The Neptune Systems Automatic Top-Off Kit (V2) or ATK V2 is a popular and robust solution for maintaining stable water levels in marine and freshwater aquariums by automatically replacing evaporated water. It's designed with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, addressing common concerns about ATO systems.
Purpose:
Replaces Evaporated Water Automatically: Evaporation is a continuous process in aquariums, especially in marine tanks where it leads to increasing salinity. The ATK automatically adds fresh RO/DI water from a reservoir to compensate for this loss, maintaining a consistent water level and stable salinity.
Reduces Manual Labour: Eliminates the daily chore of manually topping off the tank, saving time and effort for the hobbyist.
Ensures Water Parameter Stability: Consistent water levels directly translate to more stable salinity and overall water parameters, which is crucial for the health of delicate marine life and corals.
Prevents Accidents: Designed with multiple layers of safety to prevent overfilling, which can be catastrophic (flooding your home or diluting your tank excessively).
Key Features:
Three Layers of Safety: This is the hallmark feature and a major selling point for Neptune Systems:
- Dual Optical Sensors (V2 Sensors): It uses two non-moving optical sensors. A primary sensor detects when the water level drops and triggers the pump. A secondary/backup optical sensor is positioned slightly higher. If the primary sensor fails or gets dirty and water continues to rise, the backup sensor will shut off the pump and trigger an alarm. The V2 sensors are improved for reliability and longevity.
- IQ-Fill Water Run-time Intelligence: This smart algorithm learns the typical amount of water your tank needs per top-off cycle. If the pump runs for significantly longer than usual (e.g., due to a major leak or sensor failure), it will automatically shut off the pump and trigger an alarm, preventing an excessive overfill.
- Mechanical Float Valve: As a final, mechanical failsafe, the ATK V2 includes a physical float valve in the water delivery mechanism. If all electronic safeties fail and the pump continues to run, this float valve will mechanically stop the water flow.
PMUP v2 (Practical Multi-Purpose Utility Pump): The kit includes Neptune Systems' powerful 24V DC PMUP pump. This pump is known for its quiet operation and strong head pressure, capable of pushing water vertically over 14 feet (approx. 4.3 meters), allowing you to place your ATO reservoir remotely or even on a lower floor. The V2 PMUP is built for improved reliability.
Standalone Operation: Importantly, the ATK V2 can operate completely without an Apex controller. It's a plug-and-play system right out of the box, offering its core safety features and automatic top-off function.
Apex Integration (Enhanced Features): While standalone, connecting the ATK to a Neptune Systems Apex controller unlocks additional advanced features and monitoring:
- Remote Notifications: Receive email, text, or push notifications to your mobile device if any alarms are triggered (e.g., overfill, run-dry, pump error).
- Data Logging and Graphs: Monitor water level changes and top-off events over time via Apex Fusion.
- Integration with Other Apex Functions: Program the ATO to pause during maintenance modes, or integrate it with other equipment (e.g., shut off a protein skimmer temporarily during top-off).
- Fluid Monitoring Module (FMM): The ATK V2 typically comes with an FMM module, which has additional ports for other accessories like leak detectors, flow sensors, or additional optical sensors if desired.
- Easy Installation: Designed for quick and simple setup with a magnetic acrylic mount for the sensor bracket.
- Audible Alarm: The unit itself will sound an alarm if a problem is detected.
Considerations:
As with all Neptune Systems products, the ATK V2 is a premium-priced item compared to many other ATOs on the market. However, the cost is justified for many by the robust safety features and the peace of mind it provides.
Sensor Cleaning: Like any optical sensor, periodic cleaning of the optical sensors is still recommended to prevent salt creep or biofilm build-up from interfering with their operation.
Tubing Management: While the kit comes with tubing, proper routing and securing of the tubing are essential for a clean and safe installation.
