PDA

View Full Version : ATO Pumps


toxic111
05-22-2012, 02:40 PM
What is everyone using for an ato pump? Gone the long weekend & my aqualifter timed out or something & I needed to add 6 gal of water to get my levels up again.

Its not the first time it has happened either. Just tired of it. I am using a JBJ ATO set-up which seems to work fine.

Give me your ideas!

banditpowdercoat
05-22-2012, 02:53 PM
Maxijet 900 mated to 1/8" line

mike31154
05-22-2012, 03:20 PM
If you can find a way to position a top off container above your sump, you can set up a gravity fed ATO through a mechanical float valve. No electricity or pump involved. My system is sumpless, not feasible to do that, so I'm using a small air pump on a timer to pressurize a glass wine carboy. The air pressure pushes the water via tubing to a mechanical float valve in the display. Not the prettiest setup, but has worked almost trouble free for years. Only issues I've had is the digital timer getting out of whack & failing to keep the pressure up. This happened randomnly a few times until I switched to a more reliable timer a few months ago. So far so good. With gravity feed top off, there are really only two failure scenarios, both of them highly unlikely. Mechanical valve stuck open or closed. Gravity will always be there, with or without electricity.

daplatapus
05-22-2012, 08:08 PM
I'm running the Tunze osmolator. Nice unit but on the pricey side at $200 or so.

Enigma
05-22-2012, 08:16 PM
What is everyone using for an ato pump?

Gravity!

Free . . . but a pretty lame system (a 15L Canadian Tire Beverage Buddy, with 1/4" tubing, and a ball valve to adjust to flow). :lol:

I need to come up with something else. I can't get the drip quite slow enough.

jtbadco
05-22-2012, 09:09 PM
JBJ ATO and Eheim Compact 1000 pump

toxic111
05-22-2012, 09:12 PM
Well since there is no room in my stand for a gravity fed system that is out. Could use the dosing pump I guess, but water use can change so much, & I would need battery back up on that so I don't lose the time setting.

I'm tossing around some ideas.. but I think it will come down to the pump that will work. I can only fit a 3gal water can in the stand. I just use a 5gal outside when I am gone for more than a couple of days.

Snaz
05-22-2012, 09:18 PM
Aqualifter AW20
http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/aqua-lifter-vacuum-pump-p-844.html

No issues after two years, touch wood.

Cal_stir
05-22-2012, 09:59 PM
maxijet 1200 1/4" tubing

toxic111
05-23-2012, 02:16 PM
Aqualifter AW20
http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/aqua-lifter-vacuum-pump-p-844.html

No issues after two years, touch wood.

Been lucky.. use 2 of them.. been the issue I think, they shut off before the water is topped up.

paddyob
05-23-2012, 02:26 PM
The new hydor nano pumps are great! Highly recommend them.

Baldy
05-23-2012, 04:31 PM
I bought the double float set from autotopoff.com and an aqualifter. if the aqualifter ever packs it in, i will switch to a dosing pump from brs. no more worrying about syphon after that

paddyob
05-23-2012, 04:47 PM
I bought the double float set from autotopoff.com and an aqualifter. if the aqualifter ever packs it in, i will switch to a dosing pump from brs. no more worrying about syphon after that

Awfully small hose on dosing pumps for an ATO.

Plus not meant got continuous running... As in prolonged filling will wear it out fast.

Baldy
05-23-2012, 05:50 PM
just checked their site again. the tube is said to last 12 months at 2 hrs per day use. thats only approx 1.5g/day from the 50ml/min pump. that is definately a little low

RuGlu6
05-23-2012, 09:06 PM
I'm running the Tunze osmolator. Nice unit.

+1 on Tunze very reliable. Have it running for years now. Pump is very good also except when you use it as a doser and drop dissolved solids to a top off reservoir, then the pump will not live for long, if you just dose clear water and avoid dry runs, the pump will last for a very long time. Even if it doesn't live long, its only $23 to replace.