AutoAqua Smart ATO Automatic Top Off System

milto29 · 06/22/2014, 09:07 PM

What do you guys think? Is it reliable and durable? Or is there another Auto Top Off Systems that you would recommend?

Thanks !

Molly1414 · 06/23/2014, 03:42 AM

Have it on my 29 bio cube works great - love it. Planning on buying another one for the 220 we just set up.

chris.scang · 06/23/2014, 04:57 AM

I recently got one for my 180 gal mixed reef. It is on my sump and I can tell you that it installs in minutes and I am very happy with it. My disclaimer is that I have only had it for 2 weeks though. So far, I like it!

milto29 · 06/23/2014, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molly1414

Have it on my 29 bio cube works great - love it. Planning on buying another one for the 220 we just set up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris.scang

I recently got one for my 180 gal mixed reef. It is on my sump and I can tell you that it installs in minutes and I am very happy with it. My disclaimer is that I have only had it for 2 weeks though. So far, I like it!

My concern is it sliding down, because it's held in place by magnets.

Thanks guys.

ClownsRCoo · 06/23/2014, 07:01 AM

Sliding down wont be an issue. It has strong magnets and is so light that I dont see that happening. How if something were to bump it then it could of course. Ive had mine for 7 months and still enjoy it. The only maintenance it needs is to clean the glass where it is placed every so often. I think I have needed to do this 2 times over the 7 month span that Ive had it. When it loses its optical sensor connection due to dirty glass an audible alarm sounds and it flashes a certain set of lights to let you know.

HouseDJSTL · 06/23/2014, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClownsRCoo

Sliding down wont be an issue. It has strong magnets and is so light that I dont see that happening. How if something were to bump it then it could of course. Ive had mine for 7 months and still enjoy it. The only maintenance it needs is to clean the glass where it is placed every so often. I think I have needed to do this 2 times over the 7 month span that Ive had it. When it loses its optical sensor connection due to dirty glass an audible alarm sounds and it flashes a certain set of lights to let you know.

^^^ This.

Very reliable, very easy to install. You won't regret it.

Robb in Austin · 06/23/2014, 07:17 AM

My question; is the price difference enough compared to the quality and known reliability of the Tunze Osmolator?

Pastey · 06/23/2014, 07:22 AM

I have had both the Osmolator and now the AutoAqua. My Osomolator control unit crapped out on me and I went without ATO for a little while. The Tunze worked well up until that point but I did buy it used so take that how you will. No signs of abuse or corrosion...just an internal issue.

I've only had the AutoAqua for a few days but it seems to be working as it should. Once I know this one works for a while, I'll add another to my 28. I just didn't want to buy two at once only to find out that they crap out after 2 weeks.

chris.scang · 06/23/2014, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

My concern is it sliding down, because it's held in place by magnets.

Thanks guys.

I have not had any issues with it sliding down. It is currently attached on my Eshopps RS-200 acrylic sump.

firemountain · 06/23/2014, 08:44 AM

I just bought the Avast Marine ATO and I should have it installed this week as part of a new build. I can say the magnet is super strong and the build quality was top notch. They come highly recommended from guys here on the forum.

I looked at the Auto Aqua but the Avast has the optional backup float switch and I felt that was worth buying. What if the Auto Aqua gets stuck in the open position due to a power failure or an electrical issue with the unit?? Just saying.

I wound up buying the Spectrapure dosing pump as opposed to the Avast dosing pump only because Spectrpure gives you a 5 year warranty on their pump as opposed to the Avast 1 year. The difference was only $20 bucks more...which I felt was worth the price. I needed the peristaltic pump due to running my ATO in the basement and needed the headroom to pump up to the first floor.

milto29 · 06/23/2014, 10:22 AM

Thanks guys I really appreciate all of your feedback. I'll be buying one for sure. I'll be installing it on a Aqueon ProFlex Sump 2.

