Do I really need an ato for my nano?

glb · Jul 26, 2015

I have a 12g nano and I manually topoff 2-3 times/day. The water level rarely gets below 1/4-1/2 inch from the fill line. Can any ato be sensitive to this small of a difference or should I save my money?

redfishbluefish · Jul 26, 2015

You don't need one, but does make life a little bit easier. Similar to skimmers, timers for your lights, dosing pumps, auto feeders....don't need any of this either, but if you have them, easy street.

I can leave my tank for a week on autopilot and not have to worry. My limiting factor is the size of my ATO reservoir.

glb · Jul 26, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
You don't need one, but does make life a little bit easier. Similar to skimmers, timers for your lights, dosing pumps, auto feeders....don't need any of this either, but if you have them, easy street.

I can leave my tank for a week on autopilot and not have to worry. My limiting factor is the size of my ATO reservoir.

Thanks. Can I get one sensitive enough to the small changes in my tank? The last things I'd want would be an overflow or too much time between topoffs. Can you recommend a brand?

Greengny · Jul 26, 2015

ATO's are very helpful. Kind of a set and forget, if you have a large enough water top off reserve. The water level sensors are accurate with the evaporation rate you're observing.

If you are available to top off your tank 7/365 and you don't mind having it on your mind all the time, then you could skip the ATO. Otherwise I would look into getting one and setting up a 3-5 gallon reserve.

With a small nano, it doesn't take long for the salinity level to creep up. Personally, I find the ATO to be the most useful gadget of my reefing habit. g/l

Greengny · Jul 26, 2015

Have used JBJ and Tunze without problem. Tunze, a bit more expensive but worth it. Has fall back shut off if on for too long.

Amoo · Jul 26, 2015

glb, check out the autoaqua ATo (Smart ATO maybe it's called). I'm not sure the exact fill tolerance, but I have 2 (1 on a 28G and 1 on a 125G +75G sump) works perfectly on both and the pump is pretty tiny with surprisingly good head.

rosieosieee · Jul 26, 2015

I say absolutely not a question. my ATO was the BEST investment I made for
my 8g (even more so than the skimmer and doser...) I was lazy and didnt refill the reservoir last week, within four days my salinity jumped from 1.025 to 1.030. that means....you can't even leave for a day or two without a decent swing. why stress everything out and risk it? $100 is a small fee to pay to keep your salinity dead on.

rosieosieee · Jul 26, 2015

and yes, my tunze is very sensitive to the water level. you do not need to worry about that.

glb · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks everyone. What a great response!!!

Cment · Jul 26, 2015

Id say yes. smaller the tank more sensitive to changes. Keeping you SG constant will really help, I would look into the tunze nano it is sensitive enough for the changes in water level you stated. the smart ATO i have heard some horror stories about the magnet rusting inside the tank and causing problems...

glb · Jul 26, 2015

Cment said:
Id say yes. smaller the tank more sensitive to changes. Keeping you SG constant will really help, I would look into the tunze nano it is sensitive enough for the changes in water level you stated. the smart ATO i have heard some horror stories about the magnet rusting inside the tank and causing problems...

Thanks. Yes, I would get the tunze. Would a Tom's lifter pump work? Are there different gph out there? If so, what would I need for a 12g tank?

rosieosieee · Jul 27, 2015

the tunze comes in two different sizes, a nano and a regular. they both come with pumps!

Drs1685 · Jul 27, 2015

I have one on my 10gal and it's been my most useful purchase so far, I was on the fence at first but I'm so glad I got one.

Tank2379 · Jul 27, 2015

I recommend a Tunze Nano works great for my NUVO fusion 10- You don't need an ATO, but with any NANo or saltwater Aquarium you want to keep thing as stable as possible

SCMatt · Jul 27, 2015

I also use the Tunze nano in my 15gal. I'd buy it, or any ATO, again in a heartbeat. Having one is such a blessing. I have a 5gal salt bucket reservoir under the tank, doesn't need to be refilled that often being 1/3 the volume of the tank.

melypr1985 · Jul 27, 2015

I have a Tunze ATO also. Love it! Would buy again for sure! I don't know how I lived without one so long ago.

glb · Aug 22, 2015

Got one and absolutely love it!

bobyboy · Aug 22, 2015

I've only ever had "nano" marine setups and at first I was like you, but if you check your salinity before you manually too off your notice a drastic swing for such a small tank.

A ATO will not only make life easier but also stabalise your tank!