Where does my ATO sensor go?

[BaileyB]

My return section of my sump level drops super slowly, like over the course of a couple of days, no matter how much I adjust the return/ intake lines. My ATO sensor is with my intake line next to my skimmer, should it be in the return section of my sump instead where the water level is dropping? I would hate for my ATO to put in too much fresh water over the course of days and drop salinity. My overflow is capable of taking in much more water than my return pump is capable of, so once I get the adjustments stable I should be ok to assume that the level of water dropping is evaporation? Thanks guys the sump is a little difficult to figure out...

 

[fcmatt]

The sensor to put more water in the tank should always go in the calm area of the return pump after all baffles. My two cents.

 

[C. Eymann]

My return section of my sump level drops super slowly, like over the course of a couple of days, no matter how much I adjust the return/ intake lines. My ATO sensor is with my intake line next to my skimmer, should it be in the return section of my sump instead where the water level is dropping? I would hate for my ATO to put in too much fresh water over the course of days and drop salinity. My overflow is capable of taking in much more water than my return pump is capable of, so once I get the adjustments stable I should be ok to assume that the level of water dropping is evaporation? Thanks guys the sump is a little difficult to figure out...

Yes put it in the return section, it is dropping slowly due to evaporation.

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

Definitely the return section. Generally a couple inches above the return pump, and below the level of the last baffle.

 

[Peace River]

Yes put it in the return section, it is dropping slowly due to evaporation.

+1

...and then make sure that it doesn't move. Some of them are held in place by a magnet and if you bump a wire when doing tank maintenance you may accidentally change the sensor location.

 

[C. Eymann]

+1

...and then make sure that it doesn't move. Some of them are held in place by a magnet and if you bump a wire when doing tank maintenance you may accidentally change the sensor location.

^^^ wise advice, this is why I like ATOs like Tunzes that will shut down if they run more than a customizable length of time, as it will usually run no longer than 10 sec when operating to maintain evaporation, if something like the above happens, exp: yanking a wire accidentally and causing the sensor to be pulled up.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Definitely the return section. Generally a couple inches above the return pump, and below the level of the last baffle.

I actually like mine right near the top of the baffle. The return section will drop about one inch then fill back up (rather that having it near the pump so the return section will be almost empty then fill all the way up).

 

[fcmatt]

Tunze magnets dont move. They only injure or maim. Dang those things are strong.

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

I have my apex programmed so that the the ATO cannot run more than 15 seconds every ten minutes. It also alarms me with a text if the sensor is in the on position for longer than an hour.

 

[BaileyB]

Thanks for the help guys, I’m going to put my ATO in the return section of my sump and test salinity everyday for the next week- week and a half to see if there are any fluctuations.

 

[Nate h]

Also you can put a mark on the sump at the magnet height you want and just double check on it after doing maintenance in that area.

 

[BeejReef]

The water level in any sump will drop a bit after startup. Each system is different based on how much drains into the sump when power is off.

Mine probably rises 1.5" when the pump is off. The ATO optical sensor is underwater with power off and the water level is just shy of tripping the high water alarm. You place your ATO sensor at the level the sump stabilizes at when the return is running.