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Evaporation naturally lowers the water level in a reef aquarium, while salts remain in the tank. Without regular top-up, salinity can therefore gradually increase throughout the day. The ReefControl ATO Module automates this process by continuously monitoring the water level and adding the necessary amount of reverse osmosis water when it drops.
The system combines an ATO ReefSense digital sensor with a dedicated pump. When the water level drops below the target zone, the ReefControl activates the pump. Once the correct level is restored, the pump automatically stops filling. This allows the level to be maintained within a very narrow range, with approximately 3 mm between the fill activation and deactivation points . This precise regulation is particularly beneficial in the return chamber of a sump, where evaporation-related variations are typically most noticeable.
The main advantage of the RED SEA ReefControl Module ATO R35823-T is its native integration with the ReefControl system. The digital sensor connects to the ReefSense port , while the ATO pump is controlled directly from the controller. Therefore, there is no need to add a separate control box or top-off controller.
This integration allows for centralized operation of the ATO with other ReefControl-compatible equipment. The installation remains cleaner, with fewer cables and independent controllers around the aquarium. The module is compatible with ReefControl Lite and ReefControl Pro controllers .
Once integrated with ReefControl, the ATO module benefits from the RED SEA ReefBeat connected environment. The application allows users to view the status of probes and sensors associated with the controller, access system parameters, and monitor recorded data from a smartphone.
ReefBeat allows you to monitor the operation of the top-off system , access logs, and receive notifications when a sensor or piece of equipment malfunctions. This monitoring simplifies daily system control and allows for faster detection of unusual situations, such as when the filling process is not proceeding as expected.
RED SEA has incorporated several levels of control to mitigate the risks associated with automatic top-off. The sensor features multiple detection points, allowing for precise control of pump start and stop. An additional safety level is also included above the normal shut-off point to interrupt the filling process if the water level continues to rise unusually.
This design provides additional protection against overfilling. The ReefControl system can also detect certain abnormal situations and send notifications via ReefBeat, preventing the top-off system from running unattended.
The module includes its own ATO DC pump , designed to be placed in the reverse osmosis water reservoir. This pump automatically sends water to the sump when the ReefControl detects a drop in the water level.
With a maximum advertised flow rate of approximately 300 liters per hour and a lift height of up to approximately 2.5 meters , it is suitable for standard reef setups and allows for a reasonable distance between the RO water reservoir and the sump. Its compact design also facilitates installation in RO tanks with limited space.
The RED SEA ReefControl ATO R35823-T comes with the main components needed to set up automatic refilling. The kit includes the ATO digital sensor , the ATO pump , the sensor mounting system, the silicone tubing, its support, and a device to prevent siphoning.
This last point is important when the configuration of the RO water tank and sump allows water to continue circulating naturally after the pump stops. The supplied system therefore allows for a clean installation adapted to different sump configurations. RED SEA indicates that the module includes the digital ATO sensor, mounting bracket, pump, anti-siphon device, hose support, and silicone tubing.
In a marine aquarium, water evaporates but not salt. Automatic replacement of evaporated water therefore allows for a much more consistent maintenance of the system's water volume and, consequently, its salt concentration. With its automated operation, the ReefControl ATO eliminates the need to wait for a significant amount of water to evaporate before making a manual adjustment.
The water is gradually refilled as needed, helping to maintain more stable conditions in the aquarium. When combined with a ReefControl Lite or Pro , the module forms an osmolation solution directly integrated into the RED SEA management ecosystem, making it particularly convenient for automating the daily maintenance of a reef aquarium.
