Smart ATO vs Smart ATO Micro

[canadianeh]

Can someone tell me what's the difference between SMART ATO and SMART ATO Micro other than the size?

I am planning to use it in IM Fusion 40 AIO tank. My store has the SMART ATO on sale and the price difference between the SMART ATO and SMART ATO Micro is $20.

Please help explain the difference. I tried to google it but no one comparing them.

 

[Cliving1]

I do not know the difference, perhaps size of pump and what tank size its rated for. But I have the same tank and regular smart ato and it works perfect.

 

[Ou8me2]

They are pretty much the same other than the difference in optical sensors as the Smart ATO is more advanced and the Smart ATO Micro has 1 small basic optical sensor. They use the same DC pump also it seems. The Smart ATO Micro seems to be marketed more for Nano tanks and hence the name " Micro". To me though it only looks like a difference in sensors.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

I have the micro on my 60 cube for 5 months now and it has worked fine. Air bubbles will throw the sensor off a bit if they are able to gather around the sensor, but other than that it's been solid.

 

[canadianeh]

I think I am going to get the Micro one since the sensor is inside the tank.

 

[rocsec1]

For something like an ato the more sensoes(safety) the better. Plus if you upgrade someday you'll have the right ato. $20is alotto future proof yourself

 

[canadianeh]

For something like an ato the more sensoes(safety) the better. Plus if you upgrade someday you'll have the right ato. $20is alotto future proof yourself

On the company website it does not specified the differences between both. Can you show me where you got their specs from?

 

[Mr.Shrimps]

One thing that I wish I would have known (and some people do not care) is that with the original smart ato the wires stay outside of your sump. With the new smaller smart ato the wire will run down into your sump. I hate wires and wish I would have kept the original for a cleaner looking sump.

 

[Ou8me2]

On the company website it does not specified the differences between both. Can you show me where you got their specs from?

I don't think the comments were about this brand of top-off but general comments about ATO's since each only offers 1 sensor. It's honestly wise to get a dual sensor system. Many recommend http://www.autotopoff.com/

 

[2smokes]

I don't think the comments were about this brand of top-off but general comments about ATO's since each only offers 1 sensor. It's honestly wise to get a dual sensor system. Many recommend http://www.autotopoff.com/

Agree that the more sensors the better.The perfect ATO system has 3-4 sensors in wich one is made to protect the pump so that it wont run without water.There are 2 types of sensors,magnetic float sensors,that can get jammed if a small snail or an asterina sticks on it and optic sensors.The best ato should have a combination of both magnetic float and one optic sensor as the main triggering one.The optic sensor cant be build with a delay thogh as its in the case of the system that uses 2 magnetic sensors for triggering so the optic sensor will dose more offten. Optical level sensor and an immage on how it works.The last are magnetic float sensors.

EDIT-smart ato micro has just one single optic sensor.I wouldnt trust it too much,better go with a diy ATO.The optical sensor costs just 3 dollars at the chinese stores and the pump is like 7 dollars.

 

[scooter31707]

IMO, I think the only difference is the Micro was made smaller to go inside a small tank that does not have a sump.

 

[Spiffy]

I do not know the difference, perhaps size of pump and what tank size its rated for. But I have the same tank and regular smart ato and it works perfect.

+1

I have been using the standard Smart ATO for years now with very little to no maintenance, and I have not had any issues. I have the sensor for mine in the sump, and the return line adds water directly to the display tank while dosing kalk. The Smart ATO seemed like a better option than the mechanical ATO with the float switches. Plus, it's a cleaner look, not to mention you can put the sensor anywhere you need it.

 

[JMorris271]

+1

I have been using the standard Smart ATO for years now with very little to no maintenance, and I have not had any issues. I have the sensor for mine in the sump, and the return line adds water directly to the display tank while dosing kalk. The Smart ATO seemed like a better option than the mechanical ATO with the float switches. Plus, it's a cleaner look, not to mention you can put the sensor anywhere you need it.

Are you running 2 lines , 1 to the tank and 1 to the sump or do you have to move your line from the sump to the tank to dose kalk.

 

[Spiffy]

Are you running 2 lines , 1 to the tank and 1 to the sump or do you have to move your line from the sump to the tank to dose kalk.

No. Just one line. I am using the kalk in the ATO reservoir and dosing directly to the DT. The sensor is in the return area of the sump. When the DT water level gets too low, the sump level drops as well because of the reduced intake from the HOB overflow box. Once it is below the sensor on the glass, the sensor turns on the pump, which is inside of the ATO jug, and pumps the water up to the DT, raises the level in the main tank, which increases the flow into the overflow box. More water going into the overflow raises the sump level. I'll get some pictures when I get home if I get a chance. Does this make any sense? lol