Ato suggestions for my first nano tank

[Mattman1977]

so I’m setting up my first nano tank and looking for a ato system for it. First thought is Tunze but after a quick search and reading I see lots of complaints about the Tunze nano system so I decided to check out the regular Tunze ato that I run on my other systems and read complaints about not being able to tune it down enough for a nano tank... so I started looking and found the apex ato kit and wondered if anyone has tried to use this on a nano tank yet. I’m not 100% sure I’ll have the room in the back of my jbj24 aio cube for the float switch or not but definitely would prefer it. Guess the next question should be can the pump handle pumping the rodi water say through 25’ of hose? The wall the tank is on backs up to the garage and the ato tank and auto water change system will be in the garage.

any help or in site would be appreciated
Matt

 

[Water Dog]

That 25‘ of pumping distance will rule out a lot of the available options.

Though, pricy at $280, my first choice would be a Spectrapure UPLC-ATO. It uses a dual pressure switches for its primary and backup sensors as well as a peristaltic pump that can pump that kind of distance With ease.

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A more economical choice would be the Avast Marine ATO paired with their diaphragm pump (their peristaltic pump at 25 ml/min is too slow IMO). They also use a pressure switch and their diaphragm pump, though on the noisy side (which wouldn’t matter if you put it in the garage), can pump massive distances as well. It is Apex compatible as well though either the I/O port or through a breakout box.

The Parrot ATO System

The Parrot ATO system Intelligent, observant, long lived, colorful and always repetitive, the Parrot will be the companion you won't know how you lived without. Along with the fun new name comes the pedigree of a proven winner. How do you make improvements to the ATO with an unrivaled reputation...

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Diaphragm Pump

This Product has been discontinued. This little diaphragm pump is an excellent choice for automatic top-off duty. Unlike other diaphragm pumps available, this little powerhouse can push water to 30psi. Please be aware this is not a silent pump, it does vibrate and makes a similar amount of noise...

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[Water Dog]

The full sized Tunze 3155 ATO can be tuned for nano tanks by opening the controller box and turning the red potentiometer knob inside all the way counter clockwise to the nano setting. That will slow down the speed of the pump. I ran a 3155 for years on my Biocube 29 without issue. I’m not sure the Tunze can handle your 25’ of pumping distance though.

 

[Mattman1977]

I’m just estimating the distance. Sure it will be close to that but shouldn’t have much for head pressure other then out of the rodi holding container. If anything most of the 25’ will be or can have a fall to it. Then slightly head pressure again at the end after it goes through the wall until it reaches the tank. All of my experiences so far most I’m losing is 1/2-1 1/2 cups a day. Speed isn’t really of any importance I wouldn’t think but also thinking of longevity of the pumps. I’m sure someone on here didn’t want there rodi container under the tank and located it in the garage before lol.
Matt

 

[Water Dog]

Long horizontal runs will still have an effect on head pressure.

I decided to check out the regular Tunze ato that I run on my other systems and read complaints about not being able to tune it down enough for a nano tank...

Thats why I mentioned the ability to turn the speed of the pump down specifically for a nano tank...

However, the pump for the 3155 only has a max head of 9 feet when turned all the way up, so I’m not sure it would work for your application unless you get a Tunze Switched Socket Outlet that will allow you to use an aftermarket pump with the 3155.

The original Neptune ATK was notorious for the use of the cheap V1 optical sensors that would regularly failed as well as the unreliable original PMUP. However, they just recently introduced the V2 ATK which has upgraded V2 optical sensors as well as a new and improved V2 PMUP. You’d just have to install it without the bulky secondary float switch In order to fit the sensor in the rear chamber of your nano. The PMUP will definitely be able to handle the distance between your tank and ATO reservoir. The jury is still out however on the reliability/longevity of new version of the ATK since it was released quite recently and has yet to build a track record.

 

[Mattman1977]

Long horizontal runs will still have an effect on head pressure.

I kind of figured it would somewhat just not sure how much.

I like the spectrapure rodi system i own might go that route or the Neptune one. Are you running the spectrapure one? Can I get some measurements on the part that will need to be in tank? Make sure it will fit.


I appreciate you taking the time to respond guys thanks
Matt

 

[Water Dog]

Yeah, I own the Spectrapure UPLC-ATO. I’ll get some measurements this weekend for you.

 

[Water Dog]

Length of the primary pressure tube is 5”
Depth, front to back from the cinch bolts to the sump wall is 2.25”
Width across the mounting magnet is 2”

 

[Mattman1977]

Length of the primary pressure tube is 5”
Depth, front to back from the cinch bolts to the sump wall is 2.25”
Width across the mounting magnet is 2”

Thanks so much. Hmmmm how far out of the water does the pressure tubes stick out?

Matt

 

[Water Dog]

Thanks so much. Hmmmm how far out of the water does the pressure tubes stick out?

Matt

On the UPLC-ATO, you can set where you you want the water to trigger the pressure switch, so how much you want the primary pressure tube to stick out of the water is up to you.

Here’s the manual for reference.

https://www.spectrapure.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/LLC-UPLC-ATO-115_Manual_web.pdf