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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/23/2008 2:59:10 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 64
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I'm using a brand new Aqua Lifter Pump with my brand new JBJ-ATO. I had just got the package delivered and set up the top-off system, then of course, testing.
The tank was in need of water, so the aqua lifter started pumping, so far so good...I was elated, but when the float turned off the pump at the ATO, the pump kept on dripping 20 drips per second, actually too fast to count.
It just slowly siphons my reservoir. I thought the pump would hold the water tight, but it passes right on through the pump. Needless to say, I dismantled it for the evening.
Has anyone out there heard of this happening? I don't know if its faulty or do I need to pump from lower down like 20 inches. Should I expect a break in period? My Aqua-Lifter pump and reservoir are both positioned above the tank, is that a problem? I kept the water lines short as directed. The pump and reservoir are not in the final fixed position, just above the tank for testing.
I did not want to give the product a negative rating, before I got a second opinion.
All ideas or help is appreciated.
Thanks, Dennis
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/23/2008 2:59:10 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 64
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I figured it out this morning, the reservoir water level needs to be at or below the tank water level.
The reservoir had been on a shelf above the tank level. That was the problem.
I moved the reservoir (lower) to the level of the substrate on a small table.
I also positioned the water pump on the table as well.
Again, the ATO worked perfectly.
When the fill was complete the pump stopped and there was NO DRIPPING. 
The pump is lifting water 18" right now.
When I raise the reservoir, by hand, to above the tank water level, the dripping begins again.
Lesson learned. 
It was probably elementary, but there was no documentation on the water levels.
One more test, I then put the pump higher than the tank water level where it had been on the shelf above the aquarium.
After a few moments of 'fill' the pump stopped and NO DRIPPING. As long as the reservoir surface is lower than the tank water surface.
Now I can work on my permanent reservoir which will now be a 5 gallon drinking water jug, positioned for no more 30 inches of lift.
Hope my dilemma helps someone down the road, thanks for reading.
Dennis
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Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 4:37:10 AM
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| Hey Dennis, As you learned the aqualifters don't shut off the flow like some perastalic (spelling??) pumps do. They will still allow the water to siphon right through. Besides that they have worked great for me on my top off systems.
________________________________________________ Keith "Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer
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