Good Auto Top Off System?

[IdahoReefMafia]

I also use Tunze Osmolator, I have been running it for about 6 months. I also use my apex float switch as a backup because, lets face it i don't trust anything in this hobby.

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Tunze Osmolator!! I wouldn't go cheap on the equipment that has the power to flood your house or turn your saltwater reef into freshwater mess. Just a thought. I love all the safety features on the Osmolator.

 

[myrjon]

35 gallons of rodi in basement ,right below tanks strong dc pump with electric strip near tank . pump it up...

 

[reeferfoxx]

Can't say I would trust anything with a float valve. Too many horror stories of them sticking.

 

[Jizu Puentes]

+1 on autotopoff.com

 

[rbadger]

Love my UPLC-II as well. Keep my ATO and salt water containers in my garage and use the UPLC-II to pump them up about 15' for easy ATO and water changes. Have a valve to switch between RODI or salt. Very reliable pump that can lift or pull a long way.

 

[Bob Widor]

Osmolator Universal 3155 Auto Top Off - Tunze
Works Flawlessly!

 

[Zoot098]

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-ATO-Mi...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Just to repeat what others have said, I love this little thing, nothing to get clogged, or get stuck etc. litterally 2 minutes to set up and thats if you take your time
I have a 300 gallon total system and it does great.

 

[Bunnee911]

I have the Tunze Nano. Go ahead and spend the coin for the Osmilator. The Nano has one float switch and can be hacked by your snails. I always thought the crabs put them up to it.

 

[nervousmonkey]

Tunze Osmolator for me!

Yep, have to agree... The Osmolator is super precise, Nano just as good. The 3155 will be too pricey for the OP, but I bet the Nano would work.

Good choice though @fragit , on the Spectrapure. When it comes to anything water, it's always a good idea to listen to what @AZDesertRat does...

"The Nano has one float switch and can be hacked by your snails. I always thought the crabs put them up to it."
Yeah, good point @Bunnee911 re: the Nano Osmolator... I have it on an AIO, so didn't really think about something getting to the float switch since mine is protected, but that is something to consider when getting the Nano vs. the 3155

 

[Matthew Elsass]

I have the Hydor smart level. Don't really like it. Got it because it doesn't use float valves but it's got 3 sensors that you can't adjust about half an inch apart. The lowest is the bottom the middle is the stop and the highest is the alarm. You can't adjust the space between and the stupid alarm always goes off I'm working in the tank and the water level goes up a inch. I'm going to stop using it and use my Apex with some float valves as an ATO. Wouldn't suggest using Hydors ATO

 

[reeferfoxx]

I have the Hydor smart level. Don't really like it. Got it because it doesn't use float valves but it's got 3 sensors that you can't adjust about half an inch apart. The lowest is the bottom the middle is the stop and the highest is the alarm. You can't adjust the space between and the stupid alarm always goes off I'm working in the tank and the water level goes up a inch. I'm going to stop using it and use my Apex with some float valves as an ATO. Wouldn't suggest using Hydors ATO

It's a learning curve. I turn mine off when i'm working in the tank. The avast pump i use, pumps perfectly without hitting the alarm. BTW that alarm will shut off the pump. It has a nice fail safe feature in that aspect. Also if the sensors stop working, so does the pump. Are you using an all-in-one tank or a sump?

 

[Reefcowboy]

If you have an Apex...wait for their Top off coming soon

 

[Matthew Elsass]

It's a learning curve. I turn mine off when i'm working in the tank. The avast pump i use, pumps perfectly without hitting the alarm. BTW that alarm will shut off the pump. It has a nice fail safe feature in that aspect. Also if the sensors stop working, so does the pump. Are you using an all-in-one tank or a sump?

It's a sump. I usually have to turn it off and it never fails that I forget to turn it back on. Just haven't been happy. I'm doing the same kind of thing with my Apex. One float as s bottom, one as a top and the highest as an alarm that will set off a alarm on the apex and also text me if I'm away and something fails. At least this way I can set what distance apart and shut off the ATO from anywhere even if I'm away.

 

[Clarksski]

My vote is for avast top off with the peristaltic pump...that pump is able to pump from like 50 feet away (maybe a girl exaggeration...but for sure it can pump quite a distance without sacrificing anything)!

 

[adinin]

Another vote here for the Smart ATO Micro system. I got it about 4 months ago and its been amazing. Teeny tiny optical sensor for the water level, automatic shutoff it it runs for more then 15-20 seconds and everything comes in the box. Took about 3 min to set up and most of that was finding the right water level.

 

[nervousmonkey]

If you have an Apex...wait for their Top off coming soon

@Reefcowboy , seriously? I had no idea, I'm just waiting for the return pump to come out, hopefully it's as good as they say it will be, but didn't know Apex was releasing an ATO... Controllable? What features would exist, or how would I program an ATO from Apex? I would love to get one just to play around with it. Maybe have two on the main system as a backup.

 

[reef_junkie]

If you already have an apex then you only need a float switch or optical sensore and a little programing. Beyond that I stay away from controllers that use floats. I'm using the Innovative marine ato right now. It uses conductivity probes and is been pretty accurate so far.

 

[drernesto Verified Sponsor]

$10 auto top off...
Small pump, a tee and a mini floating valve.
It's been working since 3 years without any issue

 

[Jlentz]

The avast pressure switches are great with my apex. I'm currently looking for something for a fusion and I don't want the avast pressure tube sticking out of the top of the tank. I've used the Tunze as well in the past and that is an awesome ato with the Optical sensor. I only got rid of it because I was able to use the Avast with my Apex.

Now to find a solid low profile nano ato.