Wh makes the momost reliable top off?

Harry_Fish · 02/16/2009, 10:08 AM

I am looking at the Tunze Osmolator for a top off system.

It looks good because it is an all in one solution and the pump is replacable.

Any first hand experiance?

Are there other systems out there that would be a better choice.

Thank you

Rysam · 02/16/2009, 10:14 AM

i've never had an issue with my autotopoff.com unit. its been a few years and has only needed a vinegar bath every 6 months or so.

MattG · 02/16/2009, 10:27 AM

Ive used a tunze osmolator for the past 5 years. Only had a problem with it one time that i remember and it was just due to calcium build up on the eye. A simple vinegar soak and it was back to working as usual. In my eyes its well worth the cost.

Logzor · 02/16/2009, 10:32 AM

I use the spectra-pure ultra precise auto top off unit. It uses an independent remote pump - the same one used with the litermeter three. These are known to be extremely reliable. Not to mention they can pull water from long distances.

The sensor uses air pressure to know when to raise the water level. You simply attached this small unit inside your sump and tell the main pump when to start filling. It can recognize a 1/10th of an inch in water level drop.

I use mine to top off with limewater. I have the unit set to pump every ten seconds when it notices the water level has gone down 1/10th of an inch. So I essentially have a drip top off with limewater. It helps keeps my water parameters stable.

It also has a back up float switch that turns the pump off. I have this set just high enough that it would only have to pump in a few extra squirts to turn off the unit. I find it to be completely foolproof.

Firekat · 02/17/2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rysam
i've never had an issue with my autotopoff.com unit. its been a few years and has only needed a vinegar bath every 6 months or so.

I just went and looked at your ATO; looks like what I need. Does it come with everything you need? I have a 30 gal. I just want a ATO so that I can go away for more than 2 days.

tampa-reefer · 02/17/2009, 03:38 PM

Tunze Osmolator

scooter86 · 02/17/2009, 04:10 PM

Tunze osmolator +1

tweetyfish · 02/17/2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rysam
i've never had an issue with my autotopoff.com unit. its been a few years and has only needed a vinegar bath every 6 months or so.

I have been using one of their units for 3 years. I use double flots w/ double valves.

TTU_Reefer · 02/17/2009, 04:23 PM

autotopoff.com with 2 floats..

A++++

Achapman · 02/17/2009, 04:56 PM

I have the level-loc. The guy that makes them is local to me as well...

http://gapproducts.com/

Harry_Fish · 02/17/2009, 04:57 PM

I had heard there was an issue on the Tunze with the optical sensor,
But I'm not sure if it was just that theny needed to be cleaned.????

scooter86 · 02/17/2009, 05:40 PM

I have had mine running for three years with no problems. I wipe the sensor once a month with a paper towel. I have no experience with other units, but I consider the osmolator one of my best purchases.

Harry_Fish · 02/17/2009, 05:46 PM

Thank you!

Firekat · 02/18/2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tweetyfish
I have been using one of their units for 3 years. I use double flots w/ double valves.

Does that come with everything you need? I really need to get a ATO and the price is great....

Jay180reef · 02/18/2009, 03:10 PM

Well I bought my Osmolator 4 months ago and it still doesn't work. The optical sensor has never worked and they sent the wrong replacement part the first time and I'm still waiting for the right part....

Purple Haze · 02/18/2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jay180reef
Well I bought my Osmolator 4 months ago and it still doesn't work. The optical sensor has never worked and they sent the wrong replacement part the first time and I'm still waiting for the right part....

You may be one of the first people I've seen to have a problem with receiving incorrect parts from Tunze.

Check out the Tunze forum here on Reefcentral. Roger may be able to help out.

Jay180reef · 02/18/2009, 05:56 PM

Unfortunately, Roger can't help because I'm up in Canada. He was the first person I talked to, and he referred me to the Canadian Tunze rep.

