Tom aqualifter pump

[Lovefish77]

So I use my tom aqualifter pump in my overflow boxes. But I noticed that they need a lot of maintenance (running in water and vinegar every few months) otherwise they will just not work. I am now running water and vinegar in one of them right now and it does not seem to help much.

What is everyone's experience with these pumps? What is their life span? I usually replace them every 1.5 to 2 years. Is that the norm?

Thanks

 

[LiveWire]

When I had used them in the past you could order new diaphragms for them and I would just rebuild it every few months. I believe that you can still purchanse them at Marine Depot.

 

[Lovefish77]

When I had used them in the past you could order new diaphragms for them and I would just rebuild it every few months. I believe that you can still purchanse them at Marine Depot.

I try to stay away from replacing the diaphragm as it is laborious. Th pumps are available but price has sky rocketed. I used to get them for $15 , now you will get a great deal if you get it $35.

 

[BlennyTime]

I used them as part of an ATO in a previous build, and they lasted 3ish years constantly running with no issues. But that was fresh water, not salt.

 

[Lovefish77]

I used them as part of an ATO in a previous build, and they lasted 3ish years constantly running with no issues. But that was fresh water, not salt.

I see I have lot of gunk in my saltwater tank, sponges growing which is more stuff that can clog the pump.

 

[ReefRondo]

I made my own prefilter for mine to stop any crap getting to the pump. Just a small container with an inlet and outlet connection for 1/4” airline and filled with floss. Works a treat. You used to be able to buy a genuine one but they are sadly discontinued.

 

[outhouse]

I get 10 years run time just for my ato. Trick is keeping top off container water level even with sump height which reduces the load on lifter

 

[Lovefish77]

I made my own prefilter for mine to stop any crap getting to the pump. Just a small container with an inlet and outlet connection for 1/4” airline and filled with floss. Works a treat. You used to be able to buy a genuine one but they are sadly discontinued.

Prefilter is not the solution in my opinion. As the airline tubing gets clogged too.