ATO

[Mtk71]

What am I doing wrong? My ATO is not working properly,when power goes out and comes back on,the water level were my sensor is goes below the sensor every time and kicks the ATO on.im running the pump at lowest setting and have even cut it back considerably with value tried adding more and less in DT and sump but nothing seems to work

 

[andrewey]

Just to clarify, the issue is only with power outtages? How long dos it take for the sump level in the return section to return to normal.

The issue should be easy to remedy, but I wouldn't be cutting back your return flow to fix this issue. There are a lot of easier ways to do it to focus only on the ATO without effecting turnover time.

By the way, you should remove that rusted hose clamp from your return

 

[Mtk71]

Just to clarify, the issue is only with power outtages? How long dos it take for the sump level in the return section to return to normal.

The issue should be easy to remedy, but I wouldn't be cutting back your return flow to fix this issue. There are a lot of easier ways to do it to focus only on the ATO without effecting turnover time.

By the way, you should remove that rusted hose clamp from your return

Yes whenever power is lost,and it takes about 3-4 min,what type of clamp would be best I was worried a plastic one would not hold.

 

[andrewey]

Plastic will hold just fine for that application )

I was going to type out all the options, but I found this thread when I was trying to find the link to a product I had used in the past to delay my skimmer for 5 minutes before I had a controller. It covers a ton of the options:

Setting Delay for Return Pump and Skimmer After Power Outage

Is there a way to set a couple minute delay on my return pump and skimmer in my sump without the use of a brand name controller? Had a couple second power outage the other night and it made my return pump almost run dry and ATO to constantly run until I was able to get to the power outlets to...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Flippers4pups]

Yes, get that clamp out ASAP!

These, they do come in different sizes:

Plastic Hose Clamp, 0.5"

Plastic Hose Clamp, 0.5" Fits 0.5" ID Vinyl Tubing Plastic hose clamps used for securing standard hose for low-pressure aquarium devices such as canister filters, protein skimmers, etc.

www.aquacave.com

 

[Mtk71]

Plastic will hold just fine for that application )

I was going to type out all the options, but I found this thread when I was trying to find the link to a product I had used in the past to delay my skimmer for 5 minutes before I had a controller. It covers a ton of the options:

Setting Delay for Return Pump and Skimmer After Power Outage

Is there a way to set a couple minute delay on my return pump and skimmer in my sump without the use of a brand name controller? Had a couple second power outage the other night and it made my return pump almost run dry and ATO to constantly run until I was able to get to the power outlets to...

www.reef2reef.com

Maybe this video will help explain better,this is what happens when the power comes back on,I do have a delay on my skimmer

Plastic will hold just fine for that application )

I was going to type out all the options, but I found this thread when I was trying to find the link to a product I had used in the past to delay my skimmer for 5 minutes before I had a controller. It covers a ton of the options:

Setting Delay for Return Pump and Skimmer After Power Outage

Is there a way to set a couple minute delay on my return pump and skimmer in my sump without the use of a brand name controller? Had a couple second power outage the other night and it made my return pump almost run dry and ATO to constantly run until I was able to get to the power outlets to...

www.reef2reef.com

I do have a delay for my skimmer,maybe these pics will help explain better, first pic is when power goes out and water from DT flows into sump pic 2 is how low the level goes with return pump on no skimmer cause it's on delay,and it takes approximately 3- 4 min for level to equal out,DT tank does not overflow.

 

[andrewey]

I'm suggesting you put your delay on your ATO as well as your skimmer.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Sound advice!

 

[Mtk71]

Will try thanks

 

[Mtk71]

I'm suggesting you put your delay on your ATO as well as your skimmer.

Worked great guys thanks I see stability in my tanks future,off to get new clamps.

 

[dadnjesse]

You can use plastic or Titanium clamps. I have Titanium clamps on mine and have yet to see any rust. They are pricey though.

 

[andrewey]

Glad it worked out! Make sure to shut off your pump when changing out the clamp- when you loosen it, larger particles of rust are likely to break off. I'd siphon those out after replacing the clamp with plastic before turning the pump back on. Happy reefing!