ATO Sensor Placement

[RaymondL]

I have an all in one tank with a mesh top for the display portion of the tank, and plastic covers for all 3 chambers on the back. Since the display side of the aquarium is open, Is it possible that evaporation is more than in the covered chamber where the ATO sensor is? If so this will cause inaccurate top off, which then should I then put the sensor inside the display area of the tank instead? I notice that the water level on the display side does in fact lower more as the days go on, but in the chamber side not so much. If the levels were balance, the display portion should be always the same as the chamber where the ATO sensor is in I would think.

Instructions and references everywhere says to install the sensor in the sump, or in the return chamber of all in one tanks.

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

Not sure which AIO you have or rear chamber design but the ATO sensor would normally go in the return pump chamber. The return pump chamber water level would also usually be lower than the display.

ATO sensor in the display would usually be a last resort for sumpless / non AIO systems.

 

[radfly]

Sensor in the return area, but account for lower levels due to normal clogging of filter media. I place sensor in my Nuvo 25 at one inch below water level with fresh filter media, and it will not go off with the clogging of media due to dosing of 1000 ml kalk per day, but will if the evaporation rate increases beyond normal.

 

[Rusty Baldwin]

I just got mine install in the display because the water never fluctuates in the display, only the return area. Once I get an RODI I will likely move it