JBJ ATO Recommended Pump

Divetime · #1 01/02/2007, 04:42 PM

I'm going to purchase a JBJ ATO and was wondering what pump others are using or would suggest. I was looking at using a MJ400 but was wondering is I needed any additional equipment, sensors, etc.

My setup currently is a 20L sump and I have a converted 5 gal water top-off container next to it. I'm using a Aqualifter pump and Float switch but my aqualifter pump keeps dying on me and not syphoning.

I appreciate the information and help

danjen10 · #2 01/03/2007, 10:52 AM

That's the pump that I have and it works well ....

Divetime · #3 01/03/2007, 12:21 PM

Thanks Danjen - Do you have the pump placed at the bottom of your top-off reservoir? If not how do you keep it primed?

Any pics of the setup?

besl · #4 01/03/2007, 12:30 PM

I use a mini-jet model 404 - it has worked well for the past year. The JBJ ATA is an excellent top off system (IMO) and all you need to add is the pump and tubing. The ATO has a built in fail safe circuit that doesn't let the top off pump run any longer than around 3.5 minutes (read the JBJ manual for specifics). So, you should size the pump you use (spec'd flow rate) times the 3.5 min max time and be sure your sump can hold this amount.

Divetime · #5 01/03/2007, 02:17 PM

Besl - Thanks for the recommendations

I was only looking at the MJ powerheads but I think the mini-jet 404 water pump may work better. Additionally it may be small enough to get thru the spout opening that I use as my top-off reservoir

I will be running Kalk with my top-off water so how easy is the 404 to clean or replace impellers? I think this may be the reason the aqua-lifter continues to quit on me because it's getting clogged