Auto Top Off Pumps

[HerbieK]

I am in the process of setting up a new 180 gallon tank and will be using an auto topoff system (as opposed to a gravity drip system on my 90 gal).

I am interested in what types of pumps/powerheads people using and how they have them plumbed up (ie. 3/8 in tubing, etc.).

All repsonses are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Herb

 

[manderx]

peristaltic off ebay.

 

[Tennsquire]

I have an ATO on two different systems. One's a JBJ, and the other is a Lifereef float switch. Both are hooked into Maxijet powerheads and plumbed into the sump with 3/8 inch tubing. You don't need much of a pump because they don't pump large volumes of water. When the ATO kicks on, the pump comes on for a couple of five seconds and is done. That's part of the benefit of the ATO; pretty stable salinity via frequent additions of small volumes of make up water. HTH

 

[sjm817]

I use Aqualifters for topoff pumps. They work really well and are dirt cheap ($10 - $12).

 

[dannable]

I second the aqualifter. I have been topping off my 75 and my 35 with these pumps for months without a problem.

 

[washingtond]

I am using JBJ ATO's on both my tanks with Maxjet Pumps connected to 1/2 inch tubing. This system has been running for a year and a half without any problems. Just clean the float swtches every six months. I have one the RO/DI storage tanks in the garage with the other inside. The system in the garage pumps water through 11 feet of tubing without any problems.

 

[rongleaves]

Aqualifter is what I use, great little pump and you can't beat the price!

 

[treejohnny]

can the aqualifter go dry without damage ?
everyone says that you need to limit the amount of top off water available to make sure you dont over top of if you have a problem