Tunze osmolator or apex?

[HarleyC]

Hi,
I just purchased the osmolator from J&L. But, was reading up on the apex controller. It appears to have ATO sensors. So, for another $150 I could get so much more - correct,, or would I be better keeping the osmolator? It is still in box, so I could change.
Thanks,

[Aquattro]

I'm not aware of any ATO feature out of the box with Apex.

[HarleyC]

Think I may have read wrong. I was looking at some info that described using ATO with Apex and thought it came with float switches.
Still, would I be better going Apex and adding float switches, or sticking with the Tunze?
Thanks

[ultreef]

Originally Posted by HarleyC

Think I may have read wrong. I was looking at some info that described using ATO with Apex and thought it came with float switches.
Still, would I be better going Apex and adding float switches, or sticking with the Tunze?
Thanks

The premium version with the optical sensor is the best. If that's what you got then nothing else compare.

But if you got the cheaper float switch version, then I would go Apex. Just add couple float switch and breakout box and you got yourself an ato.

[Wheelman76]

For the apex you would need to buy the breakout box which is about $40 iirc , and then a float switch or two and then a small pump (toms aqua lifter ) $15

[Wheelman76]

Ultreef types faster than me lol

[HarleyC]

Thanks. I do have the premium version with optical sensor, so I guess I will keep.
Cheers

[Delphinus]

I run the Tunze osmolator and an Apex and don't really have any plans to take the Tunze offline. It does its job fine. To me I think what I would consider is, how much do you like to tinker? If tinkering and DIY is your thing, go with the float switches and make your own breakout box for the Apex and have fun. If tinkering is not your thing then price out each option and go with whatever looks better to you.

One thought, the Tunze osmolator outputs 12vdc to run a 12vdc pump. These pumps aren't 100% bulletproof. But on the flipside, they're cheap ($25ish if I recall). So if the pump fails then you can replace it for cheap but you can only replace it with another 12vdc pump.

If you would prefer to use a powerhead then you need a relay. You can either buy the Tunze relay (they do sell a version, around $75ish I think) or DIY something (I went to an electrical/electronic supplier and bought some relays, you have to mount it yourself in some fashion but you'll probably be able to do something in the $10 ballpark). So again comes down to your love of tinkering (or not )

But if you want to go powerhead from the get-go then maybe float switches and the Apex from the start might be the way to go. So long as you're OK with playing around a bit to get it all done.

(For now I just stay with my DIY relay option and don't have to use up a controlled plug on my Apex powerbar. The Tunze is fine enough.)

[HarleyC]

Tks. I do like to tinker and have an electronics background. But, time is my issue. May look at the relay down the road. Will hook up the tunze for now though - when I get 5 minutes

[Coleus]

for tunze, make sure you don't let the pump run dry for couple days, this is not a problem with toms aqua lifter with apex. Sometimes, i just forgot to fill ATO reservoir for days :-)