Help with ATO!

Malenurse · 11/29/2007, 06:23 PM

I just tried to install a JBJ ATO with a Maxijet 600 pump on my 12 gallon Aquapod. The return tube was placed directly into the tank since I don't have a sump. The pump is in a 10 gallon reservoir 42" below the top of the tank. It was a disaster! The pump went on and off constantly, siphoning water from the tank and dropping my Sp. Gr. from 1.025 to 1.021 within half an hour! Someone told me that, regardless of what ATO you're using, the return hose cannot go directly back to the drain tank without siphoning occuring. If this is the case, should I assume that it will not be possible to use any sort of ATO on my sumpless 12 gallon tank?

USC-fan · 11/29/2007, 06:24 PM

Just take the hose out of the water..... Or you will have to put a hole in the hose just above the water level so it will break the syphon.

Malenurse · 11/29/2007, 10:43 PM

I feel like an idiot, but i just figured this out!!!

marc nichols · 11/29/2007, 10:53 PM

Sounds like you have a handle on this. FYI, I have sumpless 12G reef. My ATO uses an Aqua-lifter pump. The output to the tank terminatesd above the water level. Been reliable and steady for 3 years.

Malenurse · 11/30/2007, 08:22 AM

I've read that the Aqualifter can only pump up to 30" in height. The top of my tank is 42" above the bottom of my reservoir.

USC-fan · 11/30/2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Malenurse
I feel like an idiot, but i just figured this out!!!

don't feel bad. When I was doing a water change I somehow pushed the ATO return line into my sump water. ThIS same thing happen but i use kalk for top off water....so let's just say it been 2 weeks and i still trying to fix my CA++, ALK and MG numbers. At least i didn't lose anything and everything still doing great in my tank.

11/29/2007, 06:23 PM	#1
Malenurse Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 446	Help with ATO! I just tried to install a JBJ ATO with a Maxijet 600 pump on my 12 gallon Aquapod. The return tube was placed directly into the tank since I don't have a sump. The pump is in a 10 gallon reservoir 42" below the top of the tank. It was a disaster! The pump went on and off constantly, siphoning water from the tank and dropping my Sp. Gr. from 1.025 to 1.021 within half an hour! Someone told me that, regardless of what ATO you're using, the return hose cannot go directly back to the drain tank without siphoning occuring. If this is the case, should I assume that it will not be possible to use any sort of ATO on my sumpless 12 gallon tank? __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 5 gallon Fluval Spec zoanthid tank, 65 gallon African Cichlid tank, 29 gallon planted tank

11/29/2007, 10:43 PM	#3
Malenurse Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 446	I feel like an idiot, but i just figured this out!!! __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 5 gallon Fluval Spec zoanthid tank, 65 gallon African Cichlid tank, 29 gallon planted tank

11/29/2007, 10:53 PM	#4
marc nichols Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sierra Nevada foothills,USA Posts: 668	Sounds like you have a handle on this. FYI, I have sumpless 12G reef. My ATO uses an Aqua-lifter pump. The output to the tank terminatesd above the water level. Been reliable and steady for 3 years. __________________ 95 gal sps dominant reef system. Current Tank Info: 95gal. SPS reef system

11/30/2007, 08:22 AM	#5
Malenurse Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 446	I've read that the Aqualifter can only pump up to 30" in height. The top of my tank is 42" above the bottom of my reservoir. __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 5 gallon Fluval Spec zoanthid tank, 65 gallon African Cichlid tank, 29 gallon planted tank

11/29/2007, 06:24 PM	#2
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	Just take the hose out of the water..... Or you will have to put a hole in the hose just above the water level so it will break the syphon.