Need some opinions...

jamest0o0 · 05/19/2008, 08:53 PM

I'm trying to figure out what ATO to get. I have heard many good JBJ reviews, but also some bad ones including it stops working well after a few months and makes a loud noise when it goes on? I was also looking at the tunze osmolator which is pretty expensive, but has very good reviews. People seemed to like the fact that it has 2 sensors incase one malfunctions? I will be willing to go more expensive if it means a better piece of equipment that won't break in the future.

BTW, the ATO will be very important to keep stable salinity because I will have a 39g nano with MH's so I am expecting a good deal of evaporation.

thanks!

SeanT · 05/19/2008, 11:09 PM

The Tunze Osmolator is a TOP NOTCH product.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 01:17 PM

Yeah seems like it looking at the price. Is it worth getting over the JBJ because I don't want to risk the ATO malfunctioning and half my tank drying up.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 02:38 PM

bump

Longchamp · 05/20/2008, 02:43 PM

check this out. Its only $50 and its got double redundancy (two switches to prevent a mishap)

www.autotopoff.com

Playa-1 · 05/20/2008, 02:46 PM

Well, I think you should consider a controller. If it's automation and convenience that your looking for, a controller is right up your alley. My controller tracks water level and turns on my injection pump that deliver top-0ff water. On top of that It's constantly monitoring for ph, orp, salinity, temp, controlling lights, pumps, heaters, chiller, wave makers. I have it attached to my home pc for convenience. If I wanted I could access and make adjustments to the system over the internet. Monitor for water leaks.
Lots of options.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 02:50 PM

That does sound convenient lol. How exactly does a controller work and what kind do you have? How would you attach it to a ATO =/?? I'm just confused because I've never had a controller and don't know a lot about them.

Esquare · 05/20/2008, 02:55 PM

I like my Tunze. My only complaint with it is that any time it's turned off then back on (like for water changes) it squirts a little watter in the sump.

Playa-1 · 05/20/2008, 03:49 PM

It's basically a mini computer with a controllable power bar. Each plug is controlled individually and you can set parameters.
Say for instance plug A has my MH lighting system on it. I can set it to come on and go off at certain times of the day. Then I can also have it programmed to override the plug if the temp gets too high and turn the lights off regardless of time of the day.

Plug B&C have heaters on them. I use heaters with built in thermostats. Say if the heater fails and the temp get too high in the tank the controller will shut off power to the heaters.

Plug D has a chiller. Say it's there just for emergencies.
Example: The tank gets too hot the power is cut to the heaters at 79 degrees, the tank continues to heat the controller cuts the power to the MH lights at 84 degrees and if the tank continues to heat then the controller turns the chiller on at 85 degrees.

Plug E has an electric pump on it. You have a reservoir of RO/DI water or Kalk water. The controller monitors water level in the sump. The water level gets low and the controller turns on the pump to top-off the water and turns it off at a designated area.

There are probes that attach to the controller that can be dropped into the sump. They feed the controller information such as temp, water level, ORP, Salinity, PH to name a few.

Plug F has night lights and a fuge light. They come on as the MH lighting is turned off.

You can set it up many different ways. Additional plugs can be used for anything you can imagine such as controlling powerheads, wave makers, additional lighting, etc...

I'm using the Aquatronica controller but there are several good ones worth looking at. I just wanted to put the bug in your ear. I highly recommend a good controller. It's nice to just take a quick look at your computer screen and see many of your important water parameters. You can track history to see how much fluctuation your getting at different hours of the day.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 03:59 PM

After reading a bit and seeing the information you gave me I think I'm understanding it a little more. I just don't get how you would set it up for the ATO, are there sensors or something that you would buy to plug into it? And where would you get the probes for salinity, temp, ph, etc? What are some good controllers to look into? Sounds like a very convenient thing to have.

thanks!

Playa-1 · 05/20/2008, 04:28 PM

The one I've got has like three different packages or you can mix and match to customize it for the features that you want. Typically you would need the controller itself, the powerbar, and that would come with a few sensors such as ph, temp, water level. You could upgrade a little and add ORP sensors, and Salinity Sensors, and USB to link to your PC.
You could upgrade more and get water leak detection, internet control (excuse the poor terminology).
The controller is already set-up to control a peristaltic dosing pump package which is also an upgrade or you could just use any 115v electric dosing pump.
It's totally customizable so you decide which features you want and add them to the basic set up as you want to.

