Indiana Reefin
Garrett
I am going to get an ATO from auto top off . Com. That being said. What pump would be reliable for this application? The only pump that comes to mind is the aqualifter pump
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Reliable ato pump
- Thread starter Indiana Reefin
- Start date
Indiana Reefin
Garrett
Arn't the ATO kits from auto top off . Com have a controller. I know it doesn't have any adjustment options, but it is still controlled?
The float switches control the electricity delivered to the plug of the ATO.com system, whether it be a pump that pumps from a water storage container or the optional solenoid valve that they offer. If you can run a line from the RODI unit to the sump, then using the solenoid valve, as MaLi suggested.
If you cannot run a line from the RODI to the sump, the AquaLifter (AL) will be fine as you do not have to worry about the siphoning effect if the water level in the reservoir is higher than the water level in the sump...just keep the AL mounted above water level in the sump.
They are reliable but if you supplement the ATO water with Ca, Mg, Alk or etc, the flapper valves will harden and fail in time and not pump water. Replacement diaphragm modules are inexpensive so have a few on hand just in case.
HTH
If you cannot run a line from the RODI to the sump, the AquaLifter (AL) will be fine as you do not have to worry about the siphoning effect if the water level in the reservoir is higher than the water level in the sump...just keep the AL mounted above water level in the sump.
They are reliable but if you supplement the ATO water with Ca, Mg, Alk or etc, the flapper valves will harden and fail in time and not pump water. Replacement diaphragm modules are inexpensive so have a few on hand just in case.
HTH
luv951
New member
I have heard exactly the opposite of this. I have been using 2 aqualifters for my top off and water change systems and they have both been great. Its only been about a year now, but even if they fail after that long, for the money it was worth it.
An MJ will cost you more and needs to be submerged which was a deal killer for me, especially since I dose Kalk in my top off.
An MJ will cost you more and needs to be submerged which was a deal killer for me, especially since I dose Kalk in my top off.
when I had the 60G cube I had an ATO reservoir (plastic container for biscuits at Sam's Club, 2.5G) I used this pump for 2 years.
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T5024_04.html
Now, I have a direct RO/DI line and I use this solenoid valve.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Electri...099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ac8df44b
hope it helps,
MaLi
http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/T5024_04.html
Now, I have a direct RO/DI line and I use this solenoid valve.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Electri...099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ac8df44b
hope it helps,
MaLi
rwb500
Active member
your experience is not the norm. A year is 4 times what many people get out of their aqualifters. and regardless of that, a year should not be considered a long time for a pump.
Indiana Reefin
Garrett
Thanks for the replies. Anyone oppse to the auto top off . Com kits?
I guess I will have look at a different pump. This so for a breeding tank for a nice pair of clowns, so I don't want crappy equipment. Might have to buck up and get a tunze ato
I guess I will have look at a different pump. This so for a breeding tank for a nice pair of clowns, so I don't want crappy equipment. Might have to buck up and get a tunze ato
moondoggy4
Team RC
Tunze just came out with a new model for smaller tanks autotopoff.com is a good company I use aquallifters and I pump vinegar through them when they slow down.
I've been using the same aqualifter for a couple of years with no problems. The only time I thought it was done was when the tubing got pinched off and it couldn't pump through the kink. For me the aqualifter does four things that make it ideal and unmatched IMHO for ATO duty, epsecially with kalk in the ATO, 1) they are dirt cheap 2) they are dog slow so they add the kalk water nice and slow to prevent massive precip in the general vicinity of the ATO output 3) they self prime and don't need to be in the ATO container so I can use rotating 7 gallon water jugs 4) last but most important for me is they don't care if they are run dry as a bone. My ATO reservoir currently, and my last one as well, sits in a separate cabinet away from the tank which I don't look at unless it is empty and I know it is empty when I hear the tell-tale sucking of the aqualifter pumping air. The sucking noise is a bonus alarm for me to change out the 7 gallon jug 
Indiana Reefin
Garrett
Well that made it easy. Tunze nano it is. Thank you!:wavehand:
luv951
New member
I've been using the same aqualifter for a couple of years with no problems. The only time I thought it was done was when the tubing got pinched off and it couldn't pump through the kink. For me the aqualifter does four things that make it ideal and unmatched IMHO for ATO duty, epsecially with kalk in the ATO, 1) they are dirt cheap 2) they are dog slow so they add the kalk water nice and slow to prevent massive precip in the general vicinity of the ATO output 3) they self prime and don't need to be in the ATO container so I can use rotating 7 gallon water jugs 4) last but most important for me is they don't care if they are run dry as a bone. My ATO reservoir currently, and my last one as well, sits in a separate cabinet away from the tank which I don't look at unless it is empty and I know it is empty when I hear the tell-tale sucking of the aqualifter pumping air. The sucking noise is a bonus alarm for me to change out the 7 gallon jug
What he said...^
