Tunze Osmolator ATO Optical Sensor Replacement

GoTakeANap · Aug 7, 2022

Hello Tunze. I have been replumbing one my tanks today and some how I managed to rip my optical sensor cord completely in half. I need to order a replacement but can’t find a website in the USA to order from. Can someone help me? Thank you.

GoTakeANap · Aug 7, 2022

This is the sensor I am needing. 5017 controller is what I have.

rvitko · Aug 8, 2022

We do sell these sensors, but since a calibration is required when it is changed, they are only sold installed. The part is $29.49, the only other charge is shipping. If you send only part 5017.000, controller with sensors, no magnets or other parts, it greatly reduces shipping, controller only will fit safely in a small flat rate priority mail box and mail for $8.65 or can be sent first class mail for around $5. Include your contact and return info in the box.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin TX 78753

brentlee6969 · Aug 17, 2022

Hey @rvitko, I've had a problem since I bought mine where I have to wipe the sensor like every 2 days or it won't top off. Could this just be a sensor problem?

rvitko · Aug 17, 2022

It depends, this can happen especially if you dose kalk or any calcium/buffer dosing near the sensor, it can also happen by a drain or a skimmer that is creating foam around the sensor. Otherwise, the most probable is calibration, but I would check that the sensor is installed properly and not near something that would coat it quickly, things to look for is that there is nothing below the sensor like a wire that a droplet of water can cling between the sensor and wire.

brentlee6969 · Aug 17, 2022

rvitko said:
It depends, this can happen especially if you dose kalk or any calcium/buffer dosing near the sensor, it can also happen by a drain or a skimmer that is creating foam around the sensor. Otherwise, the most probable is calibration, but I would check that the sensor is installed properly and not near something that would coat it quickly, things to look for is that there is nothing below the sensor like a wire that a droplet of water can cling between the sensor and wire.

I just completely broke it down cleaned it and changed its position about a week or 2 ago. It didn't change anything.

rvitko · Aug 18, 2022

Please send it for repair, I only need part 5017.000, controller with sensors, no magnets or other parts should be sent, they will only increase shipping costs. Include a note with return and contact info in the box-

Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

brentlee6969 · Aug 18, 2022

rvitko said:
Please send it for repair, I only need part 5017.000, controller with sensors, no magnets or other parts should be sent, they will only increase shipping costs. Include a note with return and contact info in the box-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

Will do buddy thanks.

anit77 · Sep 6, 2022

rvitko said:
Please send it for repair, I only need part 5017.000, controller with sensors, no magnets or other parts should be sent, they will only increase shipping costs. Include a note with return and contact info in the box-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

I am sending one out to you today as well. Hopefully more sensors have come in.
Thanks for offering this info here!

rvitko · Sep 6, 2022

No problem, yes they arrived Friday. I will be out for MACNA Thursday-Monday but my employee will recieve it and if it is just the optic sensor/calibration, he knows how to do it, worst case, when I get back Tuesday I will get it done.

czhao1009 · Sep 16, 2022

Probably will send mine in too!

Recently it started acting up (after 5 years of flawless performance). It no longer starts the pump when water gets low

restart the device and it will only do the first fill (which I heard was just a self-test kind of thing) and stop working afterwards...

I looked at the sensor but nothing seems to be on it? Soaked it in vinegar&water solution for overnight but didn't solve the issue.

So we basically need to send this whole thing as pictured here: https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/tunze-replacement-controller-5017-000.html? It's $29.49 + roundtrip shipping?

Thanks!

rvitko · Sep 19, 2022

It is $29.49 for the part installed, if you send only the controller US mail, you should be able to send it for around $5 and it will cost about the same to send it back.

tkaplan · Oct 15, 2022

Have one that also stopped working after several years. Cleaned, but no luck. Roger - do you want a check in the box, or can we pay you after you determine the cost of the repair?

rvitko · Oct 17, 2022

We will call after the repair is done for cc, it is easy to determine the repair cost, not so easy to determine the shipping. Just be sure to include your phone number in the box.

FMF0331 · Dec 18, 2022

Thank goodness I found this thread, you'll never guess what happened to my Optical sensor.
I'll be sending in my controller too.

FMF0331 · Jan 5, 2023

I sent in both my ATO controller about a week ago.
Tunze USA reached out to me stated that both sensors needed to be replaced.
Thank you for the quick response and quick service

moodyad10 · Jan 25, 2023

@rvitko I’m having a similar issue with my 3155 as well. About once a week the optical sensor will not shut it off at the right level and will fill till the float switch is engaged. I’ve been trying to figure out the rhyme and reason to when this happens but I’m coming up stumped. Is this a calibration issue or possible bad optical sensor?

rvitko · Jan 26, 2023

It is really rare that a failing sensor causes overfilling, it is not impossible, but they generally are designed to not fill if the sensor fails. I would check these possibilities-

moodyad10 · Jan 26, 2023

Awesome notes. I feel like siphon 3 seems to me my most likely culprit. I will play with my positioning a little and see if I can't remedy that siphon issue. Wondering if my best bet wouldn't be to just run my top off hose straight to the display. I sure do appreciate your help!

Walleye34 · Jan 27, 2023

rvitko said:
It is really rare that a failing sensor causes overfilling, it is not impossible, but they generally are designed to not fill if the sensor fails. I would check these possibilities-

I would like to send mine in also. I upgraded aquariums and had my ATO put away for a while, and it may have gotten banged up. it seems to be over a filling.I’d rather be safe than sorry. I send it to this address correct?
Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda, TX 78753

Thanks