Best ATO for Nano Aquarium?

[1Meshy]

Hey all, as the title says, what's the best ATO system for a nano tank that won't break the bank?

Currently have a 29 gallon biocube and I'm looking for a decent ATO system for it. I'm trying to find one that has the best anti-flood sensor (of course nothing is fail-proof, but at least I can find the best rated one!).

I did find this one on Amazon, but I'm curious to know your guy's opinions on it.

Any other options that aren't too pricey are very welcome!

 

[GottaLottaDogs]

I have the hygger ATO that is the same price as the one you linked! It has a laser sensor for the tank and a manual one for the reservoir. I wouldn't recommend it if you run sin wave flow for your return pump, since that kept fluctuating the sump level and triggering the ATO. Other than that, it's been working really well for me! I've had it for over two months now.

 

[1Meshy]

I have the hygger ATO that is the same price as the one you linked! It has a laser sensor for the tank and a manual one for the reservoir. I wouldn't recommend it if you run sin wave flow for your return pump, since that kept fluctuating the sump level and triggering the ATO. Other than that, it's been working really well for me! I've had it for over two months now.

Are you talking about this one?

 

[GottaLottaDogs]

Yup!

 

[SilvermistInc]

Hygger!

 

[1Meshy]

Yup!

Nice! I really am worried about over-flooding the tank lol. Do you think the sensor is pretty trustworthy?

 

[1Meshy]

Hygger!

How does the Hygger ato work for you? And how long have you had it?

 

[bnord]

I have had 3 Auto Aquas, one has worked like a charm for 18 months even with LIGHT concentration of Kalk in it. one has been on the QT for 6 months no issues. The other was nothing but fail to work warnings after 6 months and its in the drawer for parts.
never had an overflow issue

 

[1Meshy]

I have had 3 Auto Aquas, one has worked like a charm for 18 months even with LIGHT concentration of Kalk in it. one has been on the QT for 6 months no issues. The other was nothing but fail to work warnings after 6 months and its in the drawer for parts.
never had an overflow issue

At least it's never overflowed anything for ya. Would you recommend this one or the hygger (if you have any experience with that one)?

 

[JoJosReef]

Bottle ATO. Zero chance of flooding, but of course you'll have to refill the bottle every few days.

 

[1Meshy]

Bottle ATO. Zero chance of flooding, but of course you'll have to refill the bottle every few days.

I have thought about going the easy route and just doing this, but truth be told... I'm kinda lazy. LOL!
I just like the idea of having an automated system do it for me; it's just unfortunate that the system failing and causing an overflow is there. :/

 

[JoJosReef]

I have thought about going the easy route and just doing this, but truth be told... I'm kinda lazy. LOL!
I just like the idea of having an automated system do it for me; it's just unfortunate that the system failing and causing an overflow is there. :/

True. In my case, I have a tank in my office and can't afford to have a malfunction (also, dangerously close to computer tower). Works like a charm, though!

 

[Kellie in CA]

Hey all, as the title says, what's the best ATO system for a nano tank that won't break the bank?

Currently have a 29 gallon biocube and I'm looking for a decent ATO system for it. I'm trying to find one that has the best anti-flood sensor (of course nothing is fail-proof, but at least I can find the best rated one!).

I did find this one on Amazon, but I'm curious to know your guy's opinions on it.

Any other options that aren't too pricey are very welcome!

I have this one. It's $43 with free shipping on eBay. Works great. But, the instructions are not in English. It's easy enough to set up though.

 

[1Meshy]

True. In my case, I have a tank in my office and can't afford to have a malfunction (also, dangerously close to computer tower). Works like a charm, though!

Yeah, I guess it is worth looking into too. Did you make your own or did you buy one?

 

[1Meshy]

I have this one. It's $43 with free shipping on eBay. Works great. But, the instructions are not in English. It's easy enough to set up though.

And it's the same brand and everything?

 

[Kellie in CA]

Yes, at first I thought it was a knockoff, but it’s not. Apparently this particular model is not authorized to be sold in the US. I didn’t know this until after I bought it. If you look on the Amazon reviews they talk about it.

 

[1Meshy]

Yes, at first I thought it was a knockoff, but it’s not. Apparently this particular model is not authorized to be sold in the US. I didn’t know this until after I bought it. If you look on the Amazon reviews they talk about it.

Oh, I see. Once you buy it there's no warranty in the US. Hmm.. not so sure about that. How's it working for you?

 

[Kellie in CA]

I haven't had any issues.

 

[JoJosReef]

Yeah, I guess it is worth looking into too. Did you make your own or did you buy one?

The little plastic piece is ~$11-12 on Amazon. Bottle is a 1.5L "Essentia Alkaline Water", which I picked because it has a bit of a stronger plastic bottle than other brands--Evian also works well. Drank the water, didn't use it to top off :~)

Also, the label comes off clean.

 

[GottaLottaDogs]

Nice! I really am worried about over-flooding the tank lol. Do you think the sensor is pretty trustworthy?

The sensor is very.. sensitive. No pun intended. If I stick my hand into the tank and raise the level, it starts angry beeping at me.