zsxking Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 I have a AIO tank, which top is about 5 feet off the floor. Is there any a good ATO pump that can lift that high? I am currently using Tom's aqualifter. I like how it pumps water slowly. But it only goes less than 3 ft. So I have to put the small ATO reservoir on a shelf. But now I want to get a bigger one, and it won't fit on the shelf anymore. So I will need to find a pump that can pump from the floor. Link to comment
braaap Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 While expensive the Spectrapure is ROCK SOLID. Keeps my salinity rock solid and draws water over 45 feet. http://spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/AUTO-TOP-OFF-SYSTEMS/Auto-Top-Off-System-UPLC-II-Liquid-Level-Controller Link to comment
AZDesertRat Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 I have used the Spectrapure UPLC-II for over 8 years now with excellent results. I have changed the silicone tube in it exactly once and that is the only money I have spent on it in 8+ years. Link to comment
zsxking Posted November 25, 2015 Author Share Posted November 25, 2015 That's hella expensive ATO ... I don't need a controller though, have everything controlled by a ReefAngel. I was just thinking about $20~$30, maybe $50 if absolutely necessary. Link to comment
braaap Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 That's hella expensive ATO ... I don't need a controller though, have everything controlled by a ReefAngel. I was just thinking about $20~$30, maybe $50 if absolutely necessary. You won't get a good pump for $20-30 that will do 5 ft of head. The Spectrapure is hands down the nicest ATO I've ever used and I've used quite a few of them including Avast units. Worst case you sell it for $175 used as these things rarely go on sale used. Link to comment
JR! Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 http://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/diaphragm-pump Link to comment
ajmckay Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 I ended up using the tunze ATO pump ($23) for my ATO but something like this would also work for the height you need: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-Micro-Diaphragm-Drain-Pump-Pumping-Air-Pump-for-CAR-Aquarium-Water-System-/271750690236?hash=item3f459a75bc:g:hHUAAOSwYGFUwhJU For under $50 your only option is DIY... Unless you can find something used. All you would need here are 1) some float switches 2) AC adapter with voltage and current matching your pump 3) Wire and float switch holder 4) pump (DC like the link above) If you're unsure about sourcing the components yourself there's www.autotopoff.com where you get the components and wire it up yourself. Here's the one I made http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/367374-diy-ato-wbackup-pump-saver-30-50-auto-top-off/ Link to comment
zsxking Posted November 25, 2015 Author Share Posted November 25, 2015 What tube does tunze ATO pump use? Regular air tube? Is it run in water or outside? Link to comment
ajmckay Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 Just regular 1/4" vinyl tubing from the hardware store. $3 or so should get you all you need. Here's the pump http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tunze-Osmolator-Replacement-Metering-Pump-5000-020-for-3152-3155-OEM-ATO-Part-/151594674693?hash=item234bbf2a05:g:BsYAAOSwD0lUgeSF I linked to my build in the post above. Link to comment
reefist Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I have used the Spectrapure UPLC-II for over 8 years now with excellent results. I have changed the silicone tube in it exactly once and that is the only money I have spent on it in 8+ years. I've been eyeing the UPLC-II for a while. I have had a couple of Litermeters over the years and other Spectrapure products so I know it has to be quality. My only concern is the mounting hardware. Suction cups seem a little lame for such a nice piece of kit. Did you silicone them in place or can you offer a suggestion for a more permanent mounting solution? Link to comment
D Z Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 http://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/diaphragm-pump This....love mine. It can pump water up to 130 ft. It's not harmed by running it dry if you forget to refill your ATO container. I have been using one for almost 2 years with no problem. And for anyone else an entire ATO and not just the pump, the ATO that Avast sells along with this is hands down one of the best on the market. I've been eyeing the UPLC-II for a while. I have had a couple of Litermeters over the years and other Spectrapure products so I know it has to be quality. My only concern is the mounting hardware. Suction cups seem a little lame for such a nice piece of kit. Did you silicone them in place or can you offer a suggestion for a more permanent mounting solution? Take a look at the Avast equivalent. Its very similar to the UPLC, but $100 less. http://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/ato-kit Link to comment
AZDesertRat Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 A dab of silicone on the suction cups and they have held for years. Thought about a DIY mag float magnet mount but honestly never needed it. The Avast isn't even close to the UPLC. First off it does not include the 3 roller metal peristaltic pump. It does not have the 1/10" to 4" adjustability nor does it have the back up float switch or 10 step speed adjstment from 10% to 100% which is another safety level besides the float switch switch and digital sensor. Big, big difference. My UPLC has been running for over 8 years and I have replaced the silicone peristaltic tubing exactly once, bulletproof. Link to comment
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