Really good ATO (autotopoff unit)

Sk8r · 10/23/2021, 04:22 PM

I had one that worked flawlessly for years and looked as if it were composed of baling wire and spare hose. It finally died, and I have since been through 3 brands none of which worked reliably. The current absolute failure is Tunze, which I cannot even get to respond.

Does anybody have a decent dirt-simple float-switch topoff they can recommend?

Misled · 10/23/2021, 05:15 PM

So my last one wasn't a float system, but it was very reliable. It ran for over two years without a hitch.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/exo-a...fbreeders.html

vsiege · 10/23/2021, 05:30 PM

I have had this unit running since June 2020 without an issue. I like that it has 3 optical sensors. I recommend shutting off the buzzer unless you want it to audibly let ya knownwhen it detects low and starts its top off. Shut it off and never looked back. So you don't get back siphon (in the manual as well), put a pin hole through silicone tubing above reservoir tank. I bought it when it was 90 something but it's been reduced down to 72. Good deal. The DC pump looks comically small but does the job just fine. Good luck and let me know if ya have any setup issues. Take care

FZONE Triple Sensors Aquarium Auto TOP Off Water Refiller System Smart ATO Auto Filling Tank with Intelligent SPT Algorithm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083JG8HWT..._J9bFqJsvqIxZQ

Vinny Kreyling · 10/24/2021, 10:13 AM

Sk8r --
I would get in touch with Roger on the Tunze forum here.
He is a great guy to work with & will not steer you wrong.

fishgate · 10/25/2021, 12:58 PM

Never had an issue with the JBJ. But also never had an issue with the Tunze.

reeftivo · 10/26/2021, 05:30 PM

tunze for 8 years until the optical sensor got too scarred up from cleanings. new one should last me for at least another 8

Sk8r · 10/26/2021, 09:40 PM

thank you all for the responses. You've given me some good avenues to try.

vsiege · 10/26/2021, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

thank you all for the responses. You've given me some good avenues to try.

Hoping things work out well.

origreefer · 11/02/2021, 05:55 PM

I had an ELOS for 10 yrs and it was perfect. When it finally died, I went thru 2 Tunzes, JBJ, Smart ATO, and one other before settling on an Apex. I don't like it at all, very temperamental. I much prefer the old style float switch ATOs.

Member No. 1 · 11/03/2021, 03:08 AM

Gold standard would be a Litermeter set up. Expensive up front, but I've got one running for over 15 years without issue.

herostar · 11/10/2021, 12:30 PM

I've used an autotopoff.com setup for about 6 years with no issues. They have lots of options ranging from single sensors for nano tanks to large setup systems with multiple redundancies.

Crowed · 11/17/2021, 04:20 PM

I have Tunze optical sensor for more than 10 years, few times a year i soak it in vinegar and it looks like new

fromjuan · 11/30/2021, 11:11 PM

I have been using tunze for a few years without issue.

EuroDriver · 12/20/2021, 06:01 PM

I have tried a number of off-the-shelf ATO units, and I've had my issues with all of them. The most reliable that I have been running for several years now is a Tom aqua lifter pump. It's been absolutely solid.

I have it plugged into my Apex with high and low float switches, a regular, 'ol 5 gallon water jug in my cabinet with a piece of rigid airline tube to the bottom, airline hose to the aqua lifter, more airline hose from the aqua lifter into the sump. Absolutely reliable, small footprint and hassle-free.

If you don't use a controller, you can use a solenoid or hard-wire the float switch to the aqua lifter's electrical cord.

Sk8r · 12/22/2021, 01:05 PM

FINALLY got the ATO brand ATO to work. I think.
Understand, I have been operating with chemo-brain fog for a bit, but one of the things that threw me, and could well throw a novice...
...Would you think that if there is a mode A sensor hookup (1 sensor) and a mode B (2 sensors)---they would ship with the unit set to A, as, well, first in the alphabet. And the simplest rig? [I have a 3' deep reservoir and a pump-save arrangement to detect low water is just not needed.]
Chemo-brain, as I said. I assumed. I was also foggy enough not to remember that the pump will NEVER respond to the sensor if not plugged into the unit rather than the wall---a day-1 rookie mistake, but, well, dim. I am all better now.
And the thing MAY be running.

cody6766 · 12/24/2021, 03:59 PM

Quote:

I've used an autotopoff.com setup for about 6 years with no issues.

Me too, plus a few years. I bought one of their 2 float setups used back in 2008 and another sometime in 2010'ish. I'm not sure which one is on my tank now, but I know that both of them still work like new. The simplicity of dual mechanical float switches and a relay box is hard to beat. My maintenance schedule is swish them around in the sump for a few seconds when a float sticks. This happens about every 2-3 years, but sometimes as often as 6 months...terribly inconvenient, haha.

