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I’m considering adding an ATO to my UNS 60U mainly to keep the water level consistent from evaporation, especially when I’m away
I’ve narrowed it down to a few options like the Tunze Osmolator 3 Nano, XP Aqua Duetto², and FZONE QST2.0, but I’m open to other recommendations
My biggest concern is reliability and overfill protection. Since this is a relatively small tank, it wouldn’t take much of a sensor malfunction or pump running too long to raise the water level significantly. I’d really prefer something with a backup/failsafe or some type of protection that shuts the pump down if the primary sensor fails
I’m also trying to keep the equipment inside the tank as small and unobtrusive as possible. That’s one reason I’m hesitant about the Tunze Nano. I trust the brand, but the sensor assembly looks pretty bulky for a smaller rimless planted tank
For those actually running an ATO on a planted/freshwater tank:
What system are you using, how long have you had it, and have you ever had it overfill, fail to top off, or have sensor issues?
I’m especially interested in anyone who has used one of these long enough that they’d actually trust it while away on vacation
Just for SEO purposes and general info, I use a computer system for my tank that does everything. GHL Profilux 4 is the brains, but I added not one but two black mechanical float switch with custom 3D printed brackets.
I had tried the osmolator, but had issues with the optical sensor just not working (always thinking it was full, when it wasn't). I tried some of the amazon cheap-o ATO's, too, and found them to be way worse than the osmolator.
I found mechanical ATO switches, but they're always ugly white color! fine for sump use, but over the rim of my aquarium? Ugly
When I realized there was nothing that was going to satisfy my requirements (dual redundant black float switches at a preset customizable height, with advanced options for programming, safety, max-on-time, etc), I decided to invest in a system that would let me do that all to my heart's content (the Profilux system).
I can access the status of the ATO system at all times from wifi, bluetooth, or anywhere I have internet. I custom-programmed
when the ATO actually tries to fill, and the float switch are redundant -- it only takes one switch reaching the level to cut off the ATO pump. There is a max on time, so if something were to go wrong, it'll only spill about a half gallon over the rim-- which has never happened.
I can also have it set so that the press of a button stops all filters, CO2, heaters, and ATO from functioning while I do my maintenance. Really helpful once you've experienced the panic of an ATO dumping water into your tank while it's 1/3rd filled, messing up your scape...
This system is crazy expensive, but it runs everything for me with total reliability. GHL systems are used in commercial fish farms, coral farms, etc. It's about the upper limit of reliability. The float switches have me convinced in mechanical switch superiority over optical. I have never once needed to clean them, ever. They just work, reliably, four times a day (what I have it programmed to).
During water changes, I do lift the float switches manually and check that the computer reads them. 3 years on, they still work perfectly. I also bought some extras in case they fail.
I could always add a 3rd float switch, mounted higher up, as a safety that would cut off the system no matter what should it get triggered.
Point is, if you want ALL the features with complete reliability, it will cost you a lot. Reefer's know this, but ATO is only just catching on in the freshwater world. After using one for all this time, I'd never NOT use one. It's one less thing to annoy me!
My setup is complete overkill for 99% of hobbyists. Hopefully more people comment with much cheaper solutions that are reliable. You don't need what I have to get an ATO setup, by any means.