Thanks.

milto29 · 06/29/2014, 08:03 AM

Guys I need help. Sometimes it stays on filling my sump all the way, passing the sensor. Is there any settings or adjusting that needs to be done ? I have cleaned it numerous amount of times, both the sump and the AutoAqua Smart ATO.

milto29 · 06/29/2014, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClownsRCoo

Sliding down wont be an issue. It has strong magnets and is so light that I dont see that happening. How if something were to bump it then it could of course. Ive had mine for 7 months and still enjoy it. The only maintenance it needs is to clean the glass where it is placed every so often. I think I have needed to do this 2 times over the 7 month span that Ive had it. When it loses its optical sensor connection due to dirty glass an audible alarm sounds and it flashes a certain set of lights to let you know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HouseDJSTL

^^^ This.

Very reliable, very easy to install. You won't regret it.

Can you please help me ?

ThreeMoneyJ · 06/29/2014, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

Guys I need help. Sometimes it stays on filling my sump all the way, passing the sensor. Is there any settings or adjusting that needs to be done ? I have cleaned it numerous amount of times, both the sump and the AutoAqua Smart ATO.

That sounds like a syphon issue. A few people have had that happen. Make sure the level of your top off tube into the sump is higher than your top off pump. You can also poke a hole in the tube as a syphon break.

milto29 · 06/29/2014, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeMoneyJ

That sounds like a syphon issue. A few people have had that happen. Make sure the level of your top off tube into the sump is higher than your top off pump. You can also poke a hole in the tube as a syphon break.

Thanks ill try it, but it's doing it random. It will go a couple of days fine and then it will just go nuts and fill up my sump.

PaleHorse · 06/29/2014, 08:28 PM

i need to look into this as i need one also

milto29 · 06/29/2014, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaleHorse

i need to look into this as i need one also

I'm sure its something that I'm doing wrong. Besides that it works like a charm. No more of me adding water and the best thing about it all is ,that my skimmer is working perfect now that the water level is consistent.

chris.scang · 06/30/2014, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

I'm sure its something that I'm doing wrong. Besides that it works like a charm. No more of me adding water and the best thing about it all is ,that my skimmer is working perfect now that the water level is consistent.

Tell us about your setup and maybe we can help more. My top-off water container is right beside my sump with the fill hose attached above the water level that I keep so that I don't have any siphon issues. I haven't had a problem with my aquasmart in this configuration.

milto29 · 06/30/2014, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris.scang

Tell us about your setup and maybe we can help more. My top-off water container is right beside my sump with the fill hose attached above the water level that I keep so that I don't have any siphon issues. I haven't had a problem with my aquasmart in this configuration.

My hose is above the sump water level. I have the pump installed in a 5g water tank next to my tank. The hose is about 6inches from the sump water level. Can it be the water level in the 5g water tank? Its above the water level in my sump.

blackway1688 · 06/30/2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

My hose is above the sump water level. I have the pump installed in a 5g water tank next to my tank. The hose is about 6inches from the sump water level. Can it be the water level in the 5g water tank? Its above the water level in my sump.

Is your hose output higher than the water level of your reservoir? The hose output should be higher than the water level of sump and reservoir or it will induce siphon issue after refilling.

milto29 · 06/30/2014, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackway1688

Is your hose output higher than the water level of your reservoir? The hose output should be higher than the water level of sump and reservoir or it will induce siphon issue after refilling.

Yes it is. Can it be the light in my sump ?

milto29 · 06/30/2014, 03:50 PM

Will the Light cause this or will it effect the Sensor ?

janes_mw · 06/30/2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

My hose is above the sump water level. I have the pump installed in a 5g water tank next to my tank. The hose is about 6inches from the sump water level. Can it be the water level in the 5g water tank? Its above the water level in my sump.

not sure if I am picturing your explanation correctly, but if the 5 gallon container is above the sump water level, a siphon could exist from the 5g to the sump. The hose in the sump should be above the water level in the 5g. For "kicks" take a 1 gallon pitcher and put your ATO pump in it and set on the same surface as your sump. That way you can test the ATO in this config for a few days. I don't like having a huge amount of water in my ATO tank anyway just in case the system "runs away".

milto29 · 06/30/2014, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janes_mw

not sure if I am picturing your explanation correctly, but if the 5 gallon container is above the sump water level, a siphon could exist from the 5g to the sump. The hose in the sump should be above the water level in the 5g. For "kicks" take a 1 gallon pitcher and put your ATO pump in it and set on the same surface as your sump. That way you can test the ATO in this config for a few days. I don't like having a huge amount of water in my ATO tank anyway just in case the system "runs away".