The ATO could be set up in many different ways. You could have a 30 gallon drum of RO/DI water in your garage on a float valve to keep plenty handy. You could have a RO/DI water reservoir of maybe 10 or 15 gallons near your sump. You would fill the reservoir weekly as needed either manually or by water pump. The reservoir feeds sump top-off water via the controller and peristaltic pump. The reservoir acts as a safety mechanism to prevent flooding.
I personally just walk into the garage and dip a 5gal bucket into my 30 gal of RO/DI and set it next to the sump drop the draw tube in. I do this once or twice per week depending on how hot it gets. I would probably get a lil more automated on that process except this is a rental and I don't like running hoses through the walls.

seapug · 05/20/2008, 05:04 PM

Hey Playa, how much did that whole controller contraption with all the probes and goodies cost?

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 05:09 PM

Where can someone in the US get the controller you have?

Playa-1 · 05/20/2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by seapug
Hey Playa, how much did that whole controller contraption with all the probes and goodies cost?

I got a steal on ebay for my system from a dealer liquidating inventory. They can be obtained from:
www.aquariumspecialty.com

Check out this site for other alternatives
www.aquariumcontrollers.com

Esquare · 05/20/2008, 05:51 PM

Check out the Neptune forum under the sponsers forum. I have their Aqua Controller 3 and like it a lot.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 07:00 PM

aquatronica has some sweet features, but it is very expensive. Which kit would you say is the best for the money of the aquatronica controllers?

Fish_wiz2 · 05/20/2008, 07:09 PM

Aquatronica is sweet but as said before very pricey so i would go with a Keep Keeper 2 or Elite (when elite comes out expect cheap used RK2's for sale) they are priced fair and have so far good reviews.

jamest0o0 · 05/20/2008, 07:10 PM

Yeah, I don't know much about controllers what would make one better than another other than extra features?

Playa-1 · 05/21/2008, 09:56 AM

Maybe keep you eyes open for a used one.
I saw a guy selling one on here a while back that was a sweetheart of a deal.
If I were paying retail then I would just get the basic package and add to it the features that you want as you feel the need.

I know their are other controllers out there but I do not have any personal experience with them. It's always wise to look at all your options.

seapug · 05/21/2008, 01:12 PM

I'm interested in setting one of these up, but what would you use as a water level sensor? Is that a special probe you have to buy? I'm looking at the Reefkeeper 2 on the filterguys site and there's no mention of water level sensors...just temp, ph, etc.

What am I missing?

jamest0o0 · 05/21/2008, 01:29 PM

I'm getting the JBJ and basic things now, in the future I will save up for a nice controller since that is basically the only big thing that would be left to upgrade. Part-time minimum wage can only bring in so much $$ lol.

Playa-1 · 05/21/2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamest0o0
I'm getting the JBJ and basic things now, in the future I will save up for a nice controller since that is basically the only big thing that would be left to upgrade. Part-time minimum wage can only bring in so much $$ lol.

They are a bit pricey that's for sure. We all know your pain. Most of us have been there at one point or the other.

Playa-1 · 05/21/2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by seapug
I'm interested in setting one of these up, but what would you use as a water level sensor? Is that a special probe you have to buy? I'm looking at the Reefkeeper 2 on the filterguys site and there's no mention of water level sensors...just temp, ph, etc.

What am I missing?

I'm not sure with the RK2 but the Aquatronica basic package includes the water level sensor. You will have to do some research.

jamest0o0 · 05/21/2008, 03:42 PM

Yup, I'm glad I'm getting the hard part of the hobby out of the way while im young and have time! thanks for all the help guys!

Steve 926 · 05/21/2008, 06:17 PM

I presently use an AC Jr. with a serial link from Neptune Systems, & the T/O listed above from ATO with the double sensor's.
The Ac jr is fine for now, and when I upgrade I'll go with an AC 3 with an orp probe. The Neptune systems have an optional power outlet (HD4), that will allow you to connect each one to a separate ac circuit. The Jr.will operate 3 of them (12 ind. plugs) & the AC3 will operate 4 (16 ind plugs). These units can be used with any of the Neptune controllers they offer. Their basic power strip is 8 outlet's like most controllers available, & run on 1 ac breaker for everything.
I prefer to split the ac power to several HD4 units, & not having all of my power needs on one ac breaker

The TO from ATO, has been in service for 1 year now in my sump.
No problems, I use the controller to power it, & to shut it down when I set a feed cycle (about 15 min.) that shuts down the pumps also. A good time to do a water change now. Occasionally I squirt some RO/DI water on the floats of the TO, to clean any salt creep that may occur on them ( Murphy's Law !) A good idea no matter which TO you use !

