Tunze Osmolator or Neptune ATK for ATO

[SpyC]

I used a tunze osmolator for years, but after being out of the hobby for almost 7 years and am on the hunt for an ATO. Newer reviews for the osmolator appear very 50/50 and the ATK also ha numerous poor reviews. I do like the idea of adding moisture sensors without an apex. The sensors on the atk appear to be the common complaint on the ATK and the pump on the osmolator. I do not have an apex at this time, but plan on getting one at some point. Which would you go with? What is everyone’s experience with the newer osmolator and atk? Should I go with a different option?

 

[Pistondog]

Tunze. I have an apex and like the simplicity of the tunze "out of the box" solution.
I have 3 tunzes and have just recently replaced the 1st pump after 5 years of use. The others have 3 years each.

 

[blaxsun]

I've used both - the Neptune (while bulkier) is far more reliable with dual sensors, a float backup and the ability to add an additional optical sensor in the reservoir (for cutoffs). There's also the advanced programming functionality with an Apex. If space isn't tight go with the Neptune.

 

[SpyC]

I've used both - the Neptune (while bulkier) is far more reliable with dual sensors, a float backup and the ability to add an additional optical sensor in the reservoir (for cutoffs). There's also the advanced programming functionality with an Apex. If space isn't tight go with the Neptune.

How long is the entire float valve and magnet setup? I an curious if it will work in my return section. The osmolator also has 2 sensors. A low level optical and a float high level.

 

[blaxsun]

How long is the entire float valve and magnet setup? I an curious if it will work in my return section. The osmolator also has 2 sensors. A low level optical and a float high level.

I'm guestimating here (not in front of the sump atm), but probably 2" wide by 4-5" in length. The Neptune has 2 optical sensors (low/high) and the float, plus I have a 3rd optical sensor in the reservoir itself (so a total of 4, not including the leak detection sensor adjacent).

 

[SpyC]

I'm guestimating here (not in front of the sump atm), but probably 2" wide by 4-5" in length. The Neptune has 2 optical sensors (low/high) and the float, plus I have a 3rd optical sensor in the reservoir itself (so a total of 4, not including the leak detection sensor adjacent).

did you only run it with an apex or stand alone and apex later? I hate how 50/50 the reviews are.The apex seems like. Much better choice features wise. Thank you for your help!

 

[Tamberav]

I used a tunze osmolator for years, but after being out of the hobby for almost 7 years and am on the hunt for an ATO. Newer reviews for the osmolator appear very 50/50 and the ATK also ha numerous poor reviews. I do like the idea of adding moisture sensors without an apex. The sensors on the atk appear to be the common complaint on the ATK and the pump on the osmolator. I do not have an apex at this time, but plan on getting one at some point. Which would you go with? What is everyone’s experience with the newer osmolator and atk? Should I go with a different option?

I have an Apex and use the Tunze Osmolator. It has been in operation for 7 years??? now with the same pump/everything.

Nothing says you can't just use a Tunze while having an Apex?

 

[rtparty]

Tunze

 

[SpyC]

I have an Apex and use the Tunze Osmolator. It has been in operation for 7 years??? now with the same pump/everything.

Nothing says you can't just use a Tunze while having an Apex?

That’s exactly how I ran my tank until 2015.

 

[Tamberav]

That’s exactly how I ran my tank until 2015.

Don't fix what isn't broken!

 

[blaxsun]

did you only run it with an apex or stand alone and apex later? I hate how 50/50 the reviews are.The apex seems like. Much better choice features wise. Thank you for your help!

I run it with an Apex, though you can also run it stand-alone. All I can tell you is that it works 100% flawlessly for me (it's been running for about 4 months now). It's never once topped up above the specified water level - and my salinity remains within ~0.1ppt daily.