Yes I'm going to do that now and try it out. I'll post in a couple of days my feedback. Thanks for you help.

janes_mw · 06/30/2014, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milto29

Yes I'm going to do that now and try it out. I'll post in a couple of days my feedback. Thanks for you help.

pretty sure that will fix it. I run the same system and works great, but my ATO tank is at the same level as my sump.

good luck! Hope it works.

06/22/2014, 09:07 PM	#1
milto29 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 251	AutoAqua Smart ATO Automatic Top Off System What do you guys think? Is it reliable and durable? Or is there another Auto Top Off Systems that you would recommend? Thanks !

06/23/2014, 07:01 AM	#5
ClownsRCoo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 813	Sliding down wont be an issue. It has strong magnets and is so light that I dont see that happening. How if something were to bump it then it could of course. Ive had mine for 7 months and still enjoy it. The only maintenance it needs is to clean the glass where it is placed every so often. I think I have needed to do this 2 times over the 7 month span that Ive had it. When it loses its optical sensor connection due to dirty glass an audible alarm sounds and it flashes a certain set of lights to let you know. __________________ PlanetAquariums 171g (60x30x22) - RoyalExclusiv Dreambox - Bubble King Double Cone 200 Total system volume - 225g

06/23/2014, 07:22 AM	#8
Pastey Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 835	I have had both the Osmolator and now the AutoAqua. My Osomolator control unit crapped out on me and I went without ATO for a little while. The Tunze worked well up until that point but I did buy it used so take that how you will. No signs of abuse or corrosion...just an internal issue. I've only had the AutoAqua for a few days but it seems to be working as it should. Once I know this one works for a while, I'll add another to my 28. I just didn't want to buy two at once only to find out that they crap out after 2 weeks. __________________ I got a fever, and the only prescription is more pictures.

06/23/2014, 08:44 AM	#10
firemountain Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 1,033	I just bought the Avast Marine ATO and I should have it installed this week as part of a new build. I can say the magnet is super strong and the build quality was top notch. They come highly recommended from guys here on the forum. I looked at the Auto Aqua but the Avast has the optional backup float switch and I felt that was worth buying. What if the Auto Aqua gets stuck in the open position due to a power failure or an electrical issue with the unit?? Just saying. I wound up buying the Spectrapure dosing pump as opposed to the Avast dosing pump only because Spectrpure gives you a 5 year warranty on their pump as opposed to the Avast 1 year. The difference was only $20 bucks more...which I felt was worth the price. I needed the peristaltic pump due to running my ATO in the basement and needed the headroom to pump up to the first floor. Last edited by firemountain; 06/23/2014 at 08:50 AM.

06/23/2014, 03:42 AM	#2
Molly1414 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 130	Have it on my 29 bio cube works great - love it. Planning on buying another one for the 220 we just set up.

06/23/2014, 04:57 AM	#3
chris.scang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Valrico, FL Posts: 471	I recently got one for my 180 gal mixed reef. It is on my sump and I can tell you that it installs in minutes and I am very happy with it. My disclaimer is that I have only had it for 2 weeks though. So far, I like it!

06/23/2014, 07:17 AM	#7
Robb in Austin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Georgetown, Tx Posts: 1,016	My question; is the price difference enough compared to the quality and known reliability of the Tunze Osmolator?

06/23/2014, 10:22 AM	#11
milto29 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 251	Thanks guys I really appreciate all of your feedback. I'll be buying one for sure. I'll be installing it on a Aqueon ProFlex Sump 2. Thanks.

06/29/2014, 08:03 AM	#12
milto29 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 251	Guys I need help. Sometimes it stays on filling my sump all the way, passing the sensor. Is there any settings or adjusting that needs to be done ? I have cleaned it numerous amount of times, both the sump and the AutoAqua Smart ATO.

06/29/2014, 08:28 PM	#16
PaleHorse Moved On Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 421	i need to look into this as i need one also

06/30/2014, 03:50 PM	#22
milto29 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 251	Will the Light cause this or will it effect the Sensor ?