Need advise.

[PaulM]

My ATO has killed 2 impellers in my MAG 5 from the constant on off. Any ideas on a pump that will pump up water from my basement and not need to be repaired every few months?

 

[Phyl]

Put your ATO on a timer so that it only goes on once an hour for 5m instead of keeping it on constantly?

 

[DaveK]

For an ATO you want a pump that can pump a low volume of water over a long period of time.

A lot of people like these Aqualifter pumps (offsite link) - http://www.aquahub.com/store/product31.html

I happen to use a diaphragm pump like these Reef-filler pumps (offsite link) - http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=386

Another possible type of pump are dousing pump like these AquaMedic pumps (offsite link) - http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=385

The Aqualifter is the lest expensive, very quiet, but can't pump water to great heights, such as from a basement. The diaphragm pumps are very powerful, but make a good deal of noise. The dousing pump makes less noise, but the tubing in it needs replacement from time to time.

You'll find that any of these is a far better choise than a powerhead for an ATO system.

 

[Demo]

How frequently does your pump come on? I have a cheap Cap 2200 that pumps from the cellar to the tank on the first floor +/-10' once a day and it's been going for about a year with no issues.

 

[PaulM]

The pump runs whenever it calls for water. I didnt think to try putting it on a timer. I tried an aqualifter pump but it does not lift the water high enough. I was thinking about trying a RO/DI booster pump. right now the mag 5 is reduced to 1/8" tubing.

 

[Demo]

Well, my ATO is also on a timer, the same timer as my lights so it only comes on when I'm awake. Sort of a fail safe to avoid it sticking and running all night. Maybe his helps it to only top off once a day. I also add Kalk at night with an SP-3000 dosing pump. I'm surpirsed the Mag 5 is crapping out and my crummy pump continues to run without incident. As long as you have more than on "fail safe" I would just upgrade the pump to a larger Mag. A Mag 7 would probably work, but a Mag 9.5 would be better. You could use it for water changes also. I just move my pump to the 30 gallon can of replacement water and siphon out old. The ATO and pump replace the water automatically.

Good luck.

 

[stcreef]

right now the mag 5 is reduced to 1/8" tubing.

Thats why your burning it up, The pump cant move the flow it wants to so it is cavitating. The mag's are not pressure rated. You need to use a pump for the service you need. If you cant increase the line size, try tee'ing near the pump with a valve to return flow back to the source, this will prevent the cavitation in the pump.