ATO - Which one do I get?
- Thread starter schooncw
- Start date
- Tagged users None
offthehook
Community Member
I have used the avast ato for a several years and never had an issue with it.
burtbollinger
Active Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2008
- Messages
- 113
- Reaction score
- 68
Tunze osmolator...not the Nano version....is about as bulletproof as it can be. I've had the same one running with no replacement of any part for 8 years, zero issues over that time.
Jimbo662
2500 Club Member
4+ years on my osmolator. I got the Aqua Medic system for my second tank...one word...UNRELIABLE! It'll run perfectly then out of the blue it stops. I have to fidget with it to get it running again. I'm currently on my second unit. First one out of the box was glitchy. When the pump turned on it wouldn't turn off until the water level in my return chamber got up to the little black emergency cut off box. It finally started working then started the sporadic issues. Contacted support and the response was within a day but since it seemed to start working ok I didn't pursue any assistance. Contacted them a second time about a month later because of the sporadic issues. Didn't hear from them and after about a week I emailed again. The response i got was they have to contact the manuf in Germany and it takes a while to get a response back. Radio silence for about another two weeks then out of the blue I received a replacement unit. It worked fine for less than a week when it started acting up like the first one did. I just have to check it daily to make sure it's working correctly. When I do finally decide to replace it I'll be getting another osmolator!
Have had no issues with my Tunze Osmolator itself, but nothing is bulletproof. Simple things, like the time I was working my sump and did not notice that I bumped the refill tube so that it was pointing outside my sump. I added more insurance when I setup my sump by lining area underneath my sump with PVC shower pan liner (found at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.). Mishaps are contained like the above, and numerous skimmer blow ups. I've never had a leak beyond the sump area and floor has stayed completely dry for two years.
Reef_Tank_Fan_SC
Well-Known Member
I did tons of research trying to find the best ATO with the best chance if not ruining my hardwood floors. For me it was an easy choice to go with the Tunze osmolator. As many above me have mentioned it has failsafe after failsafe. It has been super reliable and I totally recommend it to anyone looking for and ATO.
There are many ATOs out there. The Tunze 3155 has a long term track record of reliability. I have one that's 7 years old and another that's 2, both have run flawlessly for me.
Char Epley
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2017
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
I went with Icecap Top Off...
Steve_Mac
New Member
Well, I had a Hydor. It started acting up about a year into using it. I liked it because I could plug whatever pump I wanted into it, so I bought another. It lasted about a year as well so, I'm done with them. I put an Ice Cap on my system, but it's only been in use for about 4 months. So far though, I'm liking it.
michael.cser20
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2016
- Messages
- 301
- Reaction score
- 101
Dual float switch from autotopoff.com and a toms aqua lifter. Perfect stable salinity for under 50$ for it all. I will by that combo on every tank I set up.
Pivitol
Active Member
Another vote for the Tunze 3155. I have had zero issues with mine for the few months I've owned it. I like the fact you can adjust to flow and the 2 sensors are great for redundancy. My current ATO reservoir is just a 5 gal bucket while not the best looking it works until I find else. As far as flooding I have a DIY sump and designed it so if my ATO reservoir failed and I had a power failure it would fill completely but not flood. I work for the airlines and live by the mantra "it's not if fails, but when it fails" every flight critical component on an aircraft has 3x redundancy.
