ATO pumps

JosephM · Jan 19, 2021

Just purchased a JBJ ATO controller and sensors but need a pump to go with it. I have a 29gal reef with a 20gal sump. The reservoir will be at the same level as the sump where it will be filling up so no need for lots of head pressure or anything. What are some affordable recommendations that you guys have? Thanks!

Gtinnel · Jan 19, 2021

I don't know anything about that specific ATO but I'm assuming it just turns an outlet on and off. If head pressure isn't an issue than any pump should work, I personally use a cheap $10 fountain pump from Amazon. It's cheap and moves water quickly enough for my needs, and for the price I can keep a few on hand but I've been using the same one for over a year now.

You're probably already aware of this but make sure you set it up to where it can't start a siphon...I learned that one the hard way.

JosephM · Jan 19, 2021

Gtinnel said:
I don't know anything about that specific ATO but I'm assuming it just turns an outlet on and off. If head pressure isn't an issue than any pump should work, I personally use a cheap $10 fountain pump from Amazon. It's cheap and moves water quickly enough for my needs, and for the price I can keep a few on hand but I've been using the same one for over a year now.

You're probably already aware of this but make sure you set it up to where it can't start a siphon...I learned that one the hard way.

Okay, I saw those cheap ones and was gonna go with one just wanted to be sure they would work. This may sound stupid but how exactly do I prevent a back siphon from happening?

1guydude · Jan 19, 2021

A rio or maxijet should do er. A micro sicce pump for longevity. Hths
D

Gtinnel · Jan 19, 2021

Just make sure the outlet side of the tubing is above the highest water level of the ATO reservoir that will prevent it from siphoning extra freshwater into the sump. Also make sure there is an air gap (not submerged) on the outlet side so it can't siphon saltwater back into your ATO reservoir.

JosephM · Jan 19, 2021

Any recommendation on where to get some reef safe 1/2" black vinyl tubing? I found some on Amazon that says aquarium safe but hasn't been tested in saltwater environments.

1guydude · Jan 19, 2021

Mclendons has clear id tubing or local hardware store....the steel.mesh.flex.stuff can be used too but the clear stuff with some plastic hose clamps will work for your need.

1guydude · Jan 19, 2021

All black....idk

JosephM · Jan 20, 2021

1guydude said:
All black....idk

I guess I am more worried about algae growth then anything but the hose won't ever retain water for long periods of time so I shouldn't have to really worry about that should I?

1guydude · Jan 20, 2021

Nah. Itll prob dry out between pumps. Lol. Idk your tank or evap but my guess. Is it in a closed cabinet or you have a sump light on?

JosephM · Jan 20, 2021

1guydude said:
Nah. Itll prob dry out between pumps. Lol. Idk your tank or evap but my guess. Is it in a closed cabinet or you have a sump light on?

Both closed sump and grow light on 12 hrs a night

. Cabinet ventilation is an upgrade coming soon but I don't know how soon

1guydude · Jan 20, 2021

Lol. ya during the day under your cabinet ...its probably dark so low algae growth. I had my sump light on opposite my tank lights to try and help keep ph up.
I had a coldwater tank i used a holesaw big 1 to holesaw the holes for computer fans. Than i just screwd em in. They already had bracket mounts.
Hths ya man
D

Gtinnel · Jan 20, 2021

I use clear vinyl tube that I got from lowes ( I don't know how safe it is so I'm not necessarily suggesting it) and mine does actually have a film of what I assume to be algea growing in it (which I never understood since the water is 0tds when it goes into the reservoir). In my case I have a horizontal run that has a low point and water stays in the line there. It allows just enough air through to break siphon without pulling all of the water out of the line. Using black (or any other color tubing) is probably a good idea.

1guydude · Jan 20, 2021

Ive always topd off by hand. I will start to use an ato here this yr. Why dont ppl hard plumb some of it?
D

JosephM · Jan 20, 2021

1guydude said:
Ive always topd off by hand. I will start to use an ato here this yr. Why dont ppl hard plumb some of it?
D

Guess they don't want the work of having to buy adapters and clamps lol

Gtinnel · Jan 20, 2021

1guydude said:
Ive always topd off by hand. I will start to use an ato here this yr.

I topped off my first saltwater tank by hand that I setup about 15 years ago, and since then I've used an ATO. I've now decided that an ATO is one piece of equipment that I will never have a tank without again. I recently set up a qt tank and I'm probably going to buy an ato for it also.
I don't see any reason it couldn't be hard plumbed but in my case I don't think they make pvc pipe that small