Whatever controller you decide on, now or in the future, see if it can be upgraded & still use some of the existing gear you have.
Check the for sale forums, I've seen some of them for a great $

Good Luck

Steve

05/19/2008, 08:53 PM	#1
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Need some opinions... I'm trying to figure out what ATO to get. I have heard many good JBJ reviews, but also some bad ones including it stops working well after a few months and makes a loud noise when it goes on? I was also looking at the tunze osmolator which is pretty expensive, but has very good reviews. People seemed to like the fact that it has 2 sensors incase one malfunctions? I will be willing to go more expensive if it means a better piece of equipment that won't break in the future. BTW, the ATO will be very important to keep stable salinity because I will have a 39g nano with MH's so I am expecting a good deal of evaporation. thanks!

05/19/2008, 11:09 PM	#2
SeanT Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wilmington, North Carolina Posts: 13,860	The Tunze Osmolator is a TOP NOTCH product. __________________ My tank was cool. Current Tank Info: Barebottom (the tank not me...at least not at the moment).

05/20/2008, 01:17 PM	#3
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Yeah seems like it looking at the price. Is it worth getting over the JBJ because I don't want to risk the ATO malfunctioning and half my tank drying up. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 02:38 PM	#4
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	bump __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 02:50 PM	#7
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	That does sound convenient lol. How exactly does a controller work and what kind do you have? How would you attach it to a ATO =/?? I'm just confused because I've never had a controller and don't know a lot about them. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 02:43 PM	#5
Longchamp Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: baltimore Posts: 341	check this out. Its only $50 and its got double redundancy (two switches to prevent a mishap) www.autotopoff.com

05/20/2008, 02:46 PM	#6
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Well, I think you should consider a controller. If it's automation and convenience that your looking for, a controller is right up your alley. My controller tracks water level and turns on my injection pump that deliver top-0ff water. On top of that It's constantly monitoring for ph, orp, salinity, temp, controlling lights, pumps, heaters, chiller, wave makers. I have it attached to my home pc for convenience. If I wanted I could access and make adjustments to the system over the internet. Monitor for water leaks. Lots of options.

05/20/2008, 02:55 PM	#8
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	I like my Tunze. My only complaint with it is that any time it's turned off then back on (like for water changes) it squirts a little watter in the sump. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/20/2008, 03:49 PM	#9
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	It's basically a mini computer with a controllable power bar. Each plug is controlled individually and you can set parameters. Say for instance plug A has my MH lighting system on it. I can set it to come on and go off at certain times of the day. Then I can also have it programmed to override the plug if the temp gets too high and turn the lights off regardless of time of the day. Plug B&C have heaters on them. I use heaters with built in thermostats. Say if the heater fails and the temp get too high in the tank the controller will shut off power to the heaters. Plug D has a chiller. Say it's there just for emergencies. Example: The tank gets too hot the power is cut to the heaters at 79 degrees, the tank continues to heat the controller cuts the power to the MH lights at 84 degrees and if the tank continues to heat then the controller turns the chiller on at 85 degrees. Plug E has an electric pump on it. You have a reservoir of RO/DI water or Kalk water. The controller monitors water level in the sump. The water level gets low and the controller turns on the pump to top-off the water and turns it off at a designated area. There are probes that attach to the controller that can be dropped into the sump. They feed the controller information such as temp, water level, ORP, Salinity, PH to name a few. Plug F has night lights and a fuge light. They come on as the MH lighting is turned off. You can set it up many different ways. Additional plugs can be used for anything you can imagine such as controlling powerheads, wave makers, additional lighting, etc... I'm using the Aquatronica controller but there are several good ones worth looking at. I just wanted to put the bug in your ear. I highly recommend a good controller. It's nice to just take a quick look at your computer screen and see many of your important water parameters. You can track history to see how much fluctuation your getting at different hours of the day.

