Tunze announced that their Osmolator 3155 would be getting some upgrades, the biggest of which would be a magnet holder system that would allow you to attach it to your sump, or aquarium. Recently I received a review unit to play around with and then I installed on a 20 gallon nano aquarium.
One of the biggest complaints with the Tunze Osomolator was the mounting or fixture device that attached the float and sensor valves to your sump or aquarium. It was a big pain. Generally, you had to get your caulk gun and pray that you had a largest sump to attach the sensors. No longer will this be necessary.
Tunze has borrowed from their Tunze Nanostreams Magnet and created a unique magnet that holds the sensors in place, allowing you the reef addict to attach the sensor just about anywhere you want. Tunze tells us that we won’t have to worry about magnetic fields interfering with the float valve as they have addressed this issue.
The newly upgraded 3155 does a great job of keeping my water at a constant level. The nicest part of the Tunze system is that it uses an optical sensor. Optical sensors are far more reliable than float switches which is used in most of the cheaper auto top off systems out on the market today. The reason is simple, they are just more reliable with upgraded technology, an optiacal eye versus what is essentially a “trip” system.
One big myth of optical systems is that “salt creep will clog the optical sensor.” What makes really makes this unit worth the money is the optical sensor, the thing just won’t fail. You won’t get false positives from an optical sensor like you will a standard float valve. If you have a decent sump or aquarium with water flow you won’t have to worry about salt screep “clogging” the optical sensor, with my test aquarium I have a low 500 GPH lone water pump through my sump area and haven’t had any problems.
There is an added calcium reactor (read: kalk reactor) that can be attached to this unit, which I have used in the past. This is a very simple way to get a steady PH while giving your corals the nutrients they need. Again, if you have a smaller aquarium its worth checking out as an additional upgrade item ($90) to the system. You’ll need to shake the reactor up and down every week to mix the kalk, and add kalk to replace what is used.
The Tunze Osmolator 3155 is great for aquariums under 100 gallons. If you have an aquarium over 100 gallons I wouldn’t suggest investing in this unit, as the pump is much to small to keep up with evaporation. I would love to see Tunze come out with an upgraded model to handle larger systems with ease, like those over 150 gallons with higher evaporation rates.
Overall this is the best automatic top of system you can buy. It has Tunze reliability and support along with advanced technology in the optical sensor. Who knew that by adding a magnet holder it would become an even more desirable product? This product needs to be on your wish list if it isn’t already.
More on Osmolator 3155 by Tunze
In 1983 already, TUNZE Aquarientechnik introduced the first water level regulator (Osmolator) to aquarism. TUNZE Aquarientechnik has developed a new generation of osmotic regulator with static and compact sensor in IR technology for constant water level regulation in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It ensures osmotic stability in freshwater and saltwater aquariums by precisely and regularly compensating the evaporated water.
Osmolator Universal 3155 can be used as a supplement in cabinet filter plants, COMLINE quick-run filters or directly on the tank edge.
Water level regulator with two sensor holding devices, extension and numerous fastening accessories. It is suitable for use in cabinet filter plants, in Comline filters or on the edge of the aquarium.
This osmotic regulator can also be used in TUNZE SYSTEM cabinet filter plants. The sensors can be stuck to glass surfaces or can be fitted directly to the edge of the tank.
Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device
Metering pump capacity: 0.9 m (35.4 in.): 52 l/h (13.7 US gal./h); 1.5 m (59 in.): 47 l/h (12.4 US gal./h); 2 m (78.7 in.): 27 l/h (7.1 US gal./h); Hmax: 2.2 m (86.6 in.).
Metering pump capacity: 2.95ft: 13.74gph, 4.92ft: 12.42gph, 6.56ft: 7.13h, Hmax: 7.22ft
Delivery condition: Ready for mounting with power supply unit, metering pump, hose, sensor holding device.
Metering pump capacity: 0.9 m: 52 l/h, 1.5 m: 47 l/h, 2 m: 27 l/h, Hmax: 2.2 m
1. The precise water level is ensured by a non-wearing optical sensor and a transistor switch without any moving parts. This sensor is insensitive to soiling, light or magnetic fields.
Its “automatic eye†recognises the water level precisely, even small waves or level variations cannot irritate the unit.
2. An independent safety sensor with a separate power supply circuit and relay control ensures reliable overflow protection.
3. An electronic time controller and current limiter for the pump connected result in a higher operational safety. This unit protects the metering pump against running dry and reports an empty storage container.
4. All functions are clearly displayed by LEDs; safety messages are also indicated by acoustic signals.
5. The osmotic regulators are all operated at safety extra-low voltage.
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