ATO issue. Help please.

[NanaReefer]

This has been going on for a couple months now. Happens only when I fill my ATO bucket. ATO turns on, pump turns on, return fills till sensor turns pump/ATO off. All normal right? But the water continues to "drip" after everything turns off, and will continue to drip until I disconnect the filling tube from the pump and blow it clear of all water.
Not sure how to fix the issue.

 

[mfinn]

Is the water level in the ato bucket lower or higher than the outlet hose in the sump?

The water level in my ato bucket on my 50 can be higher when I fill it to the top and that would happen to me as well, but I use a aqualifter pump to move the water from one to the other, but I have my aqualifter mounted 4-5 inches higher than the ato bucket, so when the power is cut off to the pump, it doesn't continue to siphon into the sump.

 

[mfinn]

Oops, I forgot to continue on my first thought.

If the water level is higher in the ato bucket, you may have to raise the outlet to a higher position, but that can lead to you being able to hear the water splashing, everytime the ato kicks on.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Add a T to create a syphon break. Have a line to the top of the T go high enough such that gravity prevents water flowing out. Viola, no syphon nor backflow regardless of height differential.

 

[NanaReefer]

My ATO bucket sits higher than my sump/return. I understand what your saying. Thanks Marty!!

 

[mfinn]

Good one Mike.
I forgot about that one.

 

[NanaReefer]

I have no idea what he's talking about-lol.

 

[mfinn]

I have no idea what he's talking about-lol.

I think what Mike was referring to was to put a plastic tee in the water line between the ato pump and the point the line empties in the sump. Preferably at the highest point. Then add a piece of hose that comes out of the top of the tee. Depending on the pressure of the ato pump will determine how high up you need to make that line.

My return lines for my ato topoff are standard air line tubing, so the plastic tees are available in most pet stores.

 

[N1Husker]

I think what Mike was referring to was to put a plastic tee in the water line between the ato pump and the point the line empties in the sump. Preferably at the highest point. Then add a piece of hose that comes out of the top of the tee. Depending on the pressure of the ato pump will determine how high up you need to make that line.

My return lines for my ato topoff are standard air line tubing, so the plastic tees are available in most pet stores.

You can get a whole bag of plastic T's from Lowe's for 3 or 4 bucks. I needed one, now I have 9 more left. You might also need a new Aqualifter pump or a rebuild kit. The diaphragm might be leaking also.

 

[riemannp]

Forgive my comment, but siphon break is basic aquarium, eh? Was the (oversight of) a siphon break truly the issue on this one? If so, best wishes with siphon 101!

 

[mfinn]

Forgive my comment, but siphon break is basic aquarium, eh? Was the (oversight of) a siphon break truly the issue on this one? If so, best wishes with siphon 101!

Generally when you think of a pump and water lines ( I'm not sure what it's called ), but once water starts flowing through a line, and the line fills with water, the siphon wants to continue even after the pump is off. Now the siphon will continue in the line and gravity determines which way the water flows.
Even when there is little difference in height between the 2 bodies of water.

When I set up my topoff container, pump combo, I really didn't put much thought into it. I just hung my aqualifter pump up high enough so it would be easy to get to.

 

[NanaReefer]

Forgive my comment, but siphon break is basic aquarium, eh? Was the (oversight of) a siphon break truly the issue on this one? If so, best wishes with siphon 101!

It may be 101 to you but to someone new to the concept it is not.
Generally when someone starts a comment with "forgive" they already know they're about to say something that may offend....so why say it? Arrogance becomes no one

 

[user 26995]

Forgive my comment, but siphon break is basic aquarium, eh? Was the (oversight of) a siphon break truly the issue on this one? If so, best wishes with siphon 101!

first I agree with Nanareefer.
second, a siphon break is not alway needed, so no it was probably not an oversight. and siphon breaks are a new concept for new hobbyists and are not always explained or the need for one understood until it is an issue. We are all here to help one another learn and enjoy this hobby. your experience and help is always welcome.

 

[user 26995]

Nanareefer, I am curious, is the exhaust end of the ato line under the water level in the sump? can you post pics of your set up?

 

[user 26995]

you mentioned your ato container is above the sump! can you run your ato line up the the overflow on the tank. leaving the end of the line above the surface of the water. that way it would fill the sump to the proper level and it would not continue dripping after it was shut off because it is above the water level in the ato container.

 

[NanaReefer]

Thanks IPisces That is exactly what I've done. No more dripping, siphon now broken! Although now I'm finding myself running to the bathroom more for some reason-lol.

 

[user 26995]

Although now I'm finding myself running to the bathroom more for some reason-lol.

Okay! sorry about that! lol!