ATO topoff users

[atlfishes]

What pump are people using for an external setup? Are those aqua lifters any good? Thanks

 

[kevin]

I have heard good things, just haven't gotten around to ordering one to try

 

[cgill311]

If you have the space, you can use gravity feed and elimate the pump completely. Check out the thread by mojo. See the section on solenoids and float valves. I built one and it works flawlessly.

 

[atlfishes]

I don't have the room. I'll be pumping out of 6 gallon camping jug, you get at Walmart.

 

[showtime305]

You will still need a float switch with that pump dosing at 3 1/2 gallons per hour. I'm not sure how good it will work or if it will work at all with restricted flow. I use a 90gph pump on a float switch which is on a timer. I got tired of hearing it click on and off every 5 minutes. I have the timer set to 2 hour intervals. I purchased my float switch from autotopoff.com

 

[cgill311]

I agree. The clicking is annoying. I've got my ATO on a timer that has power for 5 minutes twice a day when I'm not home.

I thought this would be a good way to prevent an overflowed sump by a snail accidently closing the float switch.

 

[atlfishes]

I'm using the JBJ A.T.O and it has two float switches.

 

[showtime305]

The A.T.O. unit I utilizes dual float switches also. I love the added protection against my sump overflowing.

 

[glxtrix]

just put a medicine bottle over the float switch with holes drilled in it, that way no snails on the switch.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

i dont know if im even answering the question, but i just use a maxijet powerhead with my ato. go to jbj's website to learn to remove the buzzer its the first thing i did).

 

[atlfishes]

That was what I was hoping to be able to do, but the maxijet has to be submerged to work. I need to pull water out of the jug without the pump being submerged. If the pump would fit in the jug then that is what I'd do.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I was in the same boat, but i just switch my top off contanier to a rubbermaid trash bin. it takes the same amount of space, isnt as brittle as what i was using, and has a removeable top. if your not married to your top off container, spend the 10 bucks to get one.

i understand the principle of an external priming pump, but i wouldnt sleep well at night relying on it to suck up to prime.