Auto Top Off Question

I have a jbj ATO and am curious about which pump to use. I have heard great things about Toms aqualifter, but as I dont have a sump I don't think it will work with my setup (the top of the tank is almost 5ft from the ground and the aqualifter is only rated to 30") I have alot of misc powerheads laying around and was thinking of keeping a spare 5 gallon bucket of RODI water in the closet right next to the tank (2ft aqway) and using a powerhead to top it off. Would my spare maxijet 1200 work for that? If so how the heck to I set it up ha. Thanks for all of your help guys, you rock!

 

I doubt the MJ1200 is going to overcome 5' of head pressure but its easy enough to test. Put 5' of line on the outlet, put it in a bathtub of water and plug it in. See if it will pump it that high.
Cobalt MJ1200 Powerhead - Bulk Reef Supply
Says the max head pressure on a 1200 is 69". Don't think its going to do what you want it to do.
If you are going to keep the bucket in a closet, build a stand for the bucket to sit on (or even a shelf in the closet), so that its at or close to the tank level and then head pressure becomes a moot point.

 

I know it's pushing the limits of the MJ1200....but I used to use it as a return pump for my tank temporarily until I got a replacement. The top of my tank from the sump was about 5 feet high with bends and it was pushing water. It wasn't pushing it with that much GPH but it was working just fine. I'm guessing for your use it will work just fine.

 

A Maxijet 1200 will be fine. I use one with close to that head height and it pumps no problem. I use one all the time to do water changes where I pump it up over 5' into my tank.

 

WHY?

Are you pumping it to your DT height, if you have a sump?

What am I missing here?

Oh, just re-read, he does NOT have a sump. Never mind.

 

I think the maxijet will be fine. They are little workhorses.

 

I think I will give the Maxije a try. Thanks guys!