which pump for auto top off?

antjtc · 01/13/2012, 09:31 PM

I'm making an auto top off system for my 29 gal sump (to feed 90 gal DT). I read on a retailer website that they recommend a specific pump which doesn't burn out when it goes off and on. They recommend a maxi jet powerhead, which is the kind which you can stick into an undergravel filter pipe.

Can anyone verify if this is really true or not, or recommend a specific pump which you haven't had burn out on you due to freq on and off?

Thanks.

pugcrush · 01/13/2012, 10:21 PM

Yes, MJ's are widely used. Or Tom's aqualifter (even cheaper)

seapug · 01/13/2012, 10:37 PM

Maxi jet 1200s and aqualifters are reliable standbys.

ryeguyy84 · 01/13/2012, 10:38 PM

I use an aqualifter. It adds water slowly so my kalkwasser goes In slow

Indymann99 · 01/14/2012, 10:24 AM

+1 on a Toms Aqualifter, I also use a JBJ ATO controller and it has worked well for 4 yrs.

jamey1015 · 01/14/2012, 10:30 AM

I like the aqualifter too, I had a small powerhead for a while and when the top off bucket got low it didn't always work anymore, switched and couldn't be happier plus its quieter.

arentspowell · 01/14/2012, 10:33 AM

+1 for the aqualifter. Like other I use kalkwasser and it works great. Ive had it running for over a year and it hasn't had any issues with getting clogged or anything.

Sk8r · 01/14/2012, 10:49 AM

I use the Maxijet 1200: can lift to the tank from the floor and is cheap enough to replace when kalk finally wears it out: also has replaceable impeller. Lay in an extra.

globe · 01/14/2012, 01:26 PM

is the aqualifter submersible ?

Thras · 01/14/2012, 01:29 PM

No you use airline tubing there's a in and out its what I use on my jbj 24 nano works great

jim.crunk · 01/14/2012, 01:34 PM

No, dont put aqualifter under water.
I use the aqualifter for my ato with Kalk. And with Kalk you will need to clean any pump you choose. You can get an aqualifter rebuild kit from BRS for dirt cheap if ever needed. Another + for aqualifter is the use of a prefilter (also dirt cheap) and it will catch undesolved kalk if your pickup hose is too deep in the reservoir.

aktopjian · 01/14/2012, 01:47 PM

aqualifters work well..

jdm01 · 01/14/2012, 04:17 PM

I use a MaxiJet 1200 on one top off tank and a Rio 1700 on the other top off tank. I have two tanks. On the 65G DT that uses the MaxiJet 1200 I also bought a Reef Fanatics Level Controller at Premium Aquatics. It is great. It runs the auto top off, but it also has a sensor for the top off tank that prevents the pump from running dry. Protection on both sides!!! It is fantastic.

biecacka · 01/14/2012, 04:32 PM

+1 on the mj here. i use the 900 tho
corey

dmglakewood · 01/14/2012, 07:15 PM

I use a 18$ pump from home depot along with jbj ATO. I didn't see the need to spend any real money on a pump that will get very little use per day. I've had it running for about 6 months now and I'm pleased with the purchase. I've never had an issue with the pump or the jbj ATO. It makes my life a lot easier as it's 1 less thing I have to worry about in the tank.

Here is the pump I use
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

cordell · 01/14/2012, 08:41 PM

Aqualifter here... best thing I liked about it was it added the water slowly and once it kicks on, it runs for a few minutes instead of a few seconds on and then back off again. Also, the whole pump doesn't have to sit in the water which is good if you use kalkwasser as topoff (even tho if probably will still have to be rebuilt sooner or later)..

And it's cheaper I think?..

johnwonus · 01/14/2012, 09:24 PM

I use the aqualifter. Its a great dependable pump. Also, it has no problem running dry indefinately if you forget to fill your topoff reservoir. Aqualifter all the way.

f3honda4me · 01/14/2012, 10:41 PM

What size and kind of tubing does the aqualifter use?

radicaltimes · 01/14/2012, 11:27 PM

I think is is standard 1/8" tubing. I was using a maxijet before the Tom's Aqualifter . The Aqualfter will shut off after only adding a few teaspoons of ATO , The maxijet would dump in a lot more before the ATO could respond and shut it off.

ryeguyy84 · 01/14/2012, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cordell

Aqualifter here... best thing I liked about it was it added the water slowly and once it kicks on, it runs for a few minutes instead of a few seconds on and then back off again. Also, the whole pump doesn't have to sit in the water which is good if you use kalkwasser as topoff (even tho if probably will still have to be rebuilt sooner or later)..

