This was kind of my concern. I have an old AutoAqua Smart ATO in storage I could use for a bit if needed.
I remember seeing and hearing about a new ATO coming for awhile. I think its the lack of multiple redundancies that is making me think twice. I know it has that second IR sensor but something about the physical float switch in the 3155 makes me breathe a little easier haha. I am sure it is a quality product just hard to find reefers personal experience with it.
No longer considering the Reef Breeder ATO lol.
I used the older Tunze top off for 20 years. The pumps do suck but I became used to the audible operation as an assurance that it's working, that and the display box with water level lights.
I have the tune ATO 3 on my new 200. I don't know what to think. It requires blind faith in tunze. There is no more display box with water level lights. The pump is silent and appears stronger which is awesome. There is no more separate manual high water float switch. I even think that is ok since there is a high level optical switch. My real confusion is that the water level sensor appears to have a 'smart' operation. It won't top off right away with deliberate, quick water level fluctuations. I noticed this happen a few times when I adjusted the "bean" overflow and water level changed a gallon or 2, or just a random sump level change for whatever reason. Maybe it's a built in Saftey or something, but I don't want this feature if it is. It eventually does top off, but Im not sure at what point, and it allows my sump to run low for a period of time.
I would sooner go with a 3155 and get the newer style pump to operate it. I'm probably going to end up switching back myself.
very good point regarding visual representation. My 3155 box sits with all my other controllers where i can quickly glance at to confirm working.I used the older Tunze top off for 20 years. The pumps do suck but I became used to the audible operation as an assurance that it's working, that and the display box with water level lights.
I have the tune ATO 3 on my new 200. I don't know what to think. It requires blind faith in tunze. There is no more display box with water level lights. The pump is silent and appears stronger which is awesome. There is no more separate manual high water float switch. I even think that is ok since there is a high level optical switch. My real confusion is that the water level sensor appears to have a 'smart' operation. It won't top off right away with deliberate, quick water level fluctuations. I noticed this happen a few times when I adjusted the "bean" overflow and water level changed a gallon or 2, or just a random sump level change for whatever reason. Maybe it's a built in Saftey or something, but I don't want this feature if it is. It eventually does top off, but Im not sure at what point, and it allows my sump to run low for a period of time.
I would sooner go with a 3155 and get the newer style pump to operate it. I'm probably going to end up switching back myself.
I have one of the old old models I was going to set back up, the Smart ATO Micro. I just dont know how reliable it will be after being in storage for a couple of years and being as old as it already is haha. I believe I picked it up in 2018.
That peace of mind is worth the price. Knowing the system is functional, the tank is stable, and water isnt going all over the floor with a quick glance is great.
I would love to dive deeper into Apex systems and how I can leverage the automation and notifications but I am not sure if it is really applicable to a nano tank.
The ATK mount won't fit in the IM15. If you go the Apex route you can use two of the magnetic optical sensors with either the FMM module or the ports on the A3 Apex.
