Tunze ATO can somebody please help me with cable length?

paintman · Apr 29, 2020

So, a couple of weeks ago I posted a question regarding the length of the sensor wires on the tunze unit. Unfortunately nobody uses a Tunze unit, or if they do, they couldn't give me a general idea of how long the sensor wires are. So I decided to take a chance and buy a unit and see if it would work with my setup. Unfortunately as suspected the cables are way to short to reach from the sump to the controler. And then from the controler to the pump. Although I have read nothing but great reviews on this untit, my first impressions are quite different. First off you would think a German company would have a better way of mounting the brain instead of just half bassed velcro. I mean come on that is a worthless as suction cups for heaters. Secondly you would think they would sell some kind of extension wires.

Has anybody tried to cut and lengthen the cables? The instructions say it is not possible. I can't believe nobody has done this as I have seen top off containers in separate rooms from the sump. How is everybody going about this? My sump is about 8ft. from where i want to mount the brain on my control board, and then my water tank sits about 6ft. away from that spot.
As you can see I want to mount the brain on the wall above my RO unit which is about 8ft. from my sump below my tank.

Then I need to run the wire that talks to the pump to the left, over to the storage tank that will hold my top off water which is about 6 ft.

lapin · Apr 29, 2020

I found this on Reef Central

Look the full length of the cord for the nut, it should be their but may be down near the controller. The float is the same one we have used for a couple decades now. If the nut is missing I can send you one.

You can extend the pump wire with 22 gauge or higher speaker wire.
__________________
Roger Vitko
Tunze USA

As far as the other wires controller - to optical sensor. I would think as long as there not too much current loss over that distance you should get a return signal from the sensor. Someone with sensor knowledge with Reef Pi home made controllers might be able to help

The velcro that comes with the unit has very good adhesive (glue). Mine has had water run down the board its attached to and it still stuck on the board after 2 years.