Looking at Auto Top Off equipment, what performs as advertised.

[Hybrid Ken]

I am currently looking at top off equipment and devices. I only need to replace a few pints at a time per day right now but if I don't want to go to the office during a weekend or a long weekend (holiday) I am going to need something for top off.
Now the last time I dealt with the need for topping off during my absence we didn't have devices to do it so we improvised with things like inverted 2 liter bottles in the sump that would let a gulp or two of water in when the sump water level dropped below the lip of the bottle, boy have we come along way from then.
My question to the group is cost versus reliability and accuracy as this is only a 24 gallon tank so a over shoot could be as bad if not worse then just a slightly higher salinity for 2 to 4 days.

 

[ndrwater]

Tunze 3155 is imo the best hands down. They just work.

 

[christopher.lauwers]

Tunze 3155 is imo the best hands down. They just work.

I second that.
Bought one a month ago.
Like he said. They just work.

 

[fishyfishyfishy]

I just got this in but only about 100$

 

[3mm3]

I go a different route. Diy using autotopoff.com equipment. Paired to paristaltic pump. You can diy a setup that will outlast your tank and be very precise.

Edit: also can add time delay to prevent rapid pump cycling

 

[ks2509]

I use the Ice cap ATO had it almost 5 months now no issues.

 

[Hybrid Ken]

I should add this is a AIO tank with a rear sump so the top off container will be below the tank.

 

[ndrwater]

Same difference. There is a nano version of the Tunze as well.

 

[Hybrid Ken]

Same difference. There is a nano version of the Tunze as well.

So far every thing I have researched on Tunze has been mostly good ( I attribute some bad reviews of anything to operator error/expectations)

 

[Gonebad395]

This is what I use and my brother and buddies use we have never had a problem ever. Mines been up and running for 3 yrs I have it installed in a 29 gal biocube. It pumps about four foot from my reservoir to display.

 

[ndrwater]

If there is anything bad, and very little IMO, I would say there seems to be a higher rate of displeasure with the nano. The nano only uses a float switch. The regular 3155 is redundant with a float switch and optical sensor.
If it we're me in your situation, I'd just get the 3155 and be done with it. Sounds like the tank is in your office with the possibility of no one being with the tank for a few days at a time. Redundancy is key here. Saving $30-40 and finding out something didn't work could potentially be a catastrophe.
IMO ATO is something not worth trying to get the absolutely cheapest piece of equipment you can find. Just not worth the risk

 

[Rpc07]

I’ve been running the autoaqua smart micro ato and I have zero complaints. I’ve had it on 3 different tanks (same unit). Only thing to keep in mind is every few weeks as a precaution I wipe it off with a towel so the sensor stays clean.

 

[Nick30G]

Tunze 3155 here also running on my 40g... Works great and good piece of mind with 2 fail safes, one being the optical eye and then the backup float sensor. Its expensive but worth it. It keeps my water level and salinity very stable.

 

[Hybrid Ken]

If there is anything bad, and very little IMO, I would say there seems to be a higher rate of displeasure with the nano. The nano only uses a float switch. The regular 3155 is redundant with a float switch and optical sensor.
If it we're me in your situation, I'd just get the 3155 and be done with it. Sounds like the tank is in your office with the possibility of no one being with the tank for a few days at a time. Redundancy is key here. Saving $30-40 and finding out something didn't work could potentially be a catastrophe.
IMO ATO is something not worth trying to get the absolutely cheapest piece of equipment you can find. Just not worth the risk

That's what it is all about, redundancy.

 

[NS Mike D]

I have the aqualifter pump hooked up to the BRS DIY ATO for a year now and have no complaints for this lower budget solution. The BRS DIY ATO kit was very easy as a DIY. It has 2 sensors in case the main fails to the pump shut off.

a fail safe is to use a container that holds just enough water for the weekend.

 

[fermentedhiker]

Avast marine with the backup float valve is all I use now.

 

[mtraylor]

If you have a controller and RO/DI unit. You can hook it up directly. Just use 2 float switches, the second as a fail safe. You will need a solenoid connected to RO/DI unit to turn the water on and off. That is what I have done for over 10 years with no issues. You will eat up DI resin quicker. Just FYI.

 

[jtl]

I have used a Aqua Lifter with an Autotopoff.com system using two float switches for many years without any issues. It is also cheap.

 

[Etmanning]

I'll chime in here with a negative review of the tunze products.

I have a 3155 and a nano, and both have the same problem. The connection from the float to the "brain" is bad and has to be jiggled around almost daily or the system will shut off. Happens on both of them.

That being said, I have another tunze nano on the way just because I can't find anything else that I would rather use.

 

[Alfrareef]

Tunze 3155 here also running on my 40g... Works great and good piece of mind with 2 fail safes, one being the optical eye and then the backup float sensor. Its expensive but worth it. It keeps my water level and salinity very stable.

+1 for Tunze Osmolator. +3 years working 24x7 with zero issues.