JNye · 02/18/2009, 06:49 PM

Tunze Osmolator for me, its all I have used. Its great, no complaints at all.
Jay180reef-sucks that you don't have Roger to solve your tunze problems, I've dealt with Roger twice and it has been no questions asked, problem solved. Hopefully the Canadian rep is half as good.

Logzor · 02/18/2009, 06:57 PM

The spectra pure unit has nothing that needs to be cleaned or wiped off. You just place in the unit - which has airline tubing attached - and it detects changes in pressure.

Not a ton of people have these, they are kind of expensive, I live in an apt so I cant risk anything happening. It has performed extremely well...

Rysam · 02/18/2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Firekat
Does that come with everything you need? I really need to get a ATO and the price is great....

The autotopoff(dual float sump mount) comes with everything needed except the pump and its only 8$ extra. or you can use any pump that will take 1/4"

MRDHJ1 · 02/18/2009, 09:35 PM

Tunze osmolator +2. Has worked perfect for over YEAR. BEST THING i HAVE FOR THE REEF!

saltydog1 · 02/18/2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry_Fish
I am looking at the Tunze Osmolator for a top off system.

It looks good because it is an all in one solution and the pump is replacable.

Any first hand experiance?

Are there other systems out there that would be a better choice.

Thank you

I've had the Tunze for about a year now. No problems whatsoever. I love it. Very accurate. Money well spent IMO. Worth the $$ to me !

cpllongjk · 02/18/2009, 09:43 PM

i second the tunze osmolator. I love mine. Make sure you clean the eye every few months. Its a pain when it gets calcium build up on it.

saltydog1 · 02/18/2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Harry_Fish
I am looking at the Tunze Osmolator for a top off system.

It looks good because it is an all in one solution and the pump is replacable.

Any first hand experiance?

Are there other systems out there that would be a better choice.

Thank you

I've had the Tunze for about a year now. No problems whatsoever. I love it. Very accurate. Money well spent IMO. Worth the $$ to me !

dzhuo · 02/18/2009, 10:22 PM

i heard the tunze unit is pretty loud, is that true?

02/16/2009, 10:08 AM	#1
Harry_Fish Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Liverpool, NY Posts: 1,461	Wh makes the momost reliable top off? I am looking at the Tunze Osmolator for a top off system. It looks good because it is an all in one solution and the pump is replacable. Any first hand experiance? Are there other systems out there that would be a better choice. Thank you

02/16/2009, 10:14 AM	#2
Rysam Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: paradise california Posts: 1,000	i've never had an issue with my autotopoff.com unit. its been a few years and has only needed a vinegar bath every 6 months or so. __________________ Josh “Seek advice but use your own common sense” Yiddish Proverb quote “Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 135 reef

02/16/2009, 10:27 AM	#3
MattG Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 3,216	Ive used a tunze osmolator for the past 5 years. Only had a problem with it one time that i remember and it was just due to calcium build up on the eye. A simple vinegar soak and it was back to working as usual. In my eyes its well worth the cost. __________________ Matt Current Tank Info: 215 mixed reef

02/17/2009, 03:38 PM	#6
tampa-reefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: West Central Florida Posts: 866	Tunze Osmolator __________________ Psychobilly and Rockabilly Tiger Army never dies. Current Tank Info: Some type of glass box

02/17/2009, 04:10 PM	#7
scooter86 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: LI, NY Posts: 380	Tunze osmolator +1 __________________ Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you are going to meet the same people on the way down. Current Tank Info: 180 reef 155 african

02/16/2009, 10:32 AM	#4
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	I use the spectra-pure ultra precise auto top off unit. It uses an independent remote pump - the same one used with the litermeter three. These are known to be extremely reliable. Not to mention they can pull water from long distances. The sensor uses air pressure to know when to raise the water level. You simply attached this small unit inside your sump and tell the main pump when to start filling. It can recognize a 1/10th of an inch in water level drop. I use mine to top off with limewater. I have the unit set to pump every ten seconds when it notices the water level has gone down 1/10th of an inch. So I essentially have a drip top off with limewater. It helps keeps my water parameters stable. It also has a back up float switch that turns the pump off. I have this set just high enough that it would only have to pump in a few extra squirts to turn off the unit. I find it to be completely foolproof.