05/20/2008, 03:59 PM	#10
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	After reading a bit and seeing the information you gave me I think I'm understanding it a little more. I just don't get how you would set it up for the ATO, are there sensors or something that you would buy to plug into it? And where would you get the probes for salinity, temp, ph, etc? What are some good controllers to look into? Sounds like a very convenient thing to have. thanks! __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 04:28 PM	#11
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	The one I've got has like three different packages or you can mix and match to customize it for the features that you want. Typically you would need the controller itself, the powerbar, and that would come with a few sensors such as ph, temp, water level. You could upgrade a little and add ORP sensors, and Salinity Sensors, and USB to link to your PC. You could upgrade more and get water leak detection, internet control (excuse the poor terminology). The controller is already set-up to control a peristaltic dosing pump package which is also an upgrade or you could just use any 115v electric dosing pump. It's totally customizable so you decide which features you want and add them to the basic set up as you want to. The ATO could be set up in many different ways. You could have a 30 gallon drum of RO/DI water in your garage on a float valve to keep plenty handy. You could have a RO/DI water reservoir of maybe 10 or 15 gallons near your sump. You would fill the reservoir weekly as needed either manually or by water pump. The reservoir feeds sump top-off water via the controller and peristaltic pump. The reservoir acts as a safety mechanism to prevent flooding. I personally just walk into the garage and dip a 5gal bucket into my 30 gal of RO/DI and set it next to the sump drop the draw tube in. I do this once or twice per week depending on how hot it gets. I would probably get a lil more automated on that process except this is a rental and I don't like running hoses through the walls.

05/20/2008, 05:04 PM	#12
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	Hey Playa, how much did that whole controller contraption with all the probes and goodies cost? __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

05/20/2008, 05:09 PM	#13
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Where can someone in the US get the controller you have? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 05:51 PM	#15
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Check out the Neptune forum under the sponsers forum. I have their Aqua Controller 3 and like it a lot. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/20/2008, 07:00 PM	#16
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	aquatronica has some sweet features, but it is very expensive. Which kit would you say is the best for the money of the aquatronica controllers? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/20/2008, 07:09 PM	#17
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	Aquatronica is sweet but as said before very pricey so i would go with a Keep Keeper 2 or Elite (when elite comes out expect cheap used RK2's for sale) they are priced fair and have so far good reviews. __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

05/20/2008, 07:10 PM	#18
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Yeah, I don't know much about controllers what would make one better than another other than extra features? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/21/2008, 09:56 AM	#19
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Maybe keep you eyes open for a used one. I saw a guy selling one on here a while back that was a sweetheart of a deal. If I were paying retail then I would just get the basic package and add to it the features that you want as you feel the need. I know their are other controllers out there but I do not have any personal experience with them. It's always wise to look at all your options.

05/21/2008, 01:12 PM	#20
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	I'm interested in setting one of these up, but what would you use as a water level sensor? Is that a special probe you have to buy? I'm looking at the Reefkeeper 2 on the filterguys site and there's no mention of water level sensors...just temp, ph, etc. What am I missing? __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

05/21/2008, 01:29 PM	#21
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	I'm getting the JBJ and basic things now, in the future I will save up for a nice controller since that is basically the only big thing that would be left to upgrade. Part-time minimum wage can only bring in so much $$ lol. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/21/2008, 03:42 PM	#24
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Yup, I'm glad I'm getting the hard part of the hobby out of the way while im young and have time! thanks for all the help guys! __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

05/21/2008, 06:17 PM	#25
Steve 926 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ. Posts: 555	I presently use an AC Jr. with a serial link from Neptune Systems, & the T/O listed above from ATO with the double sensor's. The Ac jr is fine for now, and when I upgrade I'll go with an AC 3 with an orp probe. The Neptune systems have an optional power outlet (HD4), that will allow you to connect each one to a separate ac circuit. The Jr.will operate 3 of them (12 ind. plugs) & the AC3 will operate 4 (16 ind plugs). These units can be used with any of the Neptune controllers they offer. Their basic power strip is 8 outlet's like most controllers available, & run on 1 ac breaker for everything. I prefer to split the ac power to several HD4 units, & not having all of my power needs on one ac breaker The TO from ATO, has been in service for 1 year now in my sump. No problems, I use the controller to power it, & to shut it down when I set a feed cycle (about 15 min.) that shuts down the pumps also. A good time to do a water change now. Occasionally I squirt some RO/DI water on the floats of the TO, to clean any salt creep that may occur on them ( Murphy's Law !) A good idea no matter which TO you use ! Whatever controller you decide on, now or in the future, see if it can be upgraded & still use some of the existing gear you have. Check the for sale forums, I've seen some of them for a great $ Good Luck Steve __________________ Experience is something you don't get, until just after you need it . Current Tank Info: Small in nature (50gal. Reef) Large in Heart. Re-occurring dream of a 300 gal.