Quote:

FINALLY got the ATO brand ATO to work. I think.

Good to hear!

10/23/2021, 04:22 PM	#1
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Really good ATO (autotopoff unit) I had one that worked flawlessly for years and looked as if it were composed of baling wire and spare hose. It finally died, and I have since been through 3 brands none of which worked reliably. The current absolute failure is Tunze, which I cannot even get to respond. Does anybody have a decent dirt-simple float-switch topoff they can recommend? __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

10/23/2021, 05:15 PM	#2
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	So my last one wasn't a float system, but it was very reliable. It ran for over two years without a hitch. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/exo-a...fbreeders.html __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

10/23/2021, 05:30 PM	#3
vsiege Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 181	I have had this unit running since June 2020 without an issue. I like that it has 3 optical sensors. I recommend shutting off the buzzer unless you want it to audibly let ya knownwhen it detects low and starts its top off. Shut it off and never looked back. So you don't get back siphon (in the manual as well), put a pin hole through silicone tubing above reservoir tank. I bought it when it was 90 something but it's been reduced down to 72. Good deal. The DC pump looks comically small but does the job just fine. Good luck and let me know if ya have any setup issues. Take care FZONE Triple Sensors Aquarium Auto TOP Off Water Refiller System Smart ATO Auto Filling Tank with Intelligent SPT Algorithm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083JG8HWT..._J9bFqJsvqIxZQ __________________ Seahorse setup: 37 gallon; Reef Octopus BH-1000 HOB, Marineland Penguin 200, LEDs Searching for: JBJ chiller and a canister filter

10/24/2021, 10:13 AM	#4
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Sk8r -- I would get in touch with Roger on the Tunze forum here. He is a great guy to work with & will not steer you wrong. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

10/25/2021, 12:58 PM	#5
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	Never had an issue with the JBJ. But also never had an issue with the Tunze. __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

10/26/2021, 05:30 PM	#6
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	tunze for 8 years until the optical sensor got too scarred up from cleanings. new one should last me for at least another 8 __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

10/26/2021, 09:40 PM	#7
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	thank you all for the responses. You've given me some good avenues to try. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

11/02/2021, 05:55 PM	#9
origreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 264	I had an ELOS for 10 yrs and it was perfect. When it finally died, I went thru 2 Tunzes, JBJ, Smart ATO, and one other before settling on an Apex. I don't like it at all, very temperamental. I much prefer the old style float switch ATOs. __________________ Founder, DFWMAS, 1992

11/03/2021, 03:08 AM	#10
Member No. 1 Ver. 2.1 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 1,803	Gold standard would be a Litermeter set up. Expensive up front, but I've got one running for over 15 years without issue. __________________ Pete "I never make mistakes... I thought I did once, but I was wrong" Current Tank Info: In the process - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661614

11/10/2021, 12:30 PM	#11
herostar Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,024	I've used an autotopoff.com setup for about 6 years with no issues. They have lots of options ranging from single sensors for nano tanks to large setup systems with multiple redundancies. __________________ Do a good turn daily. Current Tank Info: 58g Oceanic (Est. 2007)

11/17/2021, 04:20 PM	#12
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	I have Tunze optical sensor for more than 10 years, few times a year i soak it in vinegar and it looks like new

11/30/2021, 11:11 PM	#13
fromjuan Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 12	I have been using tunze for a few years without issue.

12/20/2021, 06:01 PM	#14
EuroDriver Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 108	I have tried a number of off-the-shelf ATO units, and I've had my issues with all of them. The most reliable that I have been running for several years now is a Tom aqua lifter pump. It's been absolutely solid. I have it plugged into my Apex with high and low float switches, a regular, 'ol 5 gallon water jug in my cabinet with a piece of rigid airline tube to the bottom, airline hose to the aqua lifter, more airline hose from the aqua lifter into the sump. Absolutely reliable, small footprint and hassle-free. If you don't use a controller, you can use a solenoid or hard-wire the float switch to the aqua lifter's electrical cord.

12/22/2021, 01:05 PM	#15
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	FINALLY got the ATO brand ATO to work. I think. Understand, I have been operating with chemo-brain fog for a bit, but one of the things that threw me, and could well throw a novice... ...Would you think that if there is a mode A sensor hookup (1 sensor) and a mode B (2 sensors)---they would ship with the unit set to A, as, well, first in the alphabet. And the simplest rig? [I have a 3' deep reservoir and a pump-save arrangement to detect low water is just not needed.] Chemo-brain, as I said. I assumed. I was also foggy enough not to remember that the pump will NEVER respond to the sensor if not plugged into the unit rather than the wall---a day-1 rookie mistake, but, well, dim. I am all better now. And the thing MAY be running. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.