Aqua lifter not keeping "primed"?!

[intyme]

I don't know if that's the right title. Anyways I have a toms aqua lifter running off my JBJ ato. I have the ato turned up sll the way on the internal timer dial. Every time I look at the controller it says the pump should be running, but it's not. It seems like if I suck on the hose it pulls a siphon and runs for the time limit or when the float trips. It doesn't seem to start on its own. Anyone have a solution for this? I don't really want a new pump since this whole setup is brand new.

 

[Rutrag]

It's a diaphragm pump and really doesn't need priming. I had the same setup as you on my 75, and I found the pump just couldn't keep up with the evaporation rate. Even with the ATO timer turned all the way up, it would time out. I ended up switching to a Maxi-Jet 400.

 

[Gorgok]

I have a aqualifter that appears to be doing this now, its not strong enough to lift from a 5g when its about 1/4 full anymore... Had it for years without issue, probably will just replace it.

Might open it up first and see if its got kalk buildup or something though.

 

[intyme]

I guess I'll take it apart, but I wouldn't think I had to since its been in use for about 1 month

 

[jetfixer100]

I've had mine for about a month, using it with a Hydor Smart Level controller, and it's working like a champ. Could be you got a bad one from stock. If it's only been a month, I'd return it if possible.

 

[intyme]

It's gotta be a bad pump, I just tried moving the pump to hang on the sump vs on the reservoir tank that's a little lower. I have to suck on the end of the tubing to get water to come out. ***

 

[Webmanny]

I think you just need an air line check valve at the end. If the pump doesn't have this at the end, it will siphon back. I had this same issue with a Jebao dp4.