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[bored4long]

what is transformer for

what is transformer for

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11103371#post11103371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bladeruner143
And what is the transformer for? As you can tell, i am a super-noob with ATP systems! Reefugee, I will probably be PMing you next week for help since you are a fellow Davisite!

Easy answer is that the transformer provides power to the relay for it to work. That is all.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11103642#post11103642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bored4long
How much power does an aqualifter have? If the resevoir is in the stand below the tank, can the aqualifter move the water up to the tank? This might be 3 feet of head.

Very good point. The aqualifter can only push about 30 inches of head.

Also one other point. If you are using an open impeller pump like a maxi make sure that there is an "air break" between the end of your feed line and the tank so that you don't get back siphoning from or to your tank.

 

[bladeruner143]

What is an "air break?" What type of pump would you guys suggest then? I'm planning on about a 30G resevoir which will be right next to my tank at a max of 3ft of head. Any suggestions would be great so I can go out and try to find the right pump.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11104396#post11104396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bladeruner143
What is an "air break?"

The tube (or pipe) that is used to fill the tank or sump needs to NOT be submerged into the tank/sump water. If it is submerged then when the pump is off a siphon will occur from the high water level to the lower water level. In youe case where the tank is higher than the ATO water tank, water would be siphoned from your tank into the ATO tank untill either the levels become the same or most likely until the tank level gets below the fill tube and it starts sucking air. NOT a good thing.

As far as to the best pump to use I have always used AquaLifters but I understand that MaxiJets make a good ATO pump. It would be better for someone else to make this recommendation.

-- EDIT -- One other point. If your ATO tank should be above the tank you would need to prevent a siphon from there. Once the pump turned on and off, the filled output tube would cause a siphon from your ATO tank into your aquarium/sump again until level match or the ATO tank was empty.