Osmoregulator

[joedelt]

what do you know about the Osmoregulator

it looks interesting.

thanks

/john:smurf:

[rvitko]

The Osmoregulator is the best top off system I have found. It comes complete you need only provide a reservoir. It mounts in sump, chose the Osmomat for in tank. The optical sensor monitors the water level continuously and tops off as soon as the water is no longer in contact with sensor tip. It has redundant safety systems. If the optic system fails a seperate mechanical float will shut off the pump and sounds an alarm. Should this fail the system cuts off automatically after a 10min run time and sounds an alarm. It has a 4 LED display which indicates the water level and system status. The system is 12V so no high voltage contacts the water. The top off pump is included and is capable of pumping up 9 feet, it is a small 12v pump. The pump is really the only vulnerable part as it is destroyed by lime deposits and unsuitable for use with kalkwasser unless used with a special kalkwasser reactor called the Calcium Dispenser. At any rate the pumps are cheap to replace at $18. The entire system carries a 1yr warranty.

[joedelt]

thanks for the info
i saw there were two versions, any signifigant differences?

/john

[rvitko]

Actually their are three, one is designed for the Tunze system kits, then their is the universal model which is for Comline kits and sump mount. The osmomat includes a pump to magnify water level change as the water is pulled through the surface skimmer box, it is the best choice for in tank without a sump or Tunze system or Comline kit.

[Jefe12234]

I'm thinking of ordering one of these. I need one that can be mounted in a tank without a sump. You said the Osmomat was the one to get for this purpose, but I didn't see it on your website (unless you call it something else). Is the Comline the one I want?

Also, do you know about how much space it takes up in the tank? Basically, the dimensions of the skimmer box?

Thanks.


-Chris

[rvitko]

I have one Osmomat remaining in stock at this time. With the holidays past us we will restock soon. The skimmer box is about 2" deep and 4" long, approximately 5" tall. It includes a small powerhead to circulate the water through it. The unit sells for $179, including everything except a reservoir. You can use a 5gal bucket or purchase a Tunze reservoir of 27L capacity for $18. The Tunze reservoir is necessary if you intend to use the optional kalkwasser reactor which costs $80, it is too tall to fit in a 5gal bucket, perhaps a large salt bucket would work though. It is not featured on my website as it is fairly new, the Osmomat disappeared for about a year while the new unit was being developed, until Tunze updates their site I have no source for photos or info. I have been told though that the site is to be updated very soon. If you like email me off line wiith an address and I will mail you some material on the product.

[Kutter]

Does the Osmolator Universal also work well in a tank without a sump? It looks to me that you can hang the sensors from the top edge of the tank.

Thanks.

[rvitko]

It will work but I do not recommend it, you will have to run your tank low, about 3" below the trim. If you can live with this than it will work, to keep a full water level you will need either a Comline Filter Kit to install the Osmolator in or the Osmomat 5024. This will enable you to keep the water level even with the trim as most Americans prefer. In Europe aquariums are trimlessand usually have a melamine wrap about 2" wide that covers the top portion of the aquarium, in this situation an intank installation is far more feasible.

[Kutter]

Thanks for the reply.

I take it that the 5074 Kalk Dispensor works fine with the Osmomat 5024?

[rvitko]

Yes, it will work just fine. Tell me a little more about your set up. You may need an accessory kit to mount the Osmomat, if your tank has perimeter bracing it will not work. Also tell me some info on size, maker, stocking. What is your goal, much beyond 45gallons and the Clacium Dispenser is not a complete solution but it can help and will reduce the need for other additives.

[Kutter]

I currently have a 90 gallon tank - 48" long. I have a Remora Pro hangon skimmer as well as a CPR Aquafuge refuguim (18" model). I would still have enough room at the back of the tank for the Osmomat.

The tank itself is glass with a plastic trim and centre brace. I have a full wooden canopy the sits on the front and side of the tank.

I don't have a sump, primarily b/c of a space issue. Unfortunately my stand in poorly designed (didn't know any better when I bought it...) and I can't keep a sump in it. My tank is in the living room of our apartment and I really can't keep a sump beside the tank.

I have about 100lbs of live rock and a DSB. The tank is about 7 months old. I have 1 yellow tang, 2 clowns, a royal gramma, and a Flame Angel. I am planning on having mainly SPS coral. Currently I have two Acro's, one Stylophora, and Seriatopora. I also have one Tridacna crocea.

Currently I maintain my calcium/alk with C-balance. I need 90mL of each component daily just to maintain. I added about 50lbs of additional liferock about a month ago and there is some coralline algae forming on it and this combined with my SPS and clam are sucking up a lot of the calcium.

