Jul 20, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
Just got my Smart ATO unit, which I'm using on my display tank (my system is sumpless). I had to trim some of the tank's rim so that the sensor could see through up at the top, where the water level is. Anyhow, got it installed and I'm not sure it's working properly. I notice that water level tends to drop pretty far and the sensor doesn't activate the pump to send water into the tank. To test it, I scooped some water out of the tank to significantly lower the water level. Then the pump slowly pumped some water in and stopped. It then proceeded to flash the red LED slowly and make a beeping alert. I reset it by unplugging it and plugging it back in, and the green light came back on. Also a couple of times I've walked into the room to hear that same beeping and saw that the red light was flashing. So this is happening repeatedly. There is plenty of water in the reservoir, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Does anyone have a tip for me?
Reply
10 Answers
Jul 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
We are sorry for the inconvenience. When you reset the unit, is the controller head below the water surface or above? The controller must be first plugged in or reset above the water surface, wait for it to finish initializing and then pulled down to your desired water level always keeping the controller head above water. Let the water level catch up to the controller and not force the controller to stop by moving it below the water surface.
Jul 21, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
Thank you, Carlos. I will try doing that now. When I do water changes, I turn off all pumps, skimmer, and other electronics involved with the tank. So I guess I just need to be sure to switch them back on before the water gets up to the Smart ATO when I'm refilling.
Jul 23, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
Still having the same problem. Took the ATO out and reset it out of the water... Replaced it and still the water level drops to below the sensor and no water is pumped in. I'm especially concerned because I'm going out of town on Friday and will be gone for five days. So need to get this figured out tonight or tomorrow. Any other ideas?
Jul 24, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Have you tried a different location? Can you attach a picture of the unit on your tank so I can see your setup?
Jul 24, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
I can't really try another location as I had to cut part of the tank's rim in order to put this in place. Here's a pic of where it's installed.
Jul 24, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Have you tried running the unit on a small glass or clear plastic container just to test it and see if it does the same thing?
You can set it up on a small container and then for evaporation, just remove some of the water with a small cup and see if the unit starts to top off as it should. If it does, then something is not letting see the unit see through and read the prism on the other side of your tank.
You can set it up on a small container and then for evaporation, just remove some of the water with a small cup and see if the unit starts to top off as it should. If it does, then something is not letting see the unit see through and read the prism on the other side of your tank.
Jul 24, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
I'll try that - good idea. I can't see anything that would be impairing the sensor's view through the glass, but I'll check again...
Aug 05, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
Just to update... The ATO worked while we were away. But the level that it maintained was too low for my hang on skimmer (Reef Octopus BH2000) to function. So I just chipped away a little more of the tank's plastic rim and raised the ATO sensor to the absolute highest point that it can go. Reset the ATO with it out of the water, then installed it. It began to fill, then stopped filling and the red light started flashing and the unit started beeping. I reset it again, and again it started to fill, then stopped and flashed red/beeped. I then reset it without taking it out of the tank - just unplugged it, plugged it back in, allowed it to initialize in the tank. This time it didn't beep/flash red. So I'm not sure if it's going to work now or not, but I just wanted to see if you had any idea whether this was normal behavior for one of these or not. Or if there's something I'm doing wrong? Thanks!
Aug 05, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Thank you. I am glad you go the unit to work. Just give it a test and let it run for a while. As long as nothing is obstructing it and both dry side and wet side are lined up, you should have no more issues.
Please keep us posted.
Please keep us posted.
Aug 05, 2014
KP Devlin
wrote
Cool. I'll be around the house most of the week, so will keep an eye on it. Thanks again for your help.