Tunze 3155 - Optical Eye sensor not working?

crimsonreef · 03/08/2020, 07:21 PM

I recently came back from my travels to find that my Tunze 3155 ATO seemingly stopped working. Specifically, the water level in my sump had somehow dropped far below the optical sensor level. I've actually seen this scenario occur a few times now since I purchased this model last Nov '19. As far as setup goes, I have the optical sensor placed in my return pump section of my triggersys cube sump. The overall water flow with in this return pump section is relatively slow. Do I possibly have a defective optical sensor? Has anyone experienced this same issue? If so, please share any troubleshooting tips you may have to resolve this issue.

rvitko · 03/09/2020, 07:25 AM

It could be. Here is what I would check.

First, what light is on when you encounter this, this is very important as it tells us if the issue is with the pump or the sensor or some other issue. A sensor issue tends to be a perpetual green level light.

Try soaking the optic sensor in vinegar, about 1 hour. Generally after 6 months the sensor is blinded by calcium deposits, I have seen this happen in a couple weeks with low flow and calcium or buffer addition near the sensor.

Make sure a refugium light is not near the optic sensor. Grow light spectrum (if a higher quality light) includes infrared, the optic sensor uses infrared, the sensor is rendered blind by the glaring light.

crimsonreef · 03/09/2020, 11:32 PM

Based on your feedback, I've made certain the refugium light (Kessii H160) is hanging low enough so that the light is shielded from reaching the separate return pump section where the optical eye is placed. I will also clean the sensor with vinegar as suggested. If I do ever encounter the problem again, I will be certain to note what status lights are on. Thanks for the tips.

rvitko · 03/10/2020, 09:31 AM

OK thank you!

03/08/2020, 07:21 PM	#1
crimsonreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: California Posts: 22	Tunze 3155 - Optical Eye sensor not working? I recently came back from my travels to find that my Tunze 3155 ATO seemingly stopped working. Specifically, the water level in my sump had somehow dropped far below the optical sensor level. I've actually seen this scenario occur a few times now since I purchased this model last Nov '19. As far as setup goes, I have the optical sensor placed in my return pump section of my triggersys cube sump. The overall water flow with in this return pump section is relatively slow. Do I possibly have a defective optical sensor? Has anyone experienced this same issue? If so, please share any troubleshooting tips you may have to resolve this issue.

03/09/2020, 07:25 AM	#2
rvitko RC Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Austin Texas USA Posts: 35,785	It could be. Here is what I would check. First, what light is on when you encounter this, this is very important as it tells us if the issue is with the pump or the sensor or some other issue. A sensor issue tends to be a perpetual green level light. Try soaking the optic sensor in vinegar, about 1 hour. Generally after 6 months the sensor is blinded by calcium deposits, I have seen this happen in a couple weeks with low flow and calcium or buffer addition near the sensor. Make sure a refugium light is not near the optic sensor. Grow light spectrum (if a higher quality light) includes infrared, the optic sensor uses infrared, the sensor is rendered blind by the glaring light. __________________ Roger Vitko Tunze USA "He's for every one of us, stands for every one of us, he'll save every man, woman and child in a mighty Flash!" Current Tank Info: 210 gallon planted tank with Altum Angelfish

03/10/2020, 09:31 AM	#4
rvitko RC Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Austin Texas USA Posts: 35,785	OK thank you! __________________ Roger Vitko Tunze USA "He's for every one of us, stands for every one of us, he'll save every man, woman and child in a mighty Flash!" Current Tank Info: 210 gallon planted tank with Altum Angelfish

03/09/2020, 11:32 PM	#3
crimsonreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: California Posts: 22	Based on your feedback, I've made certain the refugium light (Kessii H160) is hanging low enough so that the light is shielded from reaching the separate return pump section where the optical eye is placed. I will also clean the sensor with vinegar as suggested. If I do ever encounter the problem again, I will be certain to note what status lights are on. Thanks for the tips.