In terms of lighting, I have two 250W MH and two 110W VHO SuperActinics. I run two IceCap fans, one on either end of my canopy. There is no glass between my bulbs and the water and therefore I get a fair bit of evaporation.

I currently am using a simple float switch to activate a Mag pump that sits in a 20 gallon container that contains my topoff water. I want to replace this setup with the Tunze topoff system because it looks to be much more realiable.

I envision that the 5024 Calcium Dispensor will help reduce the amount of C-balance that I need to dose daily. I realize that I will still need to dose some, but certainly it should be less. Plus the 5024 will provide the added benefit that dosing kalk brings, namely precipitation of phosphate. Finally I am currently dosing the C-balance twice daily (60mL of each in the morning and 30ml of each in the evening) because I feel dosing 90mL of each all at once may be too much. If I can cut down on my C-balance requirements, then I could probably dose it all at once.

I have ordered the equipment through J&L Aquatics in Canada. If you think there are some other parts I may need to make this system work well please let me know so that I can forward the information to them.

Thanks!

[rvitko]

It all sounds good. The Osmomat will mount on the back of the aquarium, due to the plastic trim you will require set 3000.244 Which is a set of longer screws and a suction cup. While J&L buys direct and I am not affiliated with any Canadian dealers I am happy to help you and I am sure you will have some questions when your osmomat arrives, It is a little complicated and 3-D never conveys well on paper. I would expect you can reduce your C-Balance regime, I don't know how much, this will depend on evaporation rates. I would think it reasonable to expect if you lose 7 gallons a week and use 4 teaspoons of Kalkwasser per week you could dose 50-60ml of C balance.

[Kutter]

Thanks for all your input. I'm really looking forward to getting all the equipment.

Here is the list of equipment that I told J&L that I would need.

1. Osmomat 5024
2. Screw/Holder set 3000_244
3. The Kalk dispenser (#5074.000)


Sound ok?

Thanks.

[rvitko]

That is all you need, when you get it, let me know and I will walk you through the set up.

[Flatlander]

I am going to use the Osmolator as a top-off system on my soon to be sumpless 225g tank. I am using my overflows as mini sumps, so assume the system would work in there. Problem is maintaining a level in the overflows, while my scrubber fills and dumps.

I am ordering the kalk dispenser also. Like your situation Rodger, I am of course just using it to supplement my co2 reactor, get some kalk into the system and help the ph. I assume it would work fine for this purpose.
Thanks

[rvitko]

I cannot recommend the Osmolator if a surge system will be used. It may work but it is literally sensitive to within a millimeter and it will be triggered when the surge buckets are filled and depending on the volume an overfill alarm may sound when they drain.

[zebrasoma17]

Roger:

I've been following this discussion and I have a question regarding in-sump use. What happens when the power goes out or the main pump is turned off (for maintenance or during feed mode on some wavemakers) and extra water drains into the sump? Is the unit protected from the higher water level or can this situation cause damage?

TIA

Al

[rvitko]

All the parts that would be in the sump of course are water proofed. I don't realy understand why one would turn off the sump in feed mode. It may sound the overflow alarm and have to be reset if the water level increase high enough to raise the secondary float switch but outside of this no permanent damage would be caused. Of course in the event of a power outage the Osmolator would be off as well. When it came on it might register an overflow and sound the alarm, this would depend on how much the sump would rise in such an event. We recommend keeping the float at least 1" above and preferably no more than 7" above the optical sensor.

[zebrasoma17]

Thanks Roger.

I'm using a Red Sea Wavemaker on one of my tanks and the main pump is shut off during feed mode to prevent food from washing over the overflows and to the sump. This lasts about 5-10 minutes and then goes back to normal.

Thanks again for the info.

Al

[Flatlander]

Well, my unit is on the way. :) Guess I will have to figure out how to handle the surge. It would be lucky, if its a gallon. Its the normal dump tray, in the larger model turf scrubber.

I run a powerhead at the bottom of the overflow, pipe over into the tank. I can keep the level lower. It will dose when the level drops as the surge fills, and shut off as it dumps. I assume this would still even out, as it does now with my float switch.

I figure to solve the overfill problem, by making sure the overflow level, is low enough, so that max fill, does not trigger, unless the level rises to high because of a problem.

I plan on using the small kalk dispenser, for an easy way to dose some kalk. As the overflow is small, compared with tank and/or sump volume, the top-off should add very small amounts, often, through out the day and night.

