top off pump

[Constantin]

whats the best option for a reliable top off pump?
I just need a pump, capable of topping off a 500g system, need for it to be reliable above all.
Already have a controller for it, so again, whats a good pump on the market right now(hopefully one that wont be too expensive).
Thanks, Chris.

 

[redfishsc]

If you are referring to a general pump for an ATO, I would use a small Maxi-Jet (MJ 400). Anything any bigger is a waste and may actually top off quicker than the float valve can respond.

I have used Maxijets for eons in fresh and saltwater, as long as I can remember, and they have proven to me to be the most reliable powerhead in their price range.

 

[nivenethan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14807713#post14807713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redfishsc
If you are referring to a general pump for an ATO, I would use a small Maxi-Jet (MJ 400). Anything any bigger is a waste and may actually top off quicker than the float valve can respond.

I have used Maxijets for eons in fresh and saltwater, as long as I can remember, and they have proven to me to be the most reliable powerhead in their price range.

How do you keep the maxijet from siphoning if you top off water level is higher than your sump level? I would think a parastaltic pump would be a better choice....

 

[Constantin]

I was trying to see if anyone know whats a cheap and reliable periastalic pump...

 

[sjm817]

Aqualifters are not peristalic pumps, but make very good topoff pumps and are only $12.

 

[qfrisco]

I use a MicroJet pump, but I only have a 90g. For your sized tank, a normal MaxiJet as redfishsc suggested should work.

I prevent the siphon by having the output end of the tubing (that's attached to the pump) higher than the highest possible level of water in the reservoir. You could also drill a siphon break hole in your tubing just above the highest possible level of water in the reservoir. Just make sure the part of the tubing with the hole is still in your reservoir or you could make a mess.

 

[GlassReef]

This is the one I use. Extremely reliable, great specs!

Tunze Metering Pump

 

[Constantin]

I saw the aqyalifter... do those backsiphon? i would imagine they would...

 

[Robamus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14808324#post14808324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nivenethan
How do you keep the maxijet from siphoning if you top off water level is higher than your sump level? I would think a parastaltic pump would be a better choice....

Just dont put the end of the tube IN the water.

Wait, nevermind I reread that.

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14811552#post14811552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Constantin
I saw the aqyalifter... do those backsiphon? i would imagine they would...

Yes. Keep the output of the topoff higher than the topoff container. If the topoff container is too high, run a tall piece of small diameter PVC tubing into the sump and put the topoff line into the top of that to raise it up.

 

[LEGENDARY_ENG]

use a 1/2" tee with 1/4" reducer with a elbow going back into the tank with pump no siphon

 

[mg426]

I use a Maxijet 900. My top off tank is higher than my sump and to prevent the siphon effect I made a siphon break.