Auto top off and controller ?

uf_gators · Mar 15, 2013

Opinions needed:

I am looking into a ATO for my tank now. Tired of every other day top off. Yes I am wanting to be lazy . Lol
But seriously , I am wondering if I should go Tunze Nano osmolator 3152 or Tunze 3155 ..... Or invest in a Digital aquatics RKL basic or plus?

I can buy right now the 100.00 tunze nano, or the 190.00 tunze 3155 , and or the RKL basic 105.00 or RKL + for 250.00
But not sure of the difference in the controllers and if I still wi need to add to to the controller for ATO and how that works.

Thanks for your input and help.
Chris

redfishbluefish · Mar 16, 2013

You don’t necessarily need to run your ATO through your controller. I installed an AquaHub Premium ATO with an Aqualifter, and I’m very happy with the job this thing is doing.

CoryC · Mar 16, 2013

i like how accurate the large tunze ato is, but i just picked up a tunze nano ato and installed it on an 8 gallon nano and it works really well too, but probably best for just nano tanks where space is a concern as its just a float switch and not the liquid eye. i have an rke so i could have done the float switch ato they make for it but i like the saline stability that comes with the Tunze.

strange33w · Mar 16, 2013

im using the tunze 3155 on my 30 gallon and love it. It works very well you wont regret it.

sleeri · Mar 16, 2013

I'm running an ATO from autotopoff.com. Love it. Have had one on my display for 2 years now and added one to my frag tank a month ago. They are cheap and reliable.

uf_gators · Mar 16, 2013

Humm, choices choices. And the hardest par is deciding. Especially when I have zero exp. in controllers lol..... This is why I come to ask the guru's that have them and the tunze.

uf_gators · Mar 16, 2013

From what I gather on the RKL plus it comes with the sl1. So if I got the float switch bracket kit 2 of them for just a safety stand point. Solder them to the kit wires and plug into the SL1 and a aqua lifter pump and I am good to go correct ?

uf_gators · Mar 18, 2013

Pulled the plug, and ordered a jbj on sale at BRS for 71.00 and a 5.00 off coupon via email on my group buy. I also went with the apex lite. From a new local business that just started , saved 30.00. On the apex lite and ph probe. Enough money spent for a while. Got to save for my WP-25's when Jebo has them... So I supported the lfs guy and took advantage on my BRS points and got the JBJ ATO....

Isoprene · Mar 18, 2013

sleeri said:
I'm running an ATO from autotopoff.com. Love it. Have had one on my display for 2 years now and added one to my frag tank a month ago. They are cheap and reliable.

This ^

Dtech07 · Mar 18, 2013

It depends how big is your tank. Personally i have a Tunze 3155 but i have 120 gallon tank but i heard good talk on the autotopoff.com systems. I spend good money on my corals i do the same for equipment to keep them happy.

uf_gators · Mar 18, 2013

I almost went the Tunze nano 3152 , but I feel safer with 2 float switches vs 1. Not to mention I could have went the autopopoff route. But the jbj ATO wa on sale for 71.00 at BRS and the coupon for 5.00 off so , 66.00 is worth it to me.

Der ABT · Mar 19, 2013

be careful with the JBJ, i have had one thats been working for a long time, another that broke 3 months in, inlaws have had 3 break within the first 5 months of their tank (that was fun)
just keep an eye on the floats, they sometimes dont work but usually the entire controller dies

I currently run a tunze osmolater taht is probably close to 8 years old, only had to replace the pump once.

Personally im a really big fan of the AVAST Marine ATO and will be using this for the new tank im setting up now (also have it on my daughters 30g cube)
Pretty sure they also make one that plugs into the Apex
they are a local business to me and are run by actual reefers with some really nice systems
the customer support is better than ANYWHERE seriously...ive switch almost all my equipment over to the avast line and would do it again alot sooner.

uf_gators · Mar 19, 2013

I was looking at the avast marine, and they were on back order. So I just got something for now. And for what I only paid , it will do for a little while. I plan on getting a breakout box for the apex lite I just ordered.
Thx

uf_gators · Mar 19, 2013

Lol , and of corse the Neptune is B.O.'ed also expected delivery is 1.5 -2 weeks. These things seem to get scarfed up as soon as they send them to the stores. Lol

But do you put the probes in the sump area or display tank area? If its the sump , I need to get a probe holder. The same folks that make the skimmer I have make a 4 probe holder . Which would be perfect. Ph, temp, ATO, and ground probe all in one area. To keep it clean.

uf_gators · Mar 21, 2013

Well I got my jbj ATO in today from BRS . It's hooked up and dialed in. Man I tell ya. All is good except for those hang on brackets for the float switches . Those are one complet pain in the **** to get together , or I just wasn't holding my tongue correctly. Lol

But I used 1of my 5 gallon containers for RoDI that I have filled took out the fill piece. And ran my aqua lifter hose and float switch though it and screwed back on. But made the hole just big enough to sit a jug up and be able to put a hose in the new jug and syphon and pinch and stick down into the topoff container to fill back up. 1st thing was to take the back off the ATO and flip that awful sounding alarm that its filling up. Lol
But man ole man is this nice, can't believe I didn't get one of these sooner. Very happy with it. Gonna order a spare aqualifter and float switches just in case for down the road. Better to spend 15 bux for the aqualifter and 20ish fo the float switches now and be sorry when something goes wrong. Especially no more than what they cost for that.