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.

 

[scubasteve]

I have the smart ato and don't know why they made a micro the smart ato is golf ball size and same with pump. After 3 years I have not had a single issue with it at all. In my opinion best ato ever made.

 

[averhoog]

Not sure about the micro but I also have no problem with my smart ato in the two years I have had it

 

[OrcaSB]

The main difference is you can mount the micro to virtually any surface under 1/2" and it doesn't have to be clear. Also, the sensor is smaller than the original and the water side piece is better sealed as the original had several reports of problems with leaking and rusting.


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[Hong]

I have the micro version, on my 33 Gal. The size, and the alerts.

For the micro, after the initial fill up, if the time to fill is > 3 x initial fill up time. It flashes red, and has an audible alert. Only 1 alert.

For the smart, it has 2 alerts, the overfill and the non fill.
The overfill - determined by the previous on/off period x 3.

My concern is with the smaller tank, the overfill for the smart is determined by the previous on/off period. If the previous on/off period gets longer there is a chance for overdose/overfill.

For the micro, I can setup so that If it fills more than 5 sec, I can make that my timeout, and know that I will not put more than 15 secs worth of autofill. Not dependent on the previous on/off period.

Cheers.

 

[Canadianeh]

The main difference is you can mount the micro to virtually any surface under 1/2" and it doesn't have to be clear. Also, the sensor is smaller than the original and the water side piece is better sealed as the original had several reports of problems with leaking and rusting.


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I went ahead and ordered the Micro one. The regular one only works with clear glass, and this will not work with my AIO.
Also, I like that the sensor is in the water directly, and not outside.

 

[Canadianeh]

I have the micro version, on my 33 Gal. The size, and the alerts.

For the micro, after the initial fill up, if the time to fill is > 3 x initial fill up time. It flashes red, and has an audible alert. Only 1 alert.

For the smart, it has 2 alerts, the overfill and the non fill.
The overfill - determined by the previous on/off period x 3.

My concern is with the smaller tank, the overfill for the smart is determined by the previous on/off period. If the previous on/off period gets longer there is a chance for overdose/overfill.

For the micro, I can setup so that If it fills more than 5 sec, I can make that my timeout, and know that I will not put more than 15 secs worth of autofill. Not dependent on the previous on/off period.

Cheers.

I am using Tunze 3152 right now which I will return for SMART ATO micro. With my Tunze or any future ATO, I don't think it will run for more than 5 seconds at any time since it is not a big tank to top off.

 

[Hong]

One downside, is you have to clean the sensor every now and then because coraline algae will grow on it.

 

[Canadianeh]

One downside, is you have to clean the sensor every now and then because coraline algae will grow on it.

It's only a penny size sensor compare to the other equipment that you need to clean every now and then. It is negligible.