is quite a bit better. Comes down to budget and you get what you pay for.

MikeyAl · Feb 12, 2016

Btw. Check out sellers forum. You can probably pick up a used one in good shape.

RMAS0934 · Feb 12, 2016

Thanks guys! I did see one member on our forum selling an ATO from auto top off dot com, but wasn't sure of their products...

MikeyAl · Feb 12, 2016

Have heard good things about autoaqua smart ato. Although have never personally seen one in action. Curious if anybody has any experience with these.

Brewman1987 · Feb 13, 2016

I own a auto aqua smart ato, it is my first ato I have owned. So far I am really impressed with the unit and safety features it has. The only thing you need to do occasionally is clean the wet side of the optic sensor and sump glass. But I do that when I take care of my tank maintenance. It is very quiet and efficient, for such a small unit it packs a big punch and hasn't failed me yet.

lyrical · Feb 13, 2016

I've always used Tunze ATOs on my tanks with great success. I have one in a 10g acrylic Synergy Reef ATO box with the sensor (and backup) in my skimmer section in my sump and the outflow tube from the pump connected to my overflow box on my main tank since my ATO box is higher than my sump.

ChrisAndJulie2012 · Feb 13, 2016

I'll chime in.
This is our first ATO I've ever owned. We have the AquaSmart ATO, and I like it more then hate it. It gets annoying thou I will warn you as it likes to beep if it fills longer then 30 seconds before its last fill. *I think thats the time* It's so it doesn't overfill your tank, but I have my taking RODI from a 2.5 gallon jug. Anyway, I like it like I said above, it keeps my salinity a lot more stable, I was topping off every day when I got home from work.

Happy Reefing