And it's cheaper I think?..

Good point, you can break the pump down and rebuilt it for like $5.

antjtc · 01/14/2012, 11:51 PM

Thanks everyone for the great info.

Now, what is a good reliable float switch which I can use with my aqualifter or maxi flow pump? I need something very reliable because I suppose if the float switch malfunctions I can flood my sump and kill my fish due to change in salinity. Again, thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions!!!

Lynnmw1208 · 01/14/2012, 11:53 PM

Some have optic eyes and float switches which gives you double the coverage for mishaps. I just have the one float switch that came with my JBJ auto top off and I make sure it's clean from time to time.

Raggamuffin · 01/14/2012, 11:56 PM

the JBJ comes with 2 ports for float switches, buy a second and use it. 1 will turn it on the other shuts it down. and has been said but I use a MJ1200 with mine

Reverend Reefer · 01/15/2012, 10:52 AM

aqualifter. also like that it can run dry and doesn't break if i forget to fill my auto-top off resevoir, it happens.

Reverend Reefer · 01/15/2012, 10:53 AM

they're also inexpensive considering how much reef stuff costs, you can easily buy two of these and have one as backup without putting a hole in yer wallet.

01/13/2012, 09:31 PM	#1
antjtc Jon Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Clayton,California Posts: 222	which pump for auto top off? I'm making an auto top off system for my 29 gal sump (to feed 90 gal DT). I read on a retailer website that they recommend a specific pump which doesn't burn out when it goes off and on. They recommend a maxi jet powerhead, which is the kind which you can stick into an undergravel filter pipe. Can anyone verify if this is really true or not, or recommend a specific pump which you haven't had burn out on you due to freq on and off? Thanks.

01/13/2012, 10:37 PM	#3
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	Maxi jet 1200s and aqualifters are reliable standbys. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

01/13/2012, 10:38 PM	#4
ryeguyy84 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,753	I use an aqualifter. It adds water slowly so my kalkwasser goes In slow __________________ Current tank: 90G mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon

01/14/2012, 10:24 AM	#5
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	+1 on a Toms Aqualifter, I also use a JBJ ATO controller and it has worked well for 4 yrs. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

01/14/2012, 10:33 AM	#7
arentspowell Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 296	+1 for the aqualifter. Like other I use kalkwasser and it works great. Ive had it running for over a year and it hasn't had any issues with getting clogged or anything. __________________ Innovative Marine Nuvo 10g AIO Mixed Reef AI Prime Black with Hanging Kit // Vortech MP10QD // InTank Media Basket // Innovative Marine Ghost Skimmer // Tunze 1073.008 Return Pump // AutoAqua ATO

01/13/2012, 10:21 PM	#2
pugcrush Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FL Posts: 305	Yes, MJ's are widely used. Or Tom's aqualifter (even cheaper)

01/14/2012, 10:30 AM	#6
jamey1015 <"))))>( Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Detroit Posts: 171	I like the aqualifter too, I had a small powerhead for a while and when the top off bucket got low it didn't always work anymore, switched and couldn't be happier plus its quieter.

01/14/2012, 10:49 AM	#8
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I use the Maxijet 1200: can lift to the tank from the floor and is cheap enough to replace when kalk finally wears it out: also has replaceable impeller. Lay in an extra. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

01/14/2012, 01:26 PM	#9
globe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 74	is the aqualifter submersible ?

01/14/2012, 01:29 PM	#10
Thras Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 77	No you use airline tubing there's a in and out its what I use on my jbj 24 nano works great

01/14/2012, 01:34 PM	#11
jim.crunk Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 179	No, dont put aqualifter under water. I use the aqualifter for my ato with Kalk. And with Kalk you will need to clean any pump you choose. You can get an aqualifter rebuild kit from BRS for dirt cheap if ever needed. Another + for aqualifter is the use of a prefilter (also dirt cheap) and it will catch undesolved kalk if your pickup hose is too deep in the reservoir.

