Richmond
Well-Known Member
I just picked up an AutoAqua AWC/ATO for my IM 40 system. I'm in the process of setting up a water change/mixing station and needed an ATO solution for the RODI reservoir. While looking at the options that I'd trust, I decided my existing Hydrofill was going to be a safe bet but left my tank with no ATO. Doing a little research I decided to get the AWC from AutoAqua to replace the system, and automate the water change process.
I got the box yesterday and setup the system today. First, the packaging was really nice and neat. I opened the box and sort of had a panic attack. THERE ARE NO PUMPS! The website said the pumps were included, so I was a little distressed. I then discovered the pumps were in fact in the box, they're just TINY. They're slightly larger than a matchbox but cubed. Jackpot, except - how are they going to move water up ~4 feet and a total of ~6 feet from the NSW bucket to the tank!?!?!
I read the manual, which is basically a first for me - I normally just start plugging stuff in. The manual is really simple to follow with nice illustrations and clear instructions. I then set about plugging in and setting up all the cables, sensors, and pumps. All in all it took me about 20 minutes and I was ready to test. The user manual says you should do a manual water change the first time so it can calibrate timing. Basically it times how long the pumps run for the first water change, and if a subsequent automatic water change takes longer it starts sending alerts and shutting stuff down.
So everything is setup, I cycle thru the options and setup an 8 hour water change. I've set the sensors to do what I'm estimating is ~1/3rd of a gallon per change. I hit start and immediately the waste water begins dumping. As soon as the water level hits the low sensor it stops - success! Now the tricky part... Getting the water back in the tank. Nothing happens... Panic. Is it too much head pressure? Is this tiny pump not enough? Did I set it up wrong? Nope. During the manual water change you have to hit enter on the controller to get to the next step. Took me a minute to realize. So I hit the button and am SHOCKED to see the tiniest water pump I've ever laid eyes upon push the water up the tube and into the tank. After about 30 seconds the pump turns off and the water change is done. I went ahead and did a second manual water change to make sure I had a good idea of the volume and it was just about exactly what I wanted to change.
Two button pushes later and it's now on automatic. In ~7 hours we'll see how the next change goes. For anyone considering one of these systems, or is looking at a new ATO - I would definitely recommend. I will update if anything changes and happy to answer any questions.
Sorry for the wordy post, I kinda doubt it'll get read but wanted to share the experience!
I got the box yesterday and setup the system today. First, the packaging was really nice and neat. I opened the box and sort of had a panic attack. THERE ARE NO PUMPS! The website said the pumps were included, so I was a little distressed. I then discovered the pumps were in fact in the box, they're just TINY. They're slightly larger than a matchbox but cubed. Jackpot, except - how are they going to move water up ~4 feet and a total of ~6 feet from the NSW bucket to the tank!?!?!
I read the manual, which is basically a first for me - I normally just start plugging stuff in. The manual is really simple to follow with nice illustrations and clear instructions. I then set about plugging in and setting up all the cables, sensors, and pumps. All in all it took me about 20 minutes and I was ready to test. The user manual says you should do a manual water change the first time so it can calibrate timing. Basically it times how long the pumps run for the first water change, and if a subsequent automatic water change takes longer it starts sending alerts and shutting stuff down.
So everything is setup, I cycle thru the options and setup an 8 hour water change. I've set the sensors to do what I'm estimating is ~1/3rd of a gallon per change. I hit start and immediately the waste water begins dumping. As soon as the water level hits the low sensor it stops - success! Now the tricky part... Getting the water back in the tank. Nothing happens... Panic. Is it too much head pressure? Is this tiny pump not enough? Did I set it up wrong? Nope. During the manual water change you have to hit enter on the controller to get to the next step. Took me a minute to realize. So I hit the button and am SHOCKED to see the tiniest water pump I've ever laid eyes upon push the water up the tube and into the tank. After about 30 seconds the pump turns off and the water change is done. I went ahead and did a second manual water change to make sure I had a good idea of the volume and it was just about exactly what I wanted to change.
Two button pushes later and it's now on automatic. In ~7 hours we'll see how the next change goes. For anyone considering one of these systems, or is looking at a new ATO - I would definitely recommend. I will update if anything changes and happy to answer any questions.
Sorry for the wordy post, I kinda doubt it'll get read but wanted to share the experience!
Great write up and it sounds like a pretty slick system. It always great to read positive reviews. Keep us posted with a follow up after some time passes.
