Auto aqua micro smart ato

Hallowhead · Jan 23, 2020

Howdy,

I think I got the name of it right haha. I have this setup on my 30 AIO tank using a 5 gallon bucket as a reservoir. I have my apex turn on for two minutes ever two hours to avoid it getting stuck on.. I'm fearing that it's constantly throwing my tunze 9001 out of tune and I am wondering does anyone have faith leaving it on full range?? I couldn't imagine turning it on and off every hour is any good either

reef lover · Jan 24, 2020

I run 2 of the micros and 1 full size. They are great. Just keep the sensor clean. Even shut off and sound alarm if its run more than usual or less than usual. Which is nice if a skimmer starts acting up or filter socks get clogged...

Tom Casperson · Jan 24, 2020

I’ve had mine for over a year now. No problem. Keep the sensor clean, and clean the pump in vinegar every 3 months. Float ATO’s can get stuck as well.

SDK · Jan 24, 2020

The AA Micro has failsafe's built in. None are perfect, but mine has been running flawlessly for over a year now.

It should also solve your skimmer issue as mine holds the water level unchanged to the naked eye. In my Nuvo 20 it is sensitive enough that its only adding what seems like a few tablespoons worth of water at a time. I also run a Tunze 9001 and it stays tuned...

Wee Mad Arthur · Jan 24, 2020

Had mine nearly a year also, I give the sensor a brush with a toothbrush during a water change to keep it clean.

Barrett · Jan 24, 2020

I’ve been running mine for almost 3 yrs now, not a single problem.

Hallowhead · Jan 24, 2020

SDK said:
The AA Micro has failsafe's built in. None are perfect, but mine has been running flawlessly for over a year now.

It should also solve your skimmer issue as mine holds the water level unchanged to the naked eye. In my Nuvo 20 it is sensitive enough that its only adding what seems like a few tablespoons worth of water at a time. I also run a Tunze 9001 and it stays tuned...

Please provide a picture of the skimmate you're getting from 9001 and a water line?!! Please!

Hallowhead · Jan 24, 2020

I will release it to the wild! I clean my sensor every couple water changes

Hallowhead · Jan 24, 2020

Old Man Reefer said:
I’ve had mine for over a year now. No problem. Keep the sensor clean, and clean the pump in vinegar every 3 months. Float ATO’s can get stuck as well.

Why would I clean a pump running in pure water in vinegar?

SDK · Jan 24, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Please provide a picture of the skimmate you're getting from 9001 and a water line?!! Please!

I will tonight when I get home from my sons Jiu Jitsu tournament...

Tom Casperson · Jan 24, 2020

Hallowhead said:
Why would I clean a pump running in pure water in vinegar?

Ahhh! You won’t be dozing Kalkwasser? You should, and if you do, calcium builds up on the pump. Vinegar is acidic. It will dissolve calcium deposits

Hallowhead · Jan 24, 2020

Old Man Reefer said:
Ahhh! You won’t be dozing Kalkwasser? You should, and if you do, calcium builds up on the pump. Vinegar is acidic. It will dissolve calcium deposits

I dose liquid soda ash to avoid said buildup in my ATO

vangvace · Jan 24, 2020

I have used the AA micros on an IM10 and JBJ30 and they both worked great. The first time it tops off after power is applied it sets the failsafe time limit for the pump being on. This failsafe resets whenever the ato loses power.

Hallowhead · Jan 24, 2020

vangvace said:
I have used the AA micros on an IM10 and JBJ30 and they both worked great. The first time it tops off after power is applied it sets the failsafe time limit for the pump being on. This failsafe resets whenever the ato loses power.

This is good to know! I may have to test this one day

SDK · Jan 24, 2020

Hard to get a good pic of the water level with all of the blue lighting, but I would say it’s about 1.5” below the top of the back chamber.

I last emptied the skimmer cup on Sunday, so that’s about five days worth of dark skimmate in there