ATO recommendations

[Forkman]

Would it be recommended to place some sort of auto top off system on a 30 gallon AIO tank? If so, any particular model? Your opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Would it be recommended to place some sort of auto top off system on a 30 gallon AIO tank? If so, any particular model? Your opinions would be appreciated.

Absolutely! ATO is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable pieces of equipment up there with other life support equipment. It prevents parameter swings, and takes a load off you by not having to manually top the tank off all the time. I personally use the SMART ATO and love it. Coralvue customer service is absolutely excellent. Another good one is the Tunze Osmolator, very reliable and built well. Hope this helps

 

[Reeferdood]

Agreed with Crabs, I have the Osmolator and am very happy with it.

 

[sfmacguy]

Agree the Tunze is best

 

[Bruno516]

I've had a basic SpectraPure ATO and it has worked flawless for 3+ years. The peristaltic pump on this thing is amazing and the sensor tubes are spot on

 

[Ghost25]

I also have the Tunze and am happy with it. That said I think it is grossly overpriced for what it is. Realistically I think it should cost ~$50 given that it's a $10 microcontroller, a $15 pump and a dirt cheap optical sensor but the price is what people are willing to pay so it is what it is.

 

[Montiman]

I am a big tunze fan. My tunze just stopped working after 6 years so I sent it back to tunze where they repaired it for free and included an extra replacement pump for the trouble. Simply amazing customer service. My Osmolator never failed in the on position. It did fail off since I never cleaned the sensors but a vinegar wash once a year fixed that. As someone who has sold parts for many ATO systems I can tell you most will have something break within a year and many will be irreparable so you will simply have to buy another. Buy once cry once.

 

[Forkman]

I am a big tunze fan. My tunze just stopped working after 6 years so I sent it back to tunze where they repaired it for free and included an extra replacement pump for the trouble. Simply amazing customer service. My Osmolator never failed in the on position. It did fail off since I never cleaned the sensors but a vinegar wash once a year fixed that. As someone who has sold parts for many ATO systems I can tell you most will have something break within a year and many will be irreparable so you will simply have to buy another. Buy once cry once.

Tunze seems to be a frontrunner. They are certainly spendy. I guess nobody is forcing us to be in this hobby, so we are victims of the monsters that we create with these tanks.

 

[vector824]

I’ve had an IceCap ATO since November and it works great for me. Dual optical sensors with a magnetic attachment. REALLY easy to setup and use. I fill my 5 gallon bucket about once a week. It’s the best equipment purchase I’ve made besides the tank itself.

IceCap Dual Optical ATO Controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T16QBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z0rsBbA1FE3GS

 

[cracker]

Another Tunze user here. An ATO is a very nice piece of equipment.

 

[Forkman]

I’ve had an IceCap ATO since November and it works great for me. Dual optical sensors with a magnetic attachment. REALLY easy to setup and use. I fill my 5 gallon bucket about once a week. It’s the best equipment purchase I’ve made besides the tank itself.

IceCap Dual Optical ATO Controller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T16QBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z0rsBbA1FE3GS

Thanks, I will check it out

 

[Forkman]

Another Tunze user here. An ATO is a very nice piece of equipment.

So far Tunze seems to be a good choice. I am going to check out the Ice Cap that cracker mentioned as well