ATOs! Tunze, IceCap, Duello!?

[TwistedFX4]

I just set up a 40 Breeder Sunday night, I’ve had two previous tanks before and I always hated having to top off my water level every 2 days if not everyday.. I’m looking for a good reliable ATO that isn’t going to break the bank lol.. I’m considering Tunze Nano, SmartAqua Micro, IceCap or the Duellto.. Every site I look at the reviews all have different ️s or concerns for each one! HELP!

 

[X-37B]

I have 2 tunze. The nano on my 45 frag works well. Check ebay. Used for a good price. I keep an extra pump on hand but have not needed it in 3 years and I run kalk in my ato too.

 

[TwistedFX4]

I have 2 tunze. The nano on my 45 frag works well. Check ebay. Used for a good price. I keep an extra pump on hand but have not needed it in 3 years and I run kalk in my ato too.

Bulk Reef Supply has the nano Tunze for 100, I just didn’t want options like the full size for $300 lol.. Your the second person to recommend the Tunze, LFS did as well

 

[X-37B]

Bulk Reef Supply has the nano Tunze for 100, I just didn’t want options like the full size for $300 lol.. Your the second person to recommend the Tunze, LFS did as well

I have the full size on my 120. Look around. New they should not be over $200. My lfs has them for $199.
Ebay has the nano for $89.99

 

[Kyl]

Tunze 3155 is the standard to beat. I wouldn't deviate from that and I've tried a few other solutions. Long sales history and track record matters, not marketing.

 

[Is this the LFS]

I just set up a 40 Breeder Sunday night, I’ve had two previous tanks before and I always hated having to top off my water level every 2 days if not everyday.. I’m looking for a good reliable ATO that isn’t going to break the bank lol.. I’m considering Tunze Nano, SmartAqua Micro, IceCap or the Duellto.. Every site I look at the reviews all have different s or concerns for each one! HELP!

I use the smart micro ato on the same tank the only problem is that because of the rim, you need to position the sensor a little lower meaning a slighter lower water level. Not a big deal though. I have used it on my 10 gallon for 2 years also with no problems

 

[piranhaman00]

Tuzne for sure, the nano has some issues, the 3155 is amazing, works great on two tanks of mine.

 

[Marco S]

Another vote for the Tunze. ;Happy

I have three currently, (two full size and one nano) and they have all been extremely reliable. The only bad thing I can say is that every time I do a water change on my 20 gallon and I unplug the nano ATO and fill it back to the current level, the ATO starts filling up when I plug it back in and then the alarm goes off and I have to take a small amount of water out to get it back to level and have the alarm go off. This happens EVERY TIME and is annoying as heck.

 

[beaslbob]

I did a diy ATO which works really well.

I used float switches from ebay at 10 for $20.

Plus two 12v automotive relays in sockets for about $5 each on ebay.

A 12 v power source for $5

a water proof project box for $5

Some pvc and a bucket (from a grocery store bakery).

and some kind of water pump with at least a 15 foot head.

Works really well, enjoyed designing and building, briefed at club meeting, and generally made me feel I had done good.

LOL

my .02

 

[K7BMG]

Tunze 3155 or Nano.
Don't look back they just work.

 

[mike550]

Same. Tunze 3155. Only weakness I’ve heard is pumps may suddenly stop working. So maybe have a spare pump handy but otherwise so far so good.

 

[Blitheran]

Avast marine ATO

 

[SeaDweller]

Tunze, I just had my original one die from many years ago. Luckily I had a back up Tunze, and then just bought a new one just in case this one dies in like 5-10 years.

 

[GabeM]

I ran the SmartAqua Micro for 2 years and it failed throwing 4 gallons of RO water into the system. It was a good thing I was home!

 

[Uncle99]

I use the Coral Box a-100 which was about 90 bucks Canadian, and it has not missed in 30 months now.
Uses an optical sensor on your sump or DT and is backed up by a manual sensor. Comes with everything!

 

[Jman76]

SmartATO micro x 2...they've been 100% reliable so far. If I needed another one I'd buy the same.

 

[TwistedFX4]

I have the full size on my 120. Look around. New they should not be over $200. My lfs has them for $199.
Ebay has the nano for $89.99

Yeah I typed it wrong.. Full size is 200 not 300

 

[TwistedFX4]

Thanks for the input.. Going to do alittle bit more research but so far it seems Tunze or AutoAqua Micro has made the list.. Appreciate the posts and info

 

[LegendaryCG]

Smart micro ato here. Been solid

 

[TwistedFX4]

Went with the Tunze 3155 not the nano.. Seems to be the goat of the ATO world lol.. I’ll spend the 200 to not flood my tank or floors in the house.. Thanks for everyone’s input