ATO Pumps

[rrasco]

What kind of pump is everyone using to run their ATO? I picked up a cheap one when I ordered my float switches, but it's having problems starting by itself. I'm having to jiggle it to get it pumping; obviously not effective for an ATO. I have a few other powerheads lying around I may try, just wanted to know what is working reliably for everyone else.

[Big_Pun]

sicce .5, never had a problem with any sicce pumps

[rrasco]

You know if ER sells them?

[350gt]

yes they do...

might want to call and check which he has in stock. But the last time I was there he had a couple.

[Gseclipse02]

I have.always liked MAxie jets

[Teeb]

Always used aqualifters, actually just one aqualifter, it's been going strong for several years.

[rrasco]

Yeah, I always call first. Cool. Thx.

I like maxijet pumps, but I've had startup issues with them before when used as powerheads, in sw and fw.

[Big_Pun]

yea I like design of sicce pumps its a actual utility pump not a powerhead, doesn't have awkward shape so it sits nicely in reservoir.

[rrasco]

It's going in a 10g brute, so size/shape is not really an issue. My neighbor will be monitoring and feeding my tank while I'm out of town next week, so I need something reliable enough he just has to keep the ATO reservoir full.

[rrasco]

I have not had a chance to pick up a new pump yet, but I put a rio 600 in there that I had laying around and it works much better. I'm thinking that due to the 1-2' vertical head and several feet of horizontal tubing was too much pressure for the little ATO pump to handle. I tested the rio 600 about 10 times and it didn't fail to start once yet. Appears to topped off a bit overnight as well. We will see how it is when I get home from work today.