ATO calibration for coral tank

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creebo
Posts: 47
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 11:31 pm

ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by creebo »

Just set up my first ATO for the coral tank and I'm not sure if I calibrated it right. The water level keeps fluctuating. Anyone got tips on how to dial it in properly?
robson
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:31 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by robson »

What ATO unit are you using? Some models need a specific calibration sequence. For example, the Tunze Osmolator requires you to hold the sensor at the desired water level during setup.
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armoredfish
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Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2022 3:16 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by armoredfish »

Yeah, the Tunze can be finicky. I had to mess with mine a few times before it stuck. You gotta make sure the sensor is clean too, or it'll give you weird readings.
Yield
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:09 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by Yield »

If you're using a cheapo ATO, might wanna upgrade. Those things are sketchy at best. I switched to a Neptune ATK and never looked back.
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FalconNest
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:14 am

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by FalconNest »

Yield wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 3:19 am If you're using a cheapo ATO, might wanna upgrade. Those things are sketchy at best. I switched to a Neptune ATK and never looked back.
Second this. The Neptune system is rock solid. Worth every penny if you're serious about keeping your tank stable.
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creebo
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Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 11:31 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by creebo »

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll check the sensor and maybe look into an upgrade if this keeps up.
lyric
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:02 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by lyric »

Also, make sure your ATO reservoir is big enough. If it's too small, you'll be refilling it constantly, which can throw off the calibration.
brookside
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:24 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by brookside »

I had the same issue last month. Turns out my sensor was too close to the return pump, causing turbulence. Moved it to a quieter spot and it's been chill since.
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florizen
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Joined: Fri May 27, 2022 4:04 pm

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by florizen »

Double-check the tubing too. If it's kinked or clogged, the ATO won't work right. Happened to me once and I almost flooded my stand.
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nexus
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Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2024 10:54 am

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Post by nexus »

What's your tank size? Smaller tanks can be trickier to calibrate because the water level changes faster.
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