ATO issue

My JBJ ATO stops flowing water like every 10 minutes, the ssensor light and pump light are on, just no flow. so every 10 minutes i need to unplug it, and plug it back in. PITA.

anyone else have these issues?

 

I had that issue when I tried using it while doing a skimmer waterchange (letting the skimmer pull out water, having the ATO put new saltwater back in). It required the ATO to kick in every 1-2 minutes, after about 5 cycles or so it quite, showing the same symptoms you describe.

How often is your ATO kicking in? If it's too often, you can pull the cover off and there's a dial inside to prolong the duration it runs the ATO pump.

 

Are you saying that after it's been on (and pumping) for 10 minutes, it stops the pump even though the water isn't where it should be?

If so, I believe that's intended, and I think it's time is adjustable. It's an overflow prevention timer. It's trying to assume that if it's been on that long, then something must be holding the float on.

 

i think thast whats happening, i didnt know about eh overflow timer thing, that makes sence, but im evaporating water faster than its puttin it back in.

 

get a faster pump... I use a 100gph pump for my 90gal ATO resevoir. The ATO only runs for about 10-15 seconds at a time, a few times a day.

 

I agree with getting a faster pump. Mine is only on for a few seconds at a time as well.

 

If you open the back of the JBJ there is a dial you can turn with a screw driver, this will increase the pump time. I had one Aqua Lifter for my ATO pump and 7 min was not enough...

 

what pump were you using that was 100 GPH? can i get a link to it please?

 

I dont even know what brand. You can check any of 3reef's sponsor's sites, and look for smaller pumps. Anything between 25-100gph, depending on the size of your tank, shouldnt run you more than $25.

 

my ATO bucket is 5 gallons, and my tank is 90G.