Tunze Osmolator Owners

Hi Guys,

I tried to install my new Tunze Osmolator the other day and got very frustrated quickly. I ended up taking it out and putting my old top off unit back on. I was wondering if I could ask some questions of fellow owners and tell you what mine was doing. Maybe I am doing something wrong, or maybe I got a bad sensor.

I put the sensors in the middle section (return) of my sump. I got the new version with the magnetic sensor holder. I had everything hooked up and tested it out but the pump would not shut off. I read in the directions that the pump would run for ten seconds when needed to supply enough water to keep it from turning off and on frequently. The problem is that mine would not shut off, even when the optical sensor was clearly below the water. I tested it several times and it worked twice but started not working properly again. I cleaned the optical sensor off with some soap and rinsed it very well. The cut off sensor worked every time I brought it up. I made sure that I didn't have a siphon from my top off tank and still did it. Did I get a bad unit or does anyone have any other things I can try? I think the unit is nice and clean and should work, but I just can't figure it out. Thanks!!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

I think my Tunze is very consistent and reliable. However, there are plenty of times it does not shut off when I think it should. Like when the water level touches the tip. But a lot of times I look and my tip is 1/8" of in inch in the water.

I just stopped worrying about it. I put my ATO at the same level as my baffle, so I can just look at the baffle and know where my level is. It is always within 1/8" Very consistent.

Just get it going, let it do it's thing, and keep an eye on it.

 

That is strange. I have not had those problems over the last few years, but I do recall something weird when it was new until it 'broke in.' I can't quite recall though.

Regardless, are there a lot of micro-bubbles near the sensor?
The sensor had some clear plastic in the tip, is the clear part facing the water?

 

I found my old thread on RC that addresses this:
Adjusting Osomot - Reef Central Online Community

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks for the replies and for the link. I will try to clean the sensor again under really hot soap and water. I also may try it out on my sinks in the kitchen. If I can get it to work consistently, I may try it again. I figured out the problem on my old system and it works pretty well. I like that I can push the test button on the GFCI cord and it shuts the ATO off. I can turn it back on and nothing changes. I hate to rock the boat if things are working well . Thanks!!!

 

Cool. I know the frustration, but once it settles down you will never have a problem with sensor again. Once every few months I wipe mine off. No problems since the 1st few days.

 

Testing in the sink is a good idea, that's what I did as well. I played around with mine for a while to make sure I fully understood how both the optical sensor and the float switch worked, and didn't want a bunch of RO water getting dumped into my tank so I did a full scale test with tap water first.

Mine has been great as well. The only issue I've had is with the sensor getting dirty and then not turning on but if you wipe it off every couple months you shouldn't have a problem. The nice thing about the sensor is that if it gets dirty it should fail in the off position (because the sensor is obscured) so it shouldn't dump a bunch of RO into your tank.

Good luck, it's a great piece of equipment IMO!

 

if mine isn't sticking in the water 1/8" I'd be concerned. That's just how it is on mine...

I have mine in the DT. My float emergency sensor is set a good deal higher than the main sensor (1/2" or so). The only time it has ever engaged is when a snail got up in it and raised it (scared the crap out of me at 3am).

Anyway, I'm not sure you are having problems... The sensor is supposed to have the pointy tip in the water.

Are you seeing otherwise?

Also, everytime I plug it back in (like when I unplug it bc I've got my arms in the tank and I don't want it beeping at me) it always runs for a few seconds.

I love this unit.

 

This is two separate things. It will run as long as needed to get water to level so that tip of sensor is underwater. 10 seconds, 10 minutes, whatever.

It will wait to run so that it runs a minimum of 10 seconds. So that it's not constantly engaging since evaporation happens 24/7.

 

Very frustrating for sure. I've had mine for years with out any issues.

Whne you say the pump continues to run. What light is on on the controller?