02/17/2009, 04:23 PM	#9
TTU_Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 528	autotopoff.com with 2 floats.. A++++ __________________ "Sheep only have two speeds, graze and stampede..." Current Tank Info: Reef and FOWLR

02/17/2009, 04:56 PM	#10
Achapman Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 265	I have the level-loc. The guy that makes them is local to me as well... http://gapproducts.com/ __________________ 30x30x30 cube - 400 Radium w/Galaxy ballast - XP-2000 Skimmer - Reeflo Dart return - Tunze 6105's w/7095 controller Current Tank Info: 180RR w/55g sump - ASD 8.2 Skimmer - 3 Lumenbright Larges with 12k Reeflux on Icecap ballasts.

02/17/2009, 04:57 PM	#11
Harry_Fish Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Liverpool, NY Posts: 1,461	I had heard there was an issue on the Tunze with the optical sensor, But I'm not sure if it was just that theny needed to be cleaned.????

02/17/2009, 05:40 PM	#12
scooter86 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: LI, NY Posts: 380	I have had mine running for three years with no problems. I wipe the sensor once a month with a paper towel. I have no experience with other units, but I consider the osmolator one of my best purchases. __________________ Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you are going to meet the same people on the way down. Current Tank Info: 180 reef 155 african

02/17/2009, 05:46 PM	#13
Harry_Fish Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Liverpool, NY Posts: 1,461	Thank you!

02/18/2009, 03:10 PM	#15
Jay180reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 431	Well I bought my Osmolator 4 months ago and it still doesn't work. The optical sensor has never worked and they sent the wrong replacement part the first time and I'm still waiting for the right part.... __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: 180G reef, 2x45G sumps, 45G fuge, MH lights w/T5s, ReefOcto skmr, Barracuda pump, Magnum powerheads

02/18/2009, 05:56 PM	#17
Jay180reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 431	Unfortunately, Roger can't help because I'm up in Canada. He was the first person I talked to, and he referred me to the Canadian Tunze rep. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: 180G reef, 2x45G sumps, 45G fuge, MH lights w/T5s, ReefOcto skmr, Barracuda pump, Magnum powerheads

02/18/2009, 06:49 PM	#18
JNye Moved On Up Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lansing, IL Posts: 2,230	Tunze Osmolator for me, its all I have used. Its great, no complaints at all. Jay180reef-sucks that you don't have Roger to solve your tunze problems, I've dealt with Roger twice and it has been no questions asked, problem solved. Hopefully the Canadian rep is half as good. __________________ Joe Current Tank Info: it don't matter just don't bite it

02/18/2009, 06:57 PM	#19
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	The spectra pure unit has nothing that needs to be cleaned or wiped off. You just place in the unit - which has airline tubing attached - and it detects changes in pressure. Not a ton of people have these, they are kind of expensive, I live in an apt so I cant risk anything happening. It has performed extremely well...

02/18/2009, 09:35 PM	#21
MRDHJ1 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: santa rosa Posts: 310	Tunze osmolator +2. Has worked perfect for over YEAR. BEST THING i HAVE FOR THE REEF! __________________ Dale Current Tank Info: 58 gal, 125 gal reef tank

02/18/2009, 09:43 PM	#23
cpllongjk Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 1,066	i second the tunze osmolator. I love mine. Make sure you clean the eye every few months. Its a pain when it gets calcium build up on it.

02/18/2009, 10:22 PM	#25
dzhuo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,338	i heard the tunze unit is pretty loud, is that true? __________________ One of the most frustrating thing about this hobby? The blind leading the blind.