Ato Pump Question

[camps23]

Hey Guys,
Im going to be running my ATO with 2 float switches controlled by a reef keeper elite controller. Im looking for a pump for this setup. I was hoping to use something simple like a TOMs aqualifter pump but unsure how reliable they are ? All reviews online are amazing but unsure on everyones application. They are rated to pump up 30" is this accurate ? Looking to buy one of these containers to store RO in my stand under my IM Nuvo 38G http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/Auto-Top-Off-Container-2.5gallon-canada.html.

 

[Kman]

I use the one in the link. I find it better then the aqualifter

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-top-off-doser-50-ml-per-minute.html

 

[Pistol]

The Toms aqualifters are very reliable especially if used with clean water.

 

[Kman]

I had nothing but problems with them on my tank. I had to constantly reset my ato daily. I even replaced it with a brand new one. Same issue. I replaced the pump with the one in the link I sent and the problem stopped. So for some people's needs the Toms aqualifter works but not everyone.

 

[camps23]

I had nothing but problems with them on my tank. I had to constantly reset my ato daily. I even replaced it with a brand new one. Same issue. I replaced the pump with the one in the link I sent and the problem stopped. So for some people's needs the Toms aqualifter works but not everyone.

Hey Kman
How far were you pumping ?

 

[Kman]

My sump is sitting on the floor and across from it about 5 feet away is my top up tank. That is also sitting on the floor. So it hads to travel flat across that distance. I do have a larger sump with a big surface area so my evaporation is high. So I am sure if your sump is smaller and your evaporation is not to high the Toms should work.

 

[bart84]

I use a mj rated for the height that I need.

 

[camps23]

Don't MJs move to much water even the smaller models ? It's only for a 38g AIO tank. Pumping about 30" up

 

[camps23]

Don't the MJs move to much water ? I'm only topping off a 38g AIO tank With about 30" head

 

[EricTMah]

I switched from the aqualifter to the same brs pump kman is running.

I use kalk in my ato and found the aqualifter to be not very reliable. Went through three rebuild kits in one year. Which would've paid for my brs pump already if I would've went that route to begin with.

I've taken all aqualifters off my system, ato and two for my HOB overflow boxes.

I'm not a big fan of them. Some people have good luck. But apparently I wasn't one of them.
If you're not running any additives in your ato reservoir. The mj pump should be fine. But I don't know how well they handle the constant on and off of an ato.

Sent from my Z30 using Tapatalk

 

[Jewel]

I'm not a fan of the Aqua Lifter, Not reliable I think the best ATO is gravity fed. If you have the space to set it up, Any reliable pump will work.

 

[Kman]

I switched from the aqualifter to the same brs pump kman is running.

I use kalk in my ato and found the aqualifter to be not very reliable. Went through three rebuild kits in one year. Which would've paid for my brs pump already if I would've went that route to begin with.

I've taken all aqualifters off my system, ato and two for my HOB overflow boxes.

I'm not a big fan of them. Some people have good luck. But apparently I wasn't one of them.
If you're not running any additives in your ato reservoir. The mj pump should be fine. But I don't know how well they handle the constant on and off of an ato.

Sent from my Z30 using Tapatalk

I burned through two new ones and a rebuild kit as well. We both got screwed by the aqualifter.

 

[Salty Cracker]

I don't know as if I would trust any kind of ato on a small tank, to be perfectly honest. I know with mine (~150 gal) setup I've left it running on manual or had a float stick etc... my top off is only a 5 gal bucket now so that it can't do too much damage, but on 40 gal it would wipe it out. Just a thought. Maybe just make sure your fresh water reservoir is quite small?

I use 3 floats. One in the tank for a low level, another for a high level shutoff, and one in the ato as a low ato alarm. The whole system only activates at night (at first I had it come on while I was doing a water change). An alarm sounds if the ato level is low, and the skimmer, vortex pump and wavemaker shut off if the high level float activates.

 

[Jewel]

That is a really good point, Weather it be pump supplied or gravity fed make sure your sump or tank can hold the supplied water. On a small tank that could definitely be a problem. I've always had a shut off in my sump or tank that'll kill the power if the water rises or falls too low.

 

[bart84]

Don't the MJs move to much water ? I'm only topping off a 38g AIO tank With about 30" head

I have the same tank and I use the jbj ato and a mj 600. Mine has to pump up 30 as well. It works awesome.

 

[camps23]

I have the same tank and I use the jbj ato and a mj 600. Mine has to pump up 30 as well. It works awesome.

Thanks for the heads up..
Any pics of your setup ?
How do you have the ato hose mounted in the rear chambers ?

 

[bart84]

The light is horrible for pictures.