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ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 10:31 pm
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?

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 12:04 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:20 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 3:19 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 4:49 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 6:27 am
by creebo
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll check the sensor and maybe look into an upgrade if this keeps up.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 7:48 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:26 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 10:24 am
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.

Re: ATO calibration for coral tank

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 10:53 am
by nexus
What's your tank size? Smaller tanks can be trickier to calibrate because the water level changes faster.