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ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 1:26 am
by guppyfin
I've been struggling to keep my salinity stable with my current ATO setup. It's a 75-gallon mixed reef with a Tunze Osmolator, but I'm seeing swings from 1.025 to 1.027. Anyone got tips to dial it in better?
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 3:06 am
by chubsy
What's your reservoir size? I've found that larger reservoirs (at least 5 gallons) help buffer against rapid swings. Also, check your ATO sensor placement—too close to flow can cause false triggers.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 4:37 am
by frostlyn
I had the same issue until I switched to a dual-sensor ATO. The redundancy cuts down on errors. Also, topping off with pre-mixed saltwater instead of RO helps if your evaporation rate's high.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 5:47 am
by MarketStar
frostlyn wrote: ↑Tue May 13, 2025 4:37 am
I had the same issue until I switched to a dual-sensor ATO. The redundancy cuts down on errors. Also, topping off with pre-mixed saltwater instead of RO helps if your evaporation rate's high.
Yep, dual sensors are clutch. I run a 10-gallon reservoir with a float switch and optical sensor, zero issues for 8 months now.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 6:31 am
by hazela
How often are you calibrating your refractometer? I've seen folks chase salinity ghosts only to find their tool was off. Use a 35ppt solution to verify.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 8:23 am
by beastbyte
My ATO's basic—just a float valve in a 3-gallon jug. Salinity stays at 1.026. Maybe your Tunze's overcomplicating things?
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 9:13 am
by Pulse
I'd check for leaks or kinks in your ATO line. Had a tiny drip once that threw everything outta whack. Also, what's your room temp? Big swings can mess with evaporation rates.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 10:43 am
by guppyfin
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna test my refractometer first, then look into a bigger reservoir. Appreciate the help!
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 11:55 am
by chubsy
guppyfin wrote: ↑Tue May 13, 2025 10:43 am
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna test my refractometer first, then look into a bigger reservoir. Appreciate the help!
Smart move. Let us know how it goes. Oh, and keep your reservoir covered—dust can gunk up sensors over time.
Re: ATO setup for stable salinity
Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 1:07 pm
by MarketStar
One last thing—if you're dosing anything, make sure it's not near the ATO intake. Stray Kalk paste nearly bricked my sensor once. Sketchy stuff.