ATO Pump Issues / Recommendations

Richard Newman · May 12, 2020

Hi All,
I am in need of some assistance with my ATO. I have a IM Nuvo 40 AIO which has been setup and running for just over a year. Recently my Toms Aquatic lift pump has been failing occasionally. My ATO bucket sits inside the stand with the pump just above the bucket. I believe I am running into a head pressure issue. When the feed and return lines are close to the same height the water flows without issue. However, as the height of the return line goes up, the flow slowly decreases until it is just a few drops. Over time the few drops just stop and top off just stops.

I don't mind replacing the pump, but I am having issues finding a small pump that can basically pump to a height of 55" (the top of the tank). I don't really want to replace the whole setup as the Tsunami controller has been flawless.

Ideas, recommendations?

Thanks much!

92Miata · May 12, 2020

The Smart Micro ATO's pump does 74gph (at no head) and can do 78" - and is like $20 for a replacement. Its submersible though - and runs on 12vc, so you'd probably need to find a wall wart with the right connector/polarity.

Richard Newman · May 13, 2020

Any other recommendations?
Thanks!

dbowman5 · May 13, 2020

Richard Newman said:
Any other recommendations?
Thanks!

i use a submersible power head for one of my ato. it runs quick and shuts off. the output is above the skimmer section i use a Toms on another system but have not seen your problem with it.

SALTYMOPAR · May 13, 2020

I've used a cobalt 1200 for ATO not the most silent thing in the world but it works quick. I'm a huge fan of Tom's but they are not the best when dealing with head pressure as we both have figured out.

Richard Newman · May 13, 2020

Thanks @dbowman5 and @SALTYMOPAR!
I use a 5g jug with a 3" and 1/2" opening. Makes it easy to stick a ridged tube in the small top and attach to a pump. The Toms has worked well until recently. I cleaned the diaphram, but it wasn't really dirty. I was hoping to just find a larger lift pump, but...it is seemingly a harder mission. Hence my post. My biggest problem is the distance I need to go from my jug to the top of the tank. Not much I can do to lessen the 55" height.

Thanks!

solitude127 · May 13, 2020

here's what I've been using. 55" will not be a problem for this pump

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Richard Newman · May 14, 2020

Thanks everyone!
I ended up ordering an Innovative Marine Hydrofill pump. It got decent reviews and since my tank is an IM, I figured they designed it to work for their tanks... Plus it uses the same airline tubing that I have in place now, so it'll be just a pump swap. I'll let everyone know how it goes.