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[Djannel]

Hello fellow reefers,

So I have some extra cash to spend ($100) and I wanted to know what's a proven performer out there that stays within the mentioned price bracket?

Right now I am possibly looking into a used Tunze Ozmolator or perhaps the AVAST ATO...

 

[TonsOfun]

Others may disagree but I love my ultra life float switch. Couldn't be easier to set up and I've never had a problem with it.

 

[Djannel]

Send me a link to check it out, have not heard of that brand before.


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[ahtatt]

I would save and go with the osmolator, Tunze is doing it right.

 

[TonsOfun]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Ultralif...ug_In_Units-Ultralife-UL1111-FIDPETPU-vi.html

 

[Djannel]

Not a fan of the suction cup but indeed a very simple design.

How long have you had it for?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Not a fan of the Tunze so I purchased a Spectrapure UPLC-II over 5 years ago and have never once regretted it. The adjustability, reliability, built in safetys and compact size in the display or sump are all big plusses in my book. And it can pull water up from 25 feet below or push water up about 60 feet of head and requires no check valves or backflow prevention as it will not siphon back with the three roller peristaltic pump design which is the same one used in their Litermeters for decades.

 

[howaboutme]

I have an Avast ATO. I uses a pressure sensor. I pair it w/ an aqualifter pump but can also be used w/ a peristaltic.

 

[Djannel]

How long have you had the AVAST for? Any issues so far?

I have an Avast ATO. I uses a pressure sensor. I pair it w/ an aqualifter pump but can also be used w/ a peristaltic.

 

[Djannel]

If I could find a used one, that would be great.

Not a fan of the Tunze so I purchased a Spectrapure UPLC-II over 5 years ago and have never once regretted it. The adjustability, reliability, built in safetys and compact size in the display or sump are all big plusses in my book. And it can pull water up from 25 feet below or push water up about 60 feet of head and requires no check valves or backflow prevention as it will not siphon back with the three roller peristaltic pump design which is the same one used in their Litermeters for decades.

 

[howaboutme]

How long have you had the AVAST for? Any issues so far?

I have had mine for about a month. It takes a few tries to set the switch at the correct level (like most ATO's probably). I personally know a lot of people that have had theirs for years w/ no issues at all. The ATO itself will usually not be a problem for most people with a little cleaning every few months. From what I remember in my research, it's the same technology as the Spectrapure but w/o all of the added extras. The spectrapure is top notch but it comes w/ way too many bells and whistles for my taste, which jacks up the price. With the AVast, you can either get it w/ a package w/ their pump, use your own peristaltic (like BRS) or an aqualifter.

I also like the fact that I can add the controller cable whenever I decide to add a controller to my setup and control the ATO that way too.

 

[Djannel]

Sounds good, might go with the AVAST then. Do I need a special type of tubing when I add the Aqualifter pump?

I have had mine for about a month. It takes a few tries to set the switch at the correct level (like most ATO's probably). I personally know a lot of people that have had theirs for years w/ no issues at all. The ATO itself will usually not be a problem for most people with a little cleaning every few months. From what I remember in my research, it's the same technology as the Spectrapure but w/o all of the added extras. The spectrapure is top notch but it comes w/ way too many bells and whistles for my taste, which jacks up the price. With the AVast, you can either get it w/ a package w/ their pump, use your own peristaltic (like BRS) or an aqualifter.

I also like the fact that I can add the controller cable whenever I decide to add a controller to my setup and control the ATO that way too.

 

[howaboutme]

Sounds good, might go with the AVAST then. Do I need a special type of tubing when I add the Aqualifter pump?

Just the standard 1/4" tube or airline will work fine. Also, the magnet is sooooo strong..and the entire magnet mount and pressure sensor can be submerged, just making it more flexible on placement in your sump or DT. Make sure you place the outlet above your water line to prevent a back siphon. But that's the same for all.

 

[TonsOfun]

Not a fan of the suction cup but indeed a very simple design.

How long have you had it for?

Years, even bought it used unbelievably. I'm not a fan of suction either, but I've never had a problem with it.

 

[El Chavito]

Just bought the Avast ATO last week. I am very happy with it. Cant beat the price and it is simple. Would rather get fancy on other things such as LED's, Skimmer, etc.

 

[Djannel]

Indeed, I am saving some of that money to get me a controller.

AVAST it is indeed then...


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[navila06]

if you can get a tunze for 100 then get the tunze.

 

[Djannel]

I'm actually in the middle of negotiating for one but have not heard back from the seller.


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[howaboutme]

I would only get the higher priced tunze, not the nano (which uses floats) if you can find it used for $100.