Considering new ATO....whats your favorite

djbetterly · Sep 14, 2015

I currently use the Auto Aqua Smart ATO and I'm very indecisive about it. I really hate that once the thing starts beeping, you have to reset it every time. Also, the 15sec shut off doesn't always work.

So what do others use?

-Logzor · Sep 14, 2015

Spectrapure UPLC-II. Pretty much the best money can buy.

LILBUDDHA · Sep 14, 2015

Tunze .. is my preference but it doesn't work well for kalk ato .
JBJ is second option and works well for kalk dosing ..
If the sensor on the smart ato is not clean it can cause issues .

Squadir · Sep 14, 2015

I use a Hydor Smart Level Ato. Excellent device and price isn't bad either. my 0.02

Daniel@R2R · Sep 15, 2015

I love my Puratek ALC!

djbetterly · Sep 15, 2015

Not doing kalk. Love the puratek and spectrapure but they are quite costly. Thinking about hydor or tunze. Anyone have any pros and cons to mention?

rcraw45425 · Sep 15, 2015

tagging along on this thread as I'm also curious about an ATO for a Nano reef. Been reading about both Hydor and Tunze so I'll subscribe

-Logzor · Sep 15, 2015

djbetterly said:
Not doing kalk. Love the puratek and spectrapure but they are quite costly. Thinking about hydor or tunze. Anyone have any pros and cons to mention?

I have both the Tunze and Spectrapure. The Spectrapure in my mind is perfected so to Tunze has virtually no pros over it and it's only $40 more than Tunze.

Spectrapure

Pros -
Can pump long distances from a remove reservoir
Extremely long lifespan (approximately 8 years thus far)
Sensor rarely/never fails
Will not siphon
Pump will not burn out if there isn't water

Cons -
Expensive
Requires to be oiled yearly

Tunze

Pros -
Cheaper by only $40.

Cons -
Sensor tends to have issues with salt-spray
Pump will siphon water
Pump failure after 2-3 years but replacement is cheap
Pump can burn out if there is no water (even though it has an auto-off)

AZDesertRat · Sep 15, 2015

Spectrapure UPLC-II. It is easily the best engineered system on the market with multiple levels of safety and as simple to set up as pushing a button. The adjustability is crazy, from 1/10" to 4" sensitivity too so should fit anyones needs.
I have been using mine for going on 8 years now and it has been flawless. Replaced the silicone tubing once in all that time is all it has required.

twilliard · Sep 15, 2015

Float valve 80% cheaper than anything out there, oh and running strong years later

ghbrewer · Sep 15, 2015

I have ran the Tunze Osmolator, JBJ, AutoTopOff.com, and Hydor Smart Level ATOs. All have their plusses and minuses. With my newest build I have picked up an Avast Marine Top-Off kit. It interfaces directly with my Apex so that I can program it any way I like. It uses a level sensor that is similar to the Spectrapure unit, supposedly won't get stuck. Also using their diaphragm pump that will supposedly push water up to 130 feet of head pressure, and will can run dry without damage. You have to install a check valve to prevent back siphoning, but it is included with the pump.

ghbrewer · Sep 15, 2015

I will likely add a high level float switch for backup that will connect to my Apex through the breakout box.

markalan · Sep 16, 2015

On the Spectrapure UPLC-II I noticed they use suction cups for the sensors do hold well?

go29 · Sep 16, 2015

few questions on the spectrapure unit as well for those using it: First off I am in need of an auto top off for my 27 gall nano tank, but this tank does NOT have a sump. Can anyone recommend this unit for use in display tank? I have a corner up top next the the aquamaxx hob-1 skimmer that would be an ideal placement, but I'm just curious how this would work with the unit. I have used tunze in the past for my tanks that have a sump, but with this nano it was designed to be a bedroom tank, and thus only sound i hear is the skimmer. Thanks in advance looking forward to your opinions

Paranoiattack91 · Sep 16, 2015

Had the jbj on my 120 for 4 months so far and haven't had a single issue

djbetterly · Sep 16, 2015

@ghbrewer you caught my eye when you said interfaces with apex. Tell me a bit more about the system. The price seems good! How does it interface? I already use a high level float switch on my tank with the bob on my apex.

ghbrewer · Sep 16, 2015

You will need to get the bare wire version that connects to the breakout box if you don't have another free IO port.

djbetterly · Sep 16, 2015

I see there is a digital and analog version. I presume IO is digital and bare is analog?

ghbrewer · Sep 16, 2015

No, the analog is for people who don't have/use a controller. It has a plug for the pump. Both bare wire and IO version are digital.

AZDesertRat · Sep 16, 2015

Yes the Spectrapure uses suction cups for the small sensor but they recommend putting a small dab of silicone on the cups before installing them and they stay put after that.
The Spectrapure would be great for a display only tank with no sump. The sensor is pretty small and clear so will not be a nuisance to the eye or take up much room. If you don't want to install the second or back up float switch as an emergency you don't have to, it works fine without it. I have used mine both with and without and it has been very reliable without it. Another advantage is the adjustable sensitivity so you can let the display level fill of drop as much as you want before refilling. You can also adjust not only the amount it drops but also how fast it refills too.
http://spectrapure.com/manuals/UPLC-II-PF-REV-A.pdf