which pump for auto top off?

[antjtc]

I'm making an auto top off system for my 29 gal sump (to feed 90 gal DT). I read on a retailer website that they recommend a specific pump which doesn't burn out when it goes off and on. They recommend a maxi jet powerhead, which is the kind which you can stick into an undergravel filter pipe.

Can anyone verify if this is really true or not, or recommend a specific pump which you haven't had burn out on you due to freq on and off?

Thanks.

 

[pugcrush]

Yes, MJ's are widely used. Or Tom's aqualifter (even cheaper)

 

[seapug]

Maxi jet 1200s and aqualifters are reliable standbys.

 

[ryeguyy84]

I use an aqualifter. It adds water slowly so my kalkwasser goes In slow

 

[Indymann99]

+1 on a Toms Aqualifter, I also use a JBJ ATO controller and it has worked well for 4 yrs.

 

[jamey1015]

I like the aqualifter too, I had a small powerhead for a while and when the top off bucket got low it didn't always work anymore, switched and couldn't be happier plus its quieter.

 

[arentspowell]

+1 for the aqualifter. Like other I use kalkwasser and it works great. Ive had it running for over a year and it hasn't had any issues with getting clogged or anything.

 

[Sk8r]

I use the Maxijet 1200: can lift to the tank from the floor and is cheap enough to replace when kalk finally wears it out: also has replaceable impeller. Lay in an extra.

 

[globe]

is the aqualifter submersible ?

 

[Thras]

No you use airline tubing there's a in and out its what I use on my jbj 24 nano works great

 

[jim.crunk]

No, dont put aqualifter under water.
I use the aqualifter for my ato with Kalk. And with Kalk you will need to clean any pump you choose. You can get an aqualifter rebuild kit from BRS for dirt cheap if ever needed. Another + for aqualifter is the use of a prefilter (also dirt cheap) and it will catch undesolved kalk if your pickup hose is too deep in the reservoir.

 

[aktopjian]

aqualifters work well..

 

[jdm01]

I use a MaxiJet 1200 on one top off tank and a Rio 1700 on the other top off tank. I have two tanks. On the 65G DT that uses the MaxiJet 1200 I also bought a Reef Fanatics Level Controller at Premium Aquatics. It is great. It runs the auto top off, but it also has a sensor for the top off tank that prevents the pump from running dry. Protection on both sides!!! It is fantastic.

 

[biecacka]

+1 on the mj here. i use the 900 tho
corey

 

[dmglakewood]

I use a 18$ pump from home depot along with jbj ATO. I didn't see the need to spend any real money on a pump that will get very little use per day. I've had it running for about 6 months now and I'm pleased with the purchase. I've never had an issue with the pump or the jbj ATO. It makes my life a lot easier as it's 1 less thing I have to worry about in the tank.

Here is the pump I use
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[cordell]

Aqualifter here... best thing I liked about it was it added the water slowly and once it kicks on, it runs for a few minutes instead of a few seconds on and then back off again. Also, the whole pump doesn't have to sit in the water which is good if you use kalkwasser as topoff (even tho if probably will still have to be rebuilt sooner or later)..

And it's cheaper I think?..

 

[johnwonus]

I use the aqualifter. Its a great dependable pump. Also, it has no problem running dry indefinately if you forget to fill your topoff reservoir. Aqualifter all the way.

 

[f3honda4me]

What size and kind of tubing does the aqualifter use?

 

[radicaltimes]

I think is is standard 1/8" tubing. I was using a maxijet before the Tom's Aqualifter . The Aqualfter will shut off after only adding a few teaspoons of ATO , The maxijet would dump in a lot more before the ATO could respond and shut it off.

 

[ryeguyy84]

Aqualifter here... best thing I liked about it was it added the water slowly and once it kicks on, it runs for a few minutes instead of a few seconds on and then back off again. Also, the whole pump doesn't have to sit in the water which is good if you use kalkwasser as topoff (even tho if probably will still have to be rebuilt sooner or later)..

And it's cheaper I think?..

Good point, you can break the pump down and rebuilt it for like $5.