Spectrapure ATO failure - what next?

eag · Jul 13, 2021

A couple years ago I bought a Spectrapure ATO. It was extremely expensive, but I also trusted it greatly. High precision pressure-based sensor with a completely separate circuit for the emergency cut-off, coupled with peristaltic pump seemed like a totally winning combination... But over the years, I had a few problems with it stopping, requiring a power cycle to get it going again.

Finally, last week while I was out of town, it decided to dump the entire reservoir into my sump. Why the emergency cut-off failed, I have no idea. The lights indicated it had tripped, but clearly it did not. Smells like a design problem. Luckily there was no flood, but it nearly crashed my tank.

I don't think I can trust this thing anymore, can I? I don't think I could even trust a new one, really... Which sucks because I really like the features. What do you all recommend? Anything similar to the Spectrapure?

Snoopy 67 · Jul 13, 2021

I recommend a call to Spectrapure, they Will help you solve the problem.

Midrats · Jul 13, 2021

I don't like vacuum and float switches that's why I've stuck with their good ole Litermeter. It's easy to dial in evaporation and make minor seasonal adjustments. It only adds what I tell it to. Not one single failure on multiple units since the Nineties.

infinite0180 · Jul 13, 2021

Oh boy, i have one and i thought it was unbeatable. Maybe i need to add an extra Apex float switch to kill the power if it lifts...

dwest · Jul 13, 2021

Sorry this happened. I use one as well. I agree that contacting Spectrapure is important. I hope the OP updates this thread with the resolution. Certainly unexpected with Spectrapure.