Tunze nano ATO review 3152

[CHEMCHEF]

I installed this ATO about a week ago and I have to say, I like it very much.
It's a nice compact all in one system that includes one sensor (not optical),its a float switch with a nice snail guard and mounting magnet. A pump. I am assuming that it is the same pump as the larger model ATO, and a small controller that makes the pump shut off after 1 minute or three minutes depending how you place the diode inside the controller box. This prevents over filling based on your capacity.
If the pump times out at your specific shut off time. The unit needs to be reset by powering off then on.
I definitely recommend this for anyone who a has a system between 1 and 55 gallons and possibly larger depending on the size of you sump return chamber.
All in all I am very pleased with this unit and for the price of around 100 dollars I think it is a bargain.
Tunze has done it again. It never ceases to amaze me how thoughtful this company is about it products in working the bugs out before they hit the street.
I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about installing an ATO on a small system.

 

[E.intheC]

This ATO looks nice but what about a backup/failsafe?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

The timeout on the pump is the fail safe.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I failed to mention that it also comes with the PVC tubing and sturdy mounting bracket for the tubing to mount to the sump/tank.

 

[ECFENCING]

James:

Thanks for the post. I was on the fence about this. I'm using a JBJ and while it works I've always had great success from tunze products. However I didn't want to shell out the $'s for the regular osmolator and am considering the nano version.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Hi Ernie
It really is a great little unit if you don't need all the bells and whistles of the 3155 and its a breeze to set up.

 

[MatthewScars]

I just bought a 3155. We'll see how it goes.

Any recommendations on top off containers? looking for a 10g one.

 

[TommyP]

Do you have any circulation pumps in the top off containers or do you guys just let the water sit in the bucket or whatever is used?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I use the jugs that the Carib sea nsw comes in. The pump drops right through the opening.
No I don't use a circulation pump in my ATO container as I change it rather than refill it.

 

[Geraud]

Thanks for the write-up. I was looking at it for my pico and was waiting for reviews. Love the 3155 but it would be overkill in that case.

 

[E.intheC]

James, how's this unit still working? I'm thinking about it for my Solana.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Very happy so far. It really works great.
Well worth the 100 bucks.
Also before I hooked it up I tested the time out feature. Short dose was around a 3 cups. Long dose was about 3 qts.
The timeout function works well.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

how far down is the water level before the pump kicks in?

 

[CHEMCHEF]

It only puts in about 6 oz. in my system.
Less than 1/4" in my case.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

so for my 15 gal. tall...
20x10x.25 ~ 0.22 gal....~28 0z.
3 cups ~24 oz.
i would want to use the long dosing cycle then?

 

[E.intheC]

Sounds good. My aqualifter pump is having trouble keeping up with the head height. I'm going to adjust the length it takes to cause a timeout on the JBJ but if that doesn't work...Tunze it is!

 

[CHEMCHEF]

so for my 15 gal. tall...
20x10x.25 ~ 0.22 gal....~28 0z.
3 cups ~24 oz.
i would want to use the long dosing cycle then?

Yes. However the float switch is pretty sensitive. I doubt you will top off that much at once.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Sounds good. My aqualifter pump is having trouble keeping up with the head height. I'm going to adjust the length it takes to cause a timeout on the JBJ but if that doesn't work...Tunze it is!

Is there any way you can raise the ATO container?
In surprised someone has not made a custom top off bottle replacement for the solana.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

thanks chef for the info.

 

[Dace]

I will be hooking mine up tonight