Osmolator 3155 issue

lo7100 · Apr 4, 2021

Hi,

I have the osmolator 3155 for a few years and it just started acting up. The pump won’t start to even the sensor is above the water line. The pump only started pumping when I turned the power off and on.
when the power is on, I see 4 red lights with a peep then the light turns to yellow and the pump will start.
however, the pump stops and it will never pump again even the tip of the sensor is out of water.
would it be the issue with the sensor?

ndds73 · Apr 5, 2021

Perhaps the sensor is crystalized by salt and caused it to act up. Mine was in the tank for 4 years and it started to act up like that. So I had to soak it in vinegar to clean out all the salt build up. After that it works as new again.

rvitko · Apr 5, 2021

First, to clarify, the controller only has 2 red lights, in any diagnosis, view the controller directly with no viewing angle as otherwise lights may be visible through other windows.

If you basically have a perpetual green level light after start up, it is a sensor issue. The most simple causes are the sensor will crust over with minerals after some months, it can actually happen in as little as a week in some extreme cases (kalk dosed by the sensor) in that case a hour long soak in vinegar followed by wiping it off with a towel will solve it. Refugium grow lights can also blind it as they emit infrared, which is the same light spectrum the sensor uses.

lo7100 · Apr 5, 2021

rvitko said:
First, to clarify, the controller only has 2 red lights, in any diagnosis, view the controller directly with no viewing angle as otherwise lights may be visible through other windows.

If you basically have a perpetual green level light after start up, it is a sensor issue. The most simple causes are the sensor will crust over with minerals after some months, it can actually happen in as little as a week in some extreme cases (kalk dosed by the sensor) in that case a hour long soak in vinegar followed by wiping it off with a towel will solve it. Refugium grow lights can also blind it as they emit infrared, which is the same light spectrum the sensor uses.

yes, it's actually 2 red lights (too low and too high)

I soak the sensor with vinegar but no help.

do you know how much to replace the sensor and how do I proceed?

thanks

rvitko · Apr 5, 2021

Too low and too high on together is the water damage indicator. A bad optic sensor shows as a constant green level light. Assuming the damage is minor, I can repair it, most water damage is caused by plugging in a wet power supply tip. Replacing an optic sensor is $29.49, but I don't think that is the issue.

lo7100 · Apr 5, 2021

rvitko said:
Too low and too high on together is the water damage indicator. A bad optic sensor shows as a constant green level light. Assuming the damage is minor, I can repair it, most water damage is caused by plugging in a wet power supply tip. Replacing an optic sensor is $29.49, but I don't think that is the issue.

I think I made you confused. The too low and too high lights are on when initial startup. After the pump start up at “pump on” level, the green light is on at the “level” mark.
How can I send in to repair? Can you send me the info please?

rvitko · Apr 6, 2021

I only need the controller, part 5017.000, control box with the 3 attached wires. Include a note with contact and return info.
Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

lo7100 · Apr 7, 2021

Thanks. I will send it out today

lo7100 · Apr 12, 2021

Hi Roger, I sent the osmolator over but the delivery failed. Is it because of Saturday and the office is closed?

lo7100 · May 3, 2022

Hi Roger,
is it possible I can buy the 3155 ato sensor from you. I got it repaired and it failed again after exactly 1 year?

rvitko · May 4, 2022

Can I get your name so I can look up the repair? I am really not supposed to sell sensors outright as this can lead to issues as the calibration should be checked, if I replaced the sensor a year ago, that sensor would be replaced under warranty.

lo7100 · May 4, 2022

My name is Steven Lo.

rvitko · May 4, 2022

Hi Steven,

Yes, we replaced the optic sensor 04/23/21, if the sensor has failed, we would replace it at no charge, can you send it in? It may be there is too much power to the sensor, or something else needs to be checked to prevent this from happening again.