Ato pump question

[bighead]

I use a hydor smart wave ATO with a toms airlift pump it seems the pumps are not lasting that long I went through 3 pumps in about 2 years what othe pumps do you guys reccomend for that ATO

 

[sticky polyps]

That's the exact setup I use for a to. Are u topping off kalkwasser? Do you have the prefilter? I don't use kalkwasser and have only had my tom's for a couple months which I got used from a buddy. I have noticed it can pump extremely slow if you have a kink or excess pressure but always gets the job done. I keep mine fully submerged btw in my fresh resiviour.

 

[bighead]

I use kalk no prefiilter slow doesn't matter that's why I like that pump I've taken the pump apart and it is clean inside it just doesn't start up I have to tap it to get it going

 

[mapleredta]

If I recall, I was using a maxi-jet 1200.

 

[sticky polyps]

You may want to invest in the pre filter made specially for that

 

[Sk8r]

I use an Eheim, and it stands up to kalk.

 

[cardiffgiant]

IMO, a peristatlic pumps is needed for kalk. Otherwise you will have a shorter lifespan and eventual failure of the pump.

 

[ryeguyy84]

I'd say get the prefilter but also those pumps are rebuild-able.

http://premiumaquatics.com/products...NFK81LFO1q_dmWOQ9DVQvcl0VL4Dt_Qk1jhoCwVzw_wcB

I've had my aqualifter for years and only had to replace the diaphragm twice. how is your pump mounted and how much head pressure do you have on it. When I was using it on my biocube there was a good 4 feet of pressure and the pump did not like that.

 

[bighead]

Wich eihm pump do you use sk8r
Wich perilistic pump do you use. Cardiigiant

 

[outy]

I use a hydor smart wave ATO with a toms airlift pump it seems the pumps are not lasting that long I went through 3 pumps in about 2 years what othe pumps do you guys reccomend for that ATO

What broke exactly?

because they have replaceable rubber boots.


Mine still running today is almost a decade old. I used to run kalk through it for years no prefilter.

I would have to run vinegar through it to keep the internal valves clean and screens unobstructed.


The trick is to place the pump at the same height of water being drawn through the pump.

 

[sticky polyps]

Another thing i can add is that with the hydor ato, if you use a regular pump without a valve, it may trigger the alarm every time it goes off. Thats why i had to get an aqualifter. Also the aqua lifter is nice, you can put the outlet in an airline tubing holder

 

[kmbyrnes]

Tom's runs fine for me for over 2 year. It runs dry once on a while and still no issues.