Is there a pump like an Aqualifter that can handle more head pressure?

[weaglereefer]

OK, I ordered some stuff to set up a permanent ATO on my 24g soon-to-be seahorse tank. In order to keep it at 75 degrees the fan evaporates over a gallon per day. My mistake is on the 5 gallon jug I ordered...a MJ-1200 won't fit through the opening. I have an Aqualifter and rigged it up, and because the head pressure is around 3ft, the Aqualifter only puts out about a drop per second, meaning the pump would likely run for long periods of time every day. I don't really want to drop $90 on a dosing pump, I could probably see $40-$50 max for the pump I'm looking for. Either that, or a pump that can fit through a 61mm hole and handle 4 feet of head pressure (it would be in the container, so it's an extra foot).

Does such a pump exist?

Anyone have dimensions on a Tunze Osmolator pump? I have a 9v converter that I could hook it up to. It looks promising.

 

[hayabusa72]

would one like this work?

 

[weaglereefer]

I don't think so, the head can only be 34" max on that one.

I found that the Tunze Osmolator pumps are 1.75" in diameter and can handle up to 7ft of head pressure. I already ordered one from BRS (couldn't wait, lol).

Now I'm wondering if I can make a DIY ATO like the ones on MLev's site, since it'll be a 9v power supply, instead of a 120v. Straight timer -> power supply -> float switch - Osmolator pump, and not need the relay...

 

[weaglereefer]

So no one knows the last question? Can I run 9v and 1200mA through a float switch and avoid the whole relay situation, or will that cause it to fail? The float switch would be in the ground wiring for the Osmolator pump, and on a timer. After the timer trips, if the water is low, the float completes the ground circuit and the pump turns on.

I know lots of those relays from sites like

 

[lilrobb]

It will depend on the switch - I am running mine through a relay one type of switch always got stuck because it couldn't handle the load - the other switch still runs on it today....

 

[weaglereefer]

Ok. Well I rigged up one of Melev's ATO's one night and ran the float switch on 110v and it worked (I was really bored, it was raining so bad I couldn't watch TV b/c satellite dish got knocked around).

I guess I'll see when the pump gets here. I may use a 12v automotive relay anyways so I can hook up some orange and blue LEDs to a project box for "on" and "off". I want everything mounted on the ATO container so it's nice and neat, just a float switch and a plug running away, everything else in the box.

 

[weaglereefer]

Haha, well I want it to go inside the stand so it's an all inclusive looking kinda deal. I already ordered the Osmolator pump...

After thinking about it, I could have just as easily gotten a 5g bucket with a lid and used that, but after spending $10 on the container and 1/4" bulkhead for it, I really want to use it, and for safety's sake, I would have ordered an ATO kit from http://www.autotopoff.com">www.autotopoff.com</a> anyways if using a MJ pump.

You have some horizontal float switches sitting around, Andy? I want to make a switch mount using some epoxy coated magnets instead of the HOB bracket I currently have.

 

[cr500_af]

Jeff, I can give you back the float switch you gave me.... I haven't actually used it yet!

 

[schwaggs]

1200ma at 12v is around 14 watts. Some float switches are rated for ~50 watts but the spike of current when the pump starts can be much higher and can easily burn out the tiny reed switch in the float switch. I would use a relay if I were you. See link below for more info.

 

[rbredding]

seems like a silly question (not sure if it makes a difference, as I don't have an aqua lifter yet) :


does raising the aqua lifter pump change the flow..? mount it on the top of the stand in the back and have a longer tube down into your ATO reservoir, while the outlet tube is smaller.. (not sure if the 36" limit on the aqua lifter is "total height" or just "discharge height")

 

[weaglereefer]

Don't know, but I've tried it with the pump on the container, and the pump on top of the tank. Either way, it's just a trickle and I fear it would be unable to keep up with my evap needs without running for long periods of time. Side note, I may have an Aqualifter for trade here soon, lol.

 

[fraggel rock]

Aqualifters are horrible with head pressure. I am actually goint to find a mj1200 today.

 

[lilrobb]

My MJ1200 can't push through like 4' of 1/4" tubing and a check valve.
Anyone a suggestion how to overcome that? My aqualifter fails immediately, what is "one step up" from a MJ as far as price and power goes?

 

[weaglereefer]

Robb, the Tunze would be a step up from a MJ, IMO. Can handle 7' of head pressure, reasonably priced, and all you need is a plug in converter (runs between 9v and 12v).