ATO Questions

[tony_caliente]

Yes, I know these are common sense and basic physics, but please humor me

1. True or False: If the ATO pump is on the ground. The height of the output hose (into the sump) must be equal to or higher than the height of the water level in the reservoir (where the fresh make water is stored)?

I say, "true", othewise a syphon will be created and freshwater from the reservoir with syphon into the sump even with the ATO pump inactive.

2. The standard TOM pump can suck water from what distance? Must it be gravity fed?

3. Is it best to locate the ATO pump below or above the sump and reservoir as long as one doesn't exceed the delivery capacity of the pump (30 inched for the Tom pump)

4. I am assuming that the end of the output should never be immersed in the sump so not to cause a reverse syphon back into the reservoir.

5. Tony is the type of guy that should continue to carry buckets of water back and forth and use a turkey baster to replenish his evaporated water or give-up reefkeeping and adopt a ferret? :lol2:

Thanks for your help!

 

[tony_caliente]

Installed the one way valve, I was relectant to do so beacuse I did not want to exert back pressure on the pump AND if the water level in the reservoir is above the sump level, how would the syphon be broken? The valve is still going to allowgravity fed water in that direction. But I did it anyway.

 

[tony_caliente]

No worries.

 

[ghotit]

im going to adopt the battery powerd airpimp method for my 24g ATO , float switch rigged to the pump pump forces ait into container from the top pressurizing it , water is forced into tubing through the cap (fed to the bottom) and ran back into the tank (or sump) thus raising the switch and turning off the pump. basic yes , but it works

 

[weaglereefer]

Ghotit;504501 wrote: im going to adopt the battery powerd air<u>pimp</u> method for my 24g ATO , float switch rigged to the pump pump forces ait into container from the top pressurizing it , water is forced into tubing through the cap (fed to the bottom) and ran back into the tank (or sump) thus raising the switch and turning off the pump. basic yes , but it works

Where can I find an "airpimp"? I got some fish that need some luvin'.


For the cost of a pump that will presurize a decent sized ATO container, you can get an Aqualifter, something that is designed to lift water, runs silent, and has a proven service record, or an MJ pump if you want something submersible.