Auto-top off (ATO)

TheReefaholic · 10/29/2012, 10:08 PM

Any suggestions on auto top offs? I've looked at a few. Thinkin JBJ ATO is my best bet. Have a 20 tank for reservoir feed ing into my eshopp's r-100 sump?

Below Sea Level · 10/30/2012, 08:10 AM

This is a good unit and I have not heard anything but good. Another is the Tunze Osmolator. It has a hefty price tag but a fantastic unit.
I have tried a couple autotopoff units from the website of the same name and will not use them again. Too many times they would not respond as they should. Pay the extra and get either the JBJ or Tunze

Nanodoc · 10/30/2012, 08:17 AM

I have an Osmolator on my 28 gallon Nanocube, now with my daughter. It works flawlessly. She is in college and sometimes leaves for 2 weeks at a time, leaving a 5 gallon bucket as reservoir. It has some safety features in case the optical eye is covered with algae or such, the mechanical stop prevents flooding, audible alarm. It is still working after 4 years.
I like it so much , I have one on my rSM now.
hope that helps in making your decision

Cbechdel · 10/30/2012, 08:25 AM

I too jump on the tunze osmolator bandwagon. Simple to set up simple to operate. Flawlessly reliable.

TheReefaholic · 10/30/2012, 09:13 AM

Those were the main 2 brands I was looking at. Where is the best price on the osmo? I found the JBJ for 79.99 + 7.99 s/h.

BigAl2007 · 10/30/2012, 09:26 AM

I've owned the following:

DIY version
Autotopoff.com
JBJ

and now (for 3 1/2 years running) I'm using a Tunze 3155 ATO. The Tunze is the most expensive one I've used but it's also the ONLY one that didn't have a failure in the first 18 months. For such an important part of your system why not go ahead and get the one with an amazing track record . . . .

tatorswife · 10/30/2012, 09:43 AM

We have the tunze osmolator..love it

TheReefaholic · 10/30/2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

I've owned the following:

DIY version
Autotopoff.com
JBJ

and now (for 3 1/2 years running) I'm using a Tunze 3155 ATO. The Tunze is the most expensive one I've used but it's also the ONLY one that didn't have a failure in the first 18 months. For such an important part of your system why not go ahead and get the one with an amazing track record . . . .

From what I've read (alot) I would agree. Might as well get the Tunze. If I may ask how did the JBJ fail?

BigAl2007 · 10/30/2012, 11:10 AM

The JBJ failed (fortunately) in the Off/closed mode. It would work for a few days and then the water level would get low and I'd realize it wasn't working. A power cycle would restore operation and then a few days later same thing. I finally tossed it.

Also note that this was my 2nd JBJ. When I took down my large reef system the JBJ ATO went with the system and the new owner was never able to get it to work correctly after the move. I don't know if something came loose inside or what but I think he ended up tossing that unit.

TheReefaholic · 10/30/2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

The JBJ failed (fortunately) in the Off/closed mode. It would work for a few days and then the water level would get low and I'd realize it wasn't working. A power cycle would restore operation and then a few days later same thing. I finally tossed it.

Also note that this was my 2nd JBJ. When I took down my large reef system the JBJ ATO went with the system and the new owner was never able to get it to work correctly after the move. I don't know if something came loose inside or what but I think he ended up tossing that unit.

Hank you sir. Why buy 2 JBJ when you can buy one Tunze.... Note to self lol. Do you prefer a regular small pump or aqua lifter to supply you ATO?

sucker_fish · 10/30/2012, 12:34 PM

I would go with the tunze osmolator, excellent top off unit, no need to worry about failures. This thing is absolutely dependable, and you can buy one used on here, just jump on one when you see it they go fast..

Nanodoc · 10/30/2012, 03:38 PM

wow, a lot of Tunze lovers here. Makes me feel good about my choice(s).
Anybody using the Tunze kalkwasser thingie( the name escapes me now)?

BigAl2007 · 10/30/2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReefaholic

Hank you sir. Why buy 2 JBJ when you can buy one Tunze.... Note to self lol. Do you prefer a regular small pump or aqua lifter to supply you ATO?

That's part of the beauty of the Tunze... it comes WITH the pump

techdiver · 10/30/2012, 09:08 PM

I have researched and decided on the Tunze as well for my future upgrade. It is more expensive than the JBJ, but it may be worth it if it saves you from water damage. I bet home insurance companies hate reef tanks. In the future they may put a reef tank clause in home policies.

TheReefaholic · 10/31/2012, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

That's part of the beauty of the Tunze... it comes WITH the pump

+2 for the Tunze and +1 to you for valuable info. Thanks!! I will definantly be getting a Tunze Osmo!!

TheReefaholic · 10/31/2012, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techdiver

I have researched and decided on the Tunze as well for my future upgrade. It is more expensive than the JBJ, but it may be worth it if it saves you from water damage. I bet home insurance companies hate reef tanks. In the future they may put a reef tank clause in home policies.

From all the reviews I've read the past few day and the people on here, I believe it is by far(way far lol), the best option. I wouldn't doubt a tank clause in the near future.

TheReefaholic · 10/31/2012, 06:58 AM

And now bonus pts. Can anyone tell me (BigAl haha)the power rating for the pump that comes with the Osmo? I would like to know the watts consumption of this specific pump. I have a fairly energy efficient setup going and I doubt this small pump pulls hardly any energy but I would just like to know for piece of mind.

BigAl2007 · 10/31/2012, 07:01 AM

I would have to get a new one and see if it's listed anywhere. My current Tunze ATO pump is completely "white" from the Kalk I run through my ATO. I don't remember seeing any specs on it but I'll go "Googling" right now and see if I can find that information.

