Equipment - Pump Suggestion

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Pump Suggestion

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=68035
Printed Date: July 15 2026 at 12:26am
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Topic: Pump Suggestion

Posted By: Blake
Subject: Pump Suggestion
Date Posted: November 29 2013 at 11:58am

Hello,

So after looking into ATO systems for a while now I decided not to use one since I don't have a sump. But I am tired of dragging a bucket of water around to top my tank off every day. So I still wanted to figure something out. So here is what thought of. I'm going to keep a 5 gal container of RO/DI water under my tank and have a water pump hooked up and set to pump up to my reef tank. This way I can just plug in my pump once a day for a little but to keep my water more level. Sure I'll have to do it myself each day but if its already set like that I just have to plug it in and watch it for a few minutes and i'm set. Should help me keep my salinity much more level, and its cheaper than a a full ATO system. Eventually i would like to invest in one when I have a sump setup.

So my question is, what is a inexpensive pump I can get to do this? I was going to get the Aqua Lifter by Tom, but then I read it can pump up to 30" (2.5ft) and I don't think that it will be high enough. Anyone have any other suggestions on inexpensive but decent pumps. Later I'll probably use this pump with a JBJ auto top off system. I don't know if this matters or not, but I thought I'd throughthat in there :) Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: November 29 2013 at 12:49pm

I get my mixing and ATO pumps on sale at Harbor Freight, look online and you'll find a 25% coupon for any single item. You just need a tiny one, like the second smallest they stock, so it's about $5.00.

Fat

Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: November 29 2013 at 4:02pm

You can still use a ato in a tank without a sump. Looks may be a factor but it would work

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The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!!

Posted By: Blake
Date Posted: November 29 2013 at 4:46pm

I was informed with all the water movement from the powerheads it wasn't a very good idea unless I boxed out the sensors some how to create still water around them? But that was just one person, it just sounded pretty valid to me. But I don't know. I don't have experience with ATO's.

Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: November 29 2013 at 5:11pm

Laynframe has it right. You can still use an ATO. Just need to be careful that you keep the line going into the tank above the water level or it WILL back siphon. Tyler at elite aquatics may have ATO systems. Check his site.