Which ato for smaller system?

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Been out for a year...having a hard time choosing.

Seems like the JBJ is still the most reliable for the price point.

Any other suggestions?

Huff747 · Jul 18, 2018

I've been very happy with my Tunze Osmolator NANO ATO for a similar price (when you consider the Tunze comes with a pump and you have to buy a pump for the JBJ).

Greybeard · Jul 18, 2018

I'm a big fan of the Tunze system. The only one I'd say was as good, or better, would be Neptune's ATO kit, but for that, you've got to have an Apex, as well... pricey option.

For a small system, the Tunze Nano is probably sufficient, though the full Osmolator is a bit more feature rich. Ever planning to upgrade? I'd go with the regular osmolator.

hart24601 · Jul 18, 2018

Been rocking the Smart mico ato for over 6 months now and am quite happy with it. Using with Kalk in the reservoir. If I was going to do it again I might spring for their AWC kit that has a built in ATO.

I have used a tunze in the past and have been happy, the full sized one, but the smart micro has really impressed me. I like that it records the fill up of the past 3 times and doesn't allow the pump to fill much past that (I forget the exact details) and uses an optical sensor.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Huff747 said:
I've been very happy with my Tunze Osmolator NANO ATO for a similar price (when you consider the Tunze comes with a pump and you have to buy a pump for the JBJ).

Yeah, that’s a nice feature. I was nearly sold on the Tunze until I read the reviews. People were acting like it was nothing like the big brother. But I don’t trust reviews anymore anyway.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

As far as being attractive, that’s my first pic. How are the magnets?

Huff747 · Jul 18, 2018

Reefahholic said:
Yeah, that’s a nice feature. I was nearly sold on the Tunze until I read the reviews. People were acting like it was nothing like the big brother. But I don’t trust reviews anymore anyway.

It isn't much like the big brother but it's 1/2 the price. I have the big brother on my big tank and I really like it as well. But I haven't been disappointed with the NANO on my smaller tank. If I ever had the opportunity to get ahold of the big one for a good price I'd upgrade but not something I'm actively shopping for.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Greybeard said:
I'm a big fan of the Tunze system. The only one I'd say was as good, or better, would be Neptune's ATO kit, but for that, you've got to have an Apex, as well... pricey option.

For a small system, the Tunze Nano is probably sufficient, though the full Osmolator is a bit more feature rich. Ever planning to upgrade? I'd go with the regular osmolator.

Can’t go wrong with Tunze! Regarding the Neptune ato, I believe it can run as a stand alone as well. Maybe somebody can confirm.

hart24601 · Jul 18, 2018

Reefahholic said:
As far as being attractive, that’s my first pic. How are the magnets?

On the micro? I just have it on a 10g sump but they are plenty strong. I have no idea if they would hold on say 1/2" glass though, but on regular sump thickness it's no issue. I also avoided the tunze nano after a friend had a bad experience but the full size one is nice. Sure is loud though. Sticking with the smart for the foreseeable future. I bought a replacement pump in case burned it out with kalk, but fine so far.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Huff747 said:
It isn't much like the big brother but it's 1/2 the price. I have the big brother on my big tank and I really like it as well. But I haven't been disappointed with the NANO on my smaller tank. If I ever had the opportunity to get ahold of the big one for a good price I'd upgrade but not something I'm actively shopping for.

Yeah I figured the small one is built with quality like the bigger brother is. I think the reviews are crap. I know Tunze and have seen many of their products over the years. They are built to last.

The experienced side of my brain says get the Tunze Nano, but the reef crazy side says try the Smart Micro.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

hart24601 said:
On the micro? I just have it on a 10g sump but they are plenty strong. I have no idea if they would hold on say 1/2" glass though, but on regular sump thickness it's no issue. I also avoided the tunze nano after a friend had a bad experience but the full size one is nice. Sure is loud though. Sticking with the smart for the foreseeable future. I bought a replacement pump in case burned it out with kalk, but fine so far.

Ok, I think I might try it. It will go on my huge “3/4” thick glass” 5/g sump. Bah haha I hope the magnets hold!

hart24601 · Jul 18, 2018

Think I like about the big tunze is that it's optical switch. The nano is just a float. That is the reason I went with the smart, the optical switches are the best IMO without question.

declanisadog · Jul 18, 2018

Depending on size of tank the nano Tunze is pretty good. The first one I had crapped out, but I liked it enough to buy a second.

declanisadog · Jul 18, 2018

hart24601 said:
Think I like about the big tunze is that it's optical switch. The nano is just a float. That is the reason I went with the smart, the optical switches are the best IMO without question.

Yeah, I have had the float switch on the nano get stuck on me a few time, but the optical switch on the big one has never failed me.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

I will say this while we’re on the subject. I did use the JBJ ATO for a few years without one issue.

The “only reason” why I’m going with something different is honestly due to its size. It’s a little bulky compared to some of the newer designs. Plus I really wanted to try the the optical eyes on these newer units. I think JBJ should consider redesigning.

Brew12 · Jul 18, 2018

hart24601 said:
Been rocking the Smart mico ato for over 6 months now and am quite happy with it. Using with Kalk in the reservoir. If I was going to do it again I might spring for their AWC kit that has a built in ATO.

I have used a tunze in the past and have been happy, the full sized one, but the smart micro has really impressed me. I like that it records the fill up of the past 3 times and doesn't allow the pump to fill much past that (I forget the exact details) and uses an optical sensor.

I used to use one of those myself, until the connection corroded to where it wouldn't make properly. I replaced it with the Tunze, but some days I regret that decision. The Tunze is loud and always runs on start up. The only drawback I had on the Smart ATO was that the optical sensor needed regular cleaning.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Regular cleaning won’t bother me. My concern is reliability and customer service.

Kunzman · Jul 18, 2018

I have been running Ice Cap's ATO for approx 3 months and love it. It's not labeled "nano" however the dual sensor magnets is about the size of a half dollar. Very reliable so far and super quiet.

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

We can’t forget the new XP Aqua!

Reefahholic · Jul 18, 2018

Kunzman said:
I have been running Ice Cap's ATO for approx 3 months and love it. It's not labeled "nano" however the dual sensor magnets is about the size of a half dollar. Very reliable so far and super quiet.

That was my 3rd choice.