Suggestions for ATO pump

hawkinsrgk · Jan 20, 2015

I am thinking about getting a dual float switch from autotopoff.com so I am looking for suggestions on a peristaltic pump. I normally buy most of my stuff from BRS, but there were a lot of negative reviews on the 50ML peristaltic pump.

Wanted to see what peristaltic pump you would recommend.

Thanks
Randy

redfishbluefish · Jan 20, 2015

I wouldn't use an expesive peristaltic pump for auto topoff....there is not need for precision pumping to top off a tank. Dependent on the volume lost per day, I'd be looking at Tom's Aqualifter for a couple gallons a day, up to a small submersible pump, such as a Maxi Jet for a very large system. I lose about 1 1/2 gallons a day and use an Aqualifter. I also have a second as a backup if this one fails, but its been going since 2008, so I can't complain.

hawkinsrgk · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks for the help. I bought a level-loc from BRS about 5 years ago that is connected directly to my RO/DI and runs 30 mins a day. I know that I use less than 3 gallons a day, just don't know how much less. The float switch in it has gone out. So its now dependent on a float valve and a solenoid.

I'm way overdue for an upgrade anyway.

phillrodrigo · Jan 20, 2015

Mine just has a petco pump. Works fine.

NanaReefer · Jan 20, 2015

Tom's Aqualifter user for 3+yrs now. Great little pump!

Ebone · Jan 20, 2015

+1 on toms

hawkinsrgk · Jan 21, 2015

Thanks guys. I am going to get a Toms Aqualifter. I thought they would not last based on the bad reviews on them.

GHill762 · Jan 21, 2015

my aqualifter has been running over 2 years with no issues

they're cheap enough you could buy several of them before paying for a peristaltic pump.

redfishbluefish · Jan 21, 2015

I not only have a backup Aqualifter, I also have on hand the diaphragm rebuild kit. As mentioned, inexpensive enough to have backups. But I will also repeat, my first Aqualifer has been running since 2008.

Chris Aldrich · Jan 21, 2015

Consider this another "vote" for the Aqualifter. I've always had good experiences with them, including the one I'm currently using on my Carib setup.

zesty · Jan 21, 2015

I'm going to come in here with the the bad news bears. I have 3 or 4 toms aqualifter pumps at home. My first one stopped within a year, I bought a second one, nope. I read about the rebuild diaphragm kits. I asked on my local board and was gifted a few more that people didn't like, but didn't want to throw away (I'm the same way) to use for parts.

I love the idea of the diaphragm pumps. If I were to buy another, this would be what I would buy.

AVAST Marine Works - ATO Diaphragm Pump - Product Details

However, right now, I'm using a MJ400 as my ATO pump in both my ATO reservoirs.

hawkinsrgk · Jan 21, 2015

zesty said:
I'm going to come in here with the the bad news bears. I have 3 or 4 toms aqualifter pumps at home. My first one stopped within a year, I bought a second one, nope. I read about the rebuild diaphragm kits. I asked on my local board and was gifted a few more that people didn't like, but didn't want to throw away (I'm the same way) to use for parts.

I love the idea of the diaphragm pumps. If I were to buy another, this would be what I would buy.

AVAST Marine Works - ATO Diaphragm Pump - Product Details

However, right now, I'm using a MJ400 as my ATO pump in both my ATO reservoirs.

Ok. Thanks for letting me know. I had read several negative reviews on BRS about them.

GHill762 · Jan 21, 2015

zesty said:
I'm going to come in here with the the bad news bears. I have 3 or 4 toms aqualifter pumps at home. My first one stopped within a year, I bought a second one, nope. I read about the rebuild diaphragm kits. I asked on my local board and was gifted a few more that people didn't like, but didn't want to throw away (I'm the same way) to use for parts.

I love the idea of the diaphragm pumps. If I were to buy another, this would be what I would buy.

AVAST Marine Works - ATO Diaphragm Pump - Product Details

However, right now, I'm using a MJ400 as my ATO pump in both my ATO reservoirs.

I'd use a dosing pump before a standard impeller pump. far too quick of a flow rate, too much risk of flood or salinity change. with my tom aqua lifter, my float can get stuck in the "on" position and not really have any negative effects unless it's not caught after at least a day. my pump is on a time that runs 15 minutes twice a day, at 15 minutes a tom aqua lifter pumps like 3.5g/hr, that's <1g in 15 minutes, it won't even change my salinity much in the event of a stuck float.

another benefit is you won't burn your house down with a dry diaphram pump..

zesty · Jan 21, 2015

Yeah, I do know a lot of people that use them. But I've also experienced the downside to them. It was frustrating, I couldn't tell if it was my ATO controller was messed up or what. I even ran 2 of the toms pumps at once to try and see if it was the speed of the pump or whatnot. That's when I knew the pumps were bad.

I never used kalk with them, just plain ole ro/di water.

Like I said, I've been there, so that's why I'd buy the Avast pump over another toms.

zesty · Jan 21, 2015

GHill762 said:
I'd use a dosing pump before a standard impeller pump. far too quick of a flow rate, too much risk of flood or salinity change. with my tom aqua lifter, my float can get stuck in the "on" position and not really have any negative effects unless it's not caught after at least a day. my pump is on a time that runs 15 minutes twice a day, at 15 minutes a tom aqua lifter pumps like 3.5g/hr, that's <1g in 15 minutes, it won't even change my salinity much in the event of a stuck float.

another benefit is you won't burn your house down with a dry diaphragm pump..

I will say, this is something to keep in mind. I know if my impeller pump runs dry, it could be trouble. If a diaphragm pump run dry, who cares, not the pump!