Tom's Aqua Lifter lifespan

So, I noticed the past couple days that my ATO wasn't keeping up. Now, I haven't changed anything or did anything but put the bracket on and added a 10 gal tank. So, not to put on the super sleuth's hat and see if I can figure it out.
I noticed as I activated the ATO, the pump was having a hard time pushing water into the sump. So I had an extra aqua lifter and I hook it up and immediately it's running faster than the previous one. Thankfully the sleuthing didn't last too long

I had this one running for maybe a year. Do they just not last that long?

I took the one that was running slow apart, and everything looked normal. I plugged it in, sprayed the dogs, scared the cat and had to wipe up the mess. ;D
So, it was clearly working, but just didn't have the ummph it used to have.

 

LOL zesty! excellent sleuthing btw I'm interested in responses as well since that's the type I have that - have not used it yet (so I'm hoping it's in good working condition lol)

since you're obviously an animal lover check out this link if you haven't seen - my son sent it to me and he never emails me

http://viralcircus.com/30-naughtiest-dogs-youll-crack-up-when-you-find-out-what-they-did/

 

Yeah, it seemed that these were the ATO standard for pumps. Everywhere I looked I saw one being used. The reason was because of the diaphragm design that they can run dry with no worries of burning up motors. However, there was a local reefer that was selling one cheap and I figured I'd buy an extra just in case and now I'm glad I did. I see on amazon that you can buy the diaphragms just buy themselves. I wonder if they wear out... I might try again to see if just taking it out and clearing the insides helped it out. I'm purely grasping at straws on this one.

Holy crack me up in the office! I lol'd, I haven't seen those, hilarious!!

 

Read your thread title; here's my answer- SHORT.

I've read rebuiliding them is cheap and easy.

As you recall, my ATO is gravity only.

I used to use one for my HOB overflow- till I realized it wasn't working anyway, and I DIDN'T NEED it!

I"ve got two of them you could have and rebuild- for a 6 pack of that last beer you brought over Matt- Mileaukee Brewing- 'Hop Happy'- drinking one now, good stuff!

 

I'm currently on a year \ year and a half with my last rebuild, I think it'll need to be rebuilt very soon too...

Cheap pumps but they make a user serviceable rebuild diaphragm kits. Only 2 bucks at BRS. I love it!

Aqua Lifter Replacement Diaphragm - Bulk Reef Supply

FYI-
I bought mine used from chap getting outta the hobby and installed the kit from the get go. I'll gladly pay $2-3 bucks every year haha

 

Glad you enjoy! I'll take those old ones off your hands if you don't mind!

Yes, this is great to know! I am glad to know it's not just something that I did and something cheap and easy to remedy.

This is why I love this site! Thanks again!

 

close to 3 years with mine and no signs of wear.

 

Aqua Lifters are meant to be used with a pre-filter sponge. Without that the pump can jam.

 

Do you use any form of carbonate in your ATO?

 

Negative. Just plain old RO/DI