Can I use an outlet timer on my ATO?

[Mattg7]

Hello, I have a XP aqua duetta ato on my nuvo fusion 20. The ato pumps water into the back filtration portion of the tank. To prevent malfunction flooding, should I attach my ato to an outlet timer so it is only on twice a day for a minute? will the continuous turning off and on of the ato break it or cause a malfunction?
Thanks for your help

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I looked this unit up assuming that it would have an auto shut off timer, but apparently it doesn’t. I think you have a good plan. my only concern would be that you accidentally run the pumps dry because that’s not a very large back chamber.

 

[Retro Reefer]

ATO’s should be designed for a high duty cycle, I wouldn’t worry about wearing it out.

 

[blackway168]

I looked this unit up assuming that it would have an auto shut off timer, but apparently it doesn’t. I think you have a good plan. my only concern would be that you accidentally run the pumps dry because that’s not a very large back chamber.

I looked this unit up assuming that it would have an auto shut off timer, but apparently it doesn’t. I think you have a good plan. my only concern would be that you accidentally run the pumps dry because that’s not a very large back chamber.a

There is a redundant timer inside the controller. Once the water is empty, it will trigger an alert to notify you.

 

[ingchr1]

The ATO does have backups. Based on this I would not cycle power to it.

 

[ingchr1]

ATO’s should be designed for a high duty cycle, I wouldn’t worry about wearing it out.

Designed to cycle output power, I'd be concerned with constantly cycling input power.

 

[Mattg7]

I have read reviews of the unit failing and overflowing tanks. i have a smart outlet and can send power to the unit for a minute twice a day. is it worth it to prevent flooding? I dont know if i can trust the unit 100% after reading reviews of it failing

 

[mike550]

I have read reviews of the unit failing and overflowing tanks. i have a smart outlet and can send power to the unit for a minute twice a day. is it worth it to prevent flooding? I dont know if i can trust the unit 100% after reading reviews of it failing

I have a similar worry. I have a 120G tank, and keep my ATO container filled around 2-3 G. So even if my ATO failed I’m adding no more than 2-3% to the tank.

 

[NanoDJS]

Every optical sensor will fail . Titanium dual probes that read a voltage drop are the most fail proof method for controlling an ATO.

 

[ingchr1]

You could also use a backup sensor, like the Smart Level Security:

AUTOAQUA

www.autoaqua.com.tw

Or as mentioned, size your ATO container so it doesn't overflow the tank.