ATO - AutoAqua vs Tunze
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=76445
Printed Date: April 28 2025 at 11:07am
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Topic: ATO - AutoAqua vs Tunze
Posted By: Indu
Subject: ATO - AutoAqua vs Tunze
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 9:38am
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I guess it is time to setup an ATO for my 90g. I looked at the vidoes of both Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 ($210) and AutoAqua Smart ATO ($150), but can't decide which one to get. Pls help me decide. Thanks Indu
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Replies:
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 9:44am
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I like the AutoAqua, thats the one I want to buy. I have a Puratek with sensor and I like it a lot. With that one you do have to clean glass/acrylic on a regular (monthly) basis. I like it over a float and it's cheaper. But I don't have one. ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 9:57am
| Thank you jdinchak for the input. I am inclined to AutoAqua as well. But, let's get more votes. |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 10:23am
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I have two Tunze. I have not had any issues with either. Both keep my water perfect and have a couple of built in safety features. They top off several times an hour and keep the water very well balanced. I doubt it depletes more than a few ounces before its filling up again. I only have experience with these so I'm biased. :) ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 10:23am
Tunze osmolator has been around a very long time and is still the number one selling ato for a reason. They are simple, reliable and just work. The same can be said for the JBJ but that isn't on your list.  ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 10:53am
| From the videos, I got the feeling that AutoAqua was simpler than Tunze. |
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 12:07pm
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Simpler to install but it has a single point of failure. If the glass doesn't get cleaned off, a snail gets in the way, or anything else gets in front of the sensor then there will be a problem. The Tunze has a second sensor in case the water gets to high and shuts the pump off. The last autoaqua I saw didn't have that. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 1:30pm
| That makes sense. Thanks. |
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 1:41pm
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The tank I would put this AutoAqua into has a controller and a float valve to manage the pump, I would hook the ATO into the controller and turn it off if the SUMP HIGH float was triggered. So if you have a controller and a float already that may help you out. ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 1:56pm
| I have been using tunze for 6+ years. Never had it fail |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 3:41pm
I don't have any of that and I still consider myself a novice when it comes to such equipment.
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jdinchak wrote:Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 12 2015 at 3:42pm
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I am seeing a lot of love for Tunze. Keep them coming. Thanks |
Posted By: JohnnyHeavens
Date Posted: June 13 2015 at 1:27pm
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+1 to the Tunze. Super simple and reliable. ATO is a huge factor that is over looked too often. At home my top off is a bit more involved but the Tunze has kept my work reef all but maint free for a good while now. ------------- @Home 300g System 150g-Cube Reef+60g Frag+WaterChange 150g Tall FOWLR RIP @Work RSM 130D w/LEDs txt anytime @ eightO1-seven5five-eighteen99 Scuba! PADI Pro DM/AI/TecDeep NSS/CDS-Full Cave Diver |
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: June 13 2015 at 1:38pm
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You planning to hook to a reservoir or directly to RO? The size of the reservoir can help control a failure too. ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: June 13 2015 at 4:51pm
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I love my Tunze ATO and would buy one again. -------------  |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 14 2015 at 12:50pm
To a reservoir. What size is optimal for a 90g with approx a gallon and a half top off needed daily?
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Posted By: LaRue
Date Posted: June 14 2015 at 2:21pm
| Tunze for 6 years I have 3 of them and they have never given me a seconds trouble |
Posted By: Indu
Date Posted: June 14 2015 at 3:17pm
| Thanks everyone. I will start looking for a Tunez. |