Optical sensor vs float switch.

[Cheddah93]

So I recently downsized to an AIO and have a tunze nano ato which is a single float ato and just the idea of having no extra room in the tank if the ato were to stick on, makes me want to add some redundancy.

Considering I have an apex I was looking at adding a fmm module with two leak sensors and a optical sensor as a first line of defense if the level go too high to shut down items.

Second thought was a breakout box with a float switch as the same function.

Not worried about the cost of each option, but more so the reliability of each.

Which way would you go? And why? Which is the more reliable option?

 

[Deafasa]

Wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the bigger Tunze ATO which has an optical sensor and a float sensor. Also doesn't the nano ato time out after a couple of minutes? Just checked, 1.4 minute timeout when the jumper is on the smaller tank setting.

 

[Cheddah93]

Wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the bigger Tunze ATO which has an optical sensor and a float sensor. Also doesn't the nano ato time out after a couple of minutes? Just checked, 1.4 minute timeout when the jumper is on the smaller tank setting.

I mean cost wise getting the bigger tunze would be the most expensive at $199

Fmm with two leak sensors and a optical sensor comes in at $184.95

And breakout box with one float switch comes in at $51.99

I’m just looking for the most reliable option. Using the current ato as it works perfectly fine. Which is why I came down to the fmm with optical or breakout box and float switch. I just don’t have any experience with optical sensors and wondering if their more reliable than floats.

 

[HuuTa]

Don't get the optical sensor from Neptune. They are garbage. Get either the fmm with the leak detector or breakout with the float. Or you can get this skimmer cup sensor as a backup. Quick simple

 

[dz6t]

The new Reefbreeders Prizm ATO has three optical sensors in one slim profile stick. It is magnetic mounted too. It only has two wires, one from the power adapter and the other to the pump.
Simple and easy to install.
also if you need warranty service, I am local and will replace parts right away,

Prism ATO - ReefBreeders.com

The Reef Breeders Prism-ATO is super compact and has 3 sensors. It works great for maintaining your water level in tanks small and large.

reefbreeders.com

 

[dz6t]

Also it sells like hot cake and Reefbreeders.com is currently sold out despite they got a new shipment not long ago.
I have two currently on hand.
The ATO is only $60, I can ship priority mail for additional $9 or you can pick it up in Concord MA

 

[Deafasa]

I’m just looking for the most reliable option

Got it. My son uses the Tunze Nano on his small fluval 13.5, but it has enough room so that if the float sticks the built in timer cutoff in 1.4 minutes will not overflow his tank. For my 55 Gallon with a sump, I went with the bigger Tunze ATO with two sensors. The nano would never overflow my tank, given the built in timer cut off, but I was worried it might timeout before it finished filling. In hindsight I could have went with the Nano. If you do not have enough room that the tank will overflow before the timer cut out kicks in, then yes you should have a second sensor or go with a different ATO all together that has multiple sensors.
I will say that salt creep has fouled the float sensor on the Nano when my son didn't clean it every so often.

Jeff