[rvitko]

Actually, if it is only a gallon you are fine, just set the float at about 2-3" over the sensor, by surge I thought you were using some huge dump buckets. You can get it to work, this would be no different than a Comline filter witha pulsing electronic pump, it will set for high level.

Roger

[Flatlander]

Thanks Rodger.

[Flatlander]

Hi Rodger,
I have a question on the kalk dispensor that arrived today and my stream pumps, {on another thread}.

Is it just me or am I missing something. The dispensor, {$120 Canadian}, seems worth a lot less. Its just a small acrylic container. Seems to pretty cheap to make to me. Perhaps I am missing something here.

My pumps and Osmolater look well worth the investment, but this does not.
Thanks

[rvitko]

This is about the same price US. Frankly a protein skimmer is just a piece of Acrylic tube and a Berlin is how much? It is a custom molded piece and certainly this adds to the expense and I figure to build one would cost $30-40US and would not look quite so nice so I don't think the price is that bad you do get a bottle of kalk which is another $10 at most stores. I don't put the price on these things so I can't say much, the prices are the same the world over and I am sure their is a reason for the price whether it was the mold (molds cost several thousand dollars each) or the amount of hand labor.

[Flatlander]

Thanks Rodger,
I know you dont set the pricing. Was just wondering your view before I unpack it.

I dont agree with the comparison, but thats my view I guess.

[Flatlander]

Hi Rodger,
I sold my new kalk dispensor and the Osmolater. Better to use in a sump. I am looking at the Osmomat. I figure it would be better for use in my tank. I raised the water, so although some powerheads are pumping from the overflows, the water in their is the same level as the tank.

I figure much less fluctuations from the scrubber filling & dumping in the complete 225g tank.

Would you agree with that. Plus it would then be protected from the light and flow.

[rvitko]

I would generally agree. The Osmomat is a little tricky to set up as it doesn't come fully assembled and the prefilter sponge can get clogged and affect performance slightly. Light isn't much of an issue with either unit but yes, the Osmomat is protected from light. When you get your Osmomat, let me know and I will walk you through assembly, it is too hard to illustrate something so 3D in the manual and so you need someone to walk you through it.

[Flatlander]

Thanks. I will need that for sure. I had trouble with the bracket for my pump. :)

[moonpod]

Sorry to beat a dead horse into the ground, but which unit is the best setup for a sump and also I'd like to use the calcium dispensor thingy. What parts would I need?

[rvitko]

For use in a sump you should need only model 3155 and the Calcium Dispenser 5074. If you like you can purchse our reservoir of 27l (7gal) or provide your own.

[Flatlander]

Rodger,
I looked for this info, but cant find it, although I think you commented on it already.

I assume the reason the little pump from the Osmolator cant drive a normal kalk reactor, is because its to small to drive the water through? Would that be correct or could I use my large kalk reactor with my new Osmomat? Thanks

[rvitko]

I have seen a couple of styles of these kalk reactors so I would need to know more about how yours works. If it places little backpressure on the unit and can work with 1l an hour of flow it should be fine. Most units I have seen have a mixing pump of somesort. You can always purchase 3150.11, switched socket for Osmolator, and use any type of pump you want that uses less than 300w.

[Flatlander]

Mine is a large model, that is common in Europe. I can see where its size may cause back pressure.

My friend{I sold him the unit} called tonight about his osmolater siphoning. I had already mentioned to him the other day when you posted something on it and sump use.

He immediately ran the hose up about a 1 1/2 ft. to the top of the sump cabinet and then down to the top of the sump. Figured we had it, but today it started to siphon again. I believe he is going to get more hose and have it pump into his overflow. Any other suggestions for running it into the sump?

[rvitko]

Running to the sump is not possible if the sump is on or below the level of the reservoir, the manual provides for running to the tank only. Three meters of hose were included with the unit and this is the limit of the pump. Outside of elevating the sump the only possibility is to pump to the tank.

[Flatlander]

Thanks Rodger, I will pass that on about the length.

The unit #3150 will run any other small powerhead? Correct. Also I was studing the Osmomat box. My tank level runs about 8mm below the edge. Is that fine or do the inlet teeth on the box lower it more? It mentions something about 20mm below the glass cover. I hope thats a max and not a compulsory level. Thanks

[rvitko]

Unforunately 20mm is the minimum distance between top trim and water level. You can use any pump that uses less than 300w if you purchase the optional switched socket, then, the low voltage flips a relay on a high voltage circuit.

[Flatlander]

Rodger, thank-you for providing help.

