Help with troubleshooting ATO

[zimmer]

I have a JBJ ATO system. Scenario - float switch in the sump return pump chamber drops, signals the controller to activate the pump in the reservoir. Lights come on on the controller, pump activates, but no water flows. I manually jiggle the float, and the water flows. Then it will work fine for days, then repeat scenario. Second scenario - same as above, but water still doesn’t flow. I manually refill, jiggle the float, etc. until it works. Again, it wil function properly for a while, then repeat all the above.

There are no snails, no salt, no algae. Water tubing end is not submerged.

I have changed the float switch twice. I have changed the pump. I have moved the float farther away from the return pump. The controller itself seems to work ok. The first pump I had was submerged in the reservoir. The second pump is a Tom’s Aqualifter. Distance the water travels is approximately 24” vertical. Reservoir sits next to the sump, outside the cabinet.

I am hopeful that someone can help me figure out what’s wrong. I contacted the company already with no response.

Thanks!

 

[Saltyreef]

I have a JBJ ATO system. Scenario - float switch in the sump return pump chamber drops, signals the controller to activate the pump in the reservoir. Lights come on on the controller, pump activates, but no water flows. I manually jiggle the float, and the water flows. Then it will work fine for days, then repeat scenario. Second scenario - same as above, but water still doesn’t flow. I manually refill, jiggle the float, etc. until it works. Again, it wil function properly for a while, then repeat all the above.

There are no snails, no salt, no algae. Water tubing end is not submerged.

I have changed the float switch twice. I have changed the pump. I have moved the float farther away from the return pump. The controller itself seems to work ok. The first pump I had was submerged in the reservoir. The second pump is a Tom’s Aqualifter. Distance the water travels is approximately 24” vertical. Reservoir sits next to the sump, outside the cabinet.

I am hopeful that someone can help me figure out what’s wrong. I contacted the company already with no response.

Thanks!

Get a tunze lol.

In all seriousness it sounds like a defective product if youve replaced multiple things already and still not working.

Replace the whole thing.

 

[Rtaylor]

Sounds like a problem with the pump….aqua lifters aren’t very strong, might be having trouble with the 24” vertical height. All the ATO controller should be doing is turning the power of the pump on or off, so if you can hear the pump getting power, the controller isn’t the problem.

 

[Biglew11]

Is this a float valve or a switch. I know you said switch, but it sounds like you described a valve that's getting stuck.

As mentioned above if the pump is turning on then the controller is working. Sounds like weak pump or clogged valve.

Edit:
I just had my apex pmup not pump water yesterday even though it was turning on. I had to disconnect the tubing at the pump to get air out of the impeller.

Edit 2 :
This won't happen with an aqualifter pump.

 

[mann1139]

Which mode is the ATO in? I doubt it matters, but it does have multiple sets of logic.

If the yellow light is coming on, the ATO thinks its pumping. The next question is whether the ATO is sending power to the pump.

If you take the pump out of your reservoir, can you hear it turn on?

 

[zimmer]

Which mode is the ATO in? I doubt it matters, but it does have multiple sets of logic.

If the yellow light is coming on, the ATO thinks its pumping. The next question is whether the ATO is sending power to the pump.

If you take the pump out of your reservoir, can you hear it turn on?

I can hear the pump turn on while in the water, feel it vibrate, and when I take the tubing off I can feel the water coming out from the pump

 

[zimmer]

Sounds like a problem with the pump….aqua lifters aren’t very strong, might be having trouble with the 24” vertical height. All the ATO controller should be doing is turning the power of the pump on or off, so if you can hear the pump getting power, the controller isn’t the problem.

I had a different pump (Sicce, I think) in the water and had the same thing

 

[zimmer]

I can hear the pump turn on while in the water, feel it vibrate, and when I take the tubing off I can feel the water coming out from the pump

That was the pump prior to the aqualifter

 

[Biglew11]

I can hear the pump turn on while in the water, feel it vibrate, and when I take the tubing off I can feel the water coming out from the pump

If the pump is moving water when disconnected. The it is either to weak to push the water or there is a clog in the line to the sump somewhere. There seams to be no issue with the sensors turning on the pumps.

 

[mann1139]

I can hear the pump turn on while in the water, feel it vibrate, and when I take the tubing off I can feel the water coming out from the pump

Unless the pump sounds weaker when attached to the ATO than not, which is a longshot, then the ATO isn't the issue.

 

[zimmer]

I appreciate all the help!