01/14/2012, 01:47 PM	#12
aktopjian Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Springfield, Ma Posts: 74	aqualifters work well..

01/14/2012, 04:17 PM	#13
jdm01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Greenfield Posts: 904	I use a MaxiJet 1200 on one top off tank and a Rio 1700 on the other top off tank. I have two tanks. On the 65G DT that uses the MaxiJet 1200 I also bought a Reef Fanatics Level Controller at Premium Aquatics. It is great. It runs the auto top off, but it also has a sensor for the top off tank that prevents the pump from running dry. Protection on both sides!!! It is fantastic. __________________ John Martin Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon BioCube

01/14/2012, 04:32 PM	#14
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	+1 on the mj here. i use the 900 tho corey

01/14/2012, 07:15 PM	#15
dmglakewood Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 14	I use a 18$ pump from home depot along with jbj ATO. I didn't see the need to spend any real money on a pump that will get very little use per day. I've had it running for about 6 months now and I'm pleased with the purchase. I've never had an issue with the pump or the jbj ATO. It makes my life a lot easier as it's 1 less thing I have to worry about in the tank. Here is the pump I use http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

01/14/2012, 08:41 PM	#16
cordell Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 655	Aqualifter here... best thing I liked about it was it added the water slowly and once it kicks on, it runs for a few minutes instead of a few seconds on and then back off again. Also, the whole pump doesn't have to sit in the water which is good if you use kalkwasser as topoff (even tho if probably will still have to be rebuilt sooner or later).. And it's cheaper I think?..

01/14/2012, 09:24 PM	#17
johnwonus Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 90	I use the aqualifter. Its a great dependable pump. Also, it has no problem running dry indefinately if you forget to fill your topoff reservoir. Aqualifter all the way.

01/14/2012, 10:41 PM	#18
f3honda4me Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,218	What size and kind of tubing does the aqualifter use?

01/14/2012, 11:27 PM	#19
radicaltimes Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 274	I think is is standard 1/8" tubing. I was using a maxijet before the Tom's Aqualifter . The Aqualfter will shut off after only adding a few teaspoons of ATO , The maxijet would dump in a lot more before the ATO could respond and shut it off.

01/14/2012, 11:51 PM	#21
antjtc Jon Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Clayton,California Posts: 222	reliable float switch??? Thanks everyone for the great info. Now, what is a good reliable float switch which I can use with my aqualifter or maxi flow pump? I need something very reliable because I suppose if the float switch malfunctions I can flood my sump and kill my fish due to change in salinity. Again, thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions!!!

01/14/2012, 11:53 PM	#22
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	Some have optic eyes and float switches which gives you double the coverage for mishaps. I just have the one float switch that came with my JBJ auto top off and I make sure it's clean from time to time. __________________ equipment: Eshopps psk-200 skimmer, Mag 12 pump, 30gal sump, 2x 300w Finnex heaters, glass-holes 1500gph overflow kit with 3/4" return kits, 72" 8x36w t-5 AquaticLife light, 66lbs of LR, 150lbs of tropic eden reeflakes, 2 Koralia Evo 1400, JBJ ATO, BRS dual GFO/carbon reactors, Hydor smartwave Current Tank Info: 125gallon

01/14/2012, 11:56 PM	#23
Raggamuffin Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brandon SD. Posts: 541	the JBJ comes with 2 ports for float switches, buy a second and use it. 1 will turn it on the other shuts it down. and has been said but I use a MJ1200 with mine

01/15/2012, 10:52 AM	#24
Reverend Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 883	aqualifter. also like that it can run dry and doesn't break if i forget to fill my auto-top off resevoir, it happens. __________________ - Rev. Tank: 65G glass 48" long tank; Sump/Fuge: 30G. Lighting: LEDs+single T5 strip. Maintenance: ATO Kalkwasser + 10% weekly WC, daily feedings LPS+Softies dominated.

01/15/2012, 10:53 AM	#25
Reverend Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 883	they're also inexpensive considering how much reef stuff costs, you can easily buy two of these and have one as backup without putting a hole in yer wallet. __________________ - Rev. Tank: 65G glass 48" long tank; Sump/Fuge: 30G. Lighting: LEDs+single T5 strip. Maintenance: ATO Kalkwasser + 10% weekly WC, daily feedings LPS+Softies dominated.