I would imagine it's very low but still good to know

BigAl2007 · 10/31/2012, 07:08 AM

Here is all I can find about the Tunze "Metering Pump" part #5000.020

Quote:

Operating on low-voltage 3 to 12 VDC for Osmolator, performance with 4 mm (.15 in.) hose at 11 V: 0.9 m (35.4 in.) - 100 l/h (26.4 USgal./h),
1.4 m (55.1 in.) - 80 l/h (21.1 USgal./h), 1.9 m (74.8 in.) - 58 l/h (15.3 USgal./h), Hmax 3.6 m (141.7 in.).

Nanodoc · 10/31/2012, 10:51 AM

it only works as needed, so power consumption is negligible.
it is very quiet and small.

TheReefaholic · 10/31/2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl2007

Here is all I can find about the Tunze "Metering Pump" part #5000.020

Information Gold right there!!! Thank you +3

10/29/2012, 10:08 PM	#1
TheReefaholic Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 102	Auto-top off (ATO) Any suggestions on auto top offs? I've looked at a few. Thinkin JBJ ATO is my best bet. Have a 20 tank for reservoir feed ing into my eshopp's r-100 sump?

10/30/2012, 08:10 AM	#2
Below Sea Level Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Jackson, TN Posts: 349	This is a good unit and I have not heard anything but good. Another is the Tunze Osmolator. It has a hefty price tag but a fantastic unit. I have tried a couple autotopoff units from the website of the same name and will not use them again. Too many times they would not respond as they should. Pay the extra and get either the JBJ or Tunze __________________ Sent from my PC...what you think I can afford one of them fancy phones? pffft Current Tank Info: 5 gallon nano

10/30/2012, 12:34 PM	#11
sucker_fish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Covington, TN Posts: 441	I would go with the tunze osmolator, excellent top off unit, no need to worry about failures. This thing is absolutely dependable, and you can buy one used on here, just jump on one when you see it they go fast.. __________________ <------- Have you ever seen tortoises playing leapfrog? Current Tank Info: 40 B w/ T5's and tunze 9002 skimmer. no sump. 90 gal. mixed reef, 36"x16"x16" sump/fuge, reef octopus xp2000 skimmer, water blaster hy5000 return.

10/30/2012, 09:08 PM	#14
techdiver Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,401	I have researched and decided on the Tunze as well for my future upgrade. It is more expensive than the JBJ, but it may be worth it if it saves you from water damage. I bet home insurance companies hate reef tanks. In the future they may put a reef tank clause in home policies. __________________ Jackson Area Reef Club

10/30/2012, 08:17 AM	#3
Nanodoc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 253	I have an Osmolator on my 28 gallon Nanocube, now with my daughter. It works flawlessly. She is in college and sometimes leaves for 2 weeks at a time, leaving a 5 gallon bucket as reservoir. It has some safety features in case the optical eye is covered with algae or such, the mechanical stop prevents flooding, audible alarm. It is still working after 4 years. I like it so much , I have one on my rSM now. hope that helps in making your decision

10/30/2012, 08:25 AM	#4
Cbechdel Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 62	I too jump on the tunze osmolator bandwagon. Simple to set up simple to operate. Flawlessly reliable.

10/30/2012, 09:13 AM	#5
TheReefaholic Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 102	Those were the main 2 brands I was looking at. Where is the best price on the osmo? I found the JBJ for 79.99 + 7.99 s/h.

10/30/2012, 09:26 AM	#6
BigAl2007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Waynesville, NC USA Posts: 1,737	I've owned the following: DIY version Autotopoff.com JBJ and now (for 3 1/2 years running) I'm using a Tunze 3155 ATO. The Tunze is the most expensive one I've used but it's also the ONLY one that didn't have a failure in the first 18 months. For such an important part of your system why not go ahead and get the one with an amazing track record . . . .

10/30/2012, 09:43 AM	#7
tatorswife Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 128	We have the tunze osmolator..love it

10/30/2012, 11:10 AM	#9
BigAl2007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Waynesville, NC USA Posts: 1,737	The JBJ failed (fortunately) in the Off/closed mode. It would work for a few days and then the water level would get low and I'd realize it wasn't working. A power cycle would restore operation and then a few days later same thing. I finally tossed it. Also note that this was my 2nd JBJ. When I took down my large reef system the JBJ ATO went with the system and the new owner was never able to get it to work correctly after the move. I don't know if something came loose inside or what but I think he ended up tossing that unit.

10/30/2012, 03:38 PM	#12
Nanodoc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 253	wow, a lot of Tunze lovers here. Makes me feel good about my choice(s). Anybody using the Tunze kalkwasser thingie( the name escapes me now)?

10/31/2012, 06:58 AM	#17
TheReefaholic Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 102	And now bonus pts. Can anyone tell me (BigAl haha)the power rating for the pump that comes with the Osmo? I would like to know the watts consumption of this specific pump. I have a fairly energy efficient setup going and I doubt this small pump pulls hardly any energy but I would just like to know for piece of mind.

10/31/2012, 07:01 AM	#18
BigAl2007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Waynesville, NC USA Posts: 1,737	I would have to get a new one and see if it's listed anywhere. My current Tunze ATO pump is completely "white" from the Kalk I run through my ATO. I don't remember seeing any specs on it but I'll go "Googling" right now and see if I can find that information. I would imagine it's very low but still good to know

10/31/2012, 10:51 AM	#20
Nanodoc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 253	it only works as needed, so power consumption is negligible. it is very quiet and small.