20mm is fine. I measured wrong. :eek2: My current water level is about 13mm, so an additional 10mm is ok. :)

[Kutter]

Originally posted by rvitko
That is all you need, when you get it, let me know and I will walk you through the set up.

Ok, I finally received the items:

1. Osmomat 5024
2. Screw/Holder set 3000_244
3. The Kalk dispenser (#5074.000)


I guess there was a bit of a backorder, but I'm glad to finally have the stuff. I'm excited to get it all hooked up.

I just unpacked it and am going to take a look and see if I can figure it out.

I'll post later to update my progress.

L8R.

[rvitko]

Critical thing, pump goes in on its side, screen facing the smaller section of the box, sponge sandwiched between the box and the pump.

[Kutter]

Ok, so far so good, except I'm a little confused about where exactly the sponge goes. Does it go directly behind the pump (between the pump and back wall of the box)? If so, what function does the sponge serve?

Thanks.

[Kutter]

Actually just figured it out. The sponge holds the pump in place.

Off to the next step.

[rvitko]

Actually the nozzle firmly pressed through the hole keeps the sponge in place, the sponge just sits their and keeps debris out of the pump.

[Kutter]

Thanks for the tips. I managed to get everything hooked up this evening and it seems to be working well. It is not too difficult to figure out. The manual could be a lot better if it contained better pictures.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see what happens to my 2-part additive requirements over the next little while.

[Kutter]

Now that I've had it setup and running, I've run into a problem. The pump in the box is sucking air and pumping it back into the tank causing lots of microbubbles. The problem seems to be that the system is keeping the water level slightly too low. I am not sure how to correct this...

[rvitko]

Either the sponge is clogged or the pump needs to be turned down a bit.

[fmuakkassa]

Originally posted by rvitko
Running to the sump is not possible if the sump is on or below the level of the reservoir, the manual provides for running to the tank only. Three meters of hose were included with the unit and this is the limit of the pump. Outside of elevating the sump the only possibility is to pump to the tank.

I just ordered the Osmolator Universal from Premium Aquatics today and intend to use it in the sump. I'm glad I read this post.

How much below the sump should the reservoir be to avoid the siphoning effect? I am fortunate that the sump is few inches above ground and I plan to put the reservoir on the ground. I hate to keep adding gadgets to the display tank.

[rvitko]

Only the top off hose which is not much bigger than an airline has to go to the tank, basically the reservoir maximum water level would have to be below the minimum sump water level.

[fmuakkassa]

This is disappointing. Then I can't use the osmolator Universal as the reservoir will be next to the sump but it's bottom is 4 inches lower. The water level in the reservoir will be above the sump water level when the reservoir is full and below when its empty. The only way I can get the system to work is if the reservoir is in the basement underneath the sump, right? The latter is a good long term solution.

[rvitko]

Why is it such a problem to run a hose only slightly bigger than airline into the overflow box? The basic problem is the pump will prime a siphon and could empty the reservoir. As for the basement, the included pump can only pump up 10ft, it might work but really, it is a very small line and if you just wedge it between the teeth in an overflow box no clamps are necessary and it is no more to look at than a small cord.

[rvitko]

Here is a sample install, notice all hardware excepting a small hose is out of sight. The hose cannot touch the water surface or it could back siphon and it must pump up or the reservoir will siphon. All the major components are in the stand or the sump itself.

[fmuakkassa]

Thanks for the quick reply.Maybe I am not understanding things right. Here is my vision for the osmolator and tell me if my setup works.

I have an 180 g tank (all glass) with two corner overflows. Looking at the tank from the BACK, water drain from the overflows to a custom Miracle Mud refugium on the right then through a PVC (inverted U) drain into a sump on the left (where the Ca reactor is) and then the water is pumped back to the aquarium. The refugium and the sump are 4 inches above the floor level. My vision is to place a 32 g Rubbermaid reservoir on the floor next to the sump and fill it with RO water. I'll put the pump in the bottom of the reservoir. I'll put the optical sensor in the sump where I want the minimum water level to be. The safety sensor will also be placed in the sump where I want the maximum water level to be. The tubing from the pump in the reservior can go to the overflow (I have no problem with that).

[rvitko]

The sensors go in the sump, the float is an emergency system only, it really doesn't normally serve any purpose. It shuts the system down and sounds an alarm. The top off hose should go the aquarium though. If you have built in overflow boxes, i just pull about 1" of hose though a slot in the overflow box. Make sure the hose doesn't touch the water surface and that is all their is to it. You just have to avoid siphon.