Someone Please Help Me with JBJ Auto Top Off

ReefRDude · Jul 6, 2011

I just purchased a JBJ auto top off slightly used from another member and set it up today. I am having some problems. The water only flows about 1/2 way up the tubing and stops almost as if the Maxi-Jet 400 pump is to weak to push it any further. My top off water flows from a reservoir ( which is a bucket on the floor) and of course has to flow upward against gravity to get into my tank. The pump is working fine and I double checked the tube insertion into the pump for any possible blow by. I tried to look for some type of reducer on-line that would fit onto the nozzel of the pump and allow for a smaller tube thus decreasing the volume of water that the pump has to push. I would buy a bigger pump maybe a Maxi Jet 600 or maybe something better than MJ but i am wondering whether or not that would even work then I'm out another $40.00. Does anyone have any suggestions??????

BlazinNano · Jul 6, 2011

Sounds like the pump is not strong enough. If you don't have a sump or anyway to bring the bucket higher up then a bigger pump is you best bet. Maxi jets don't have a very high head pressure rating. Find a head pressure calculator and figure out the size pump you need.

Bouncingsoul39 · Jul 7, 2011

The MJ 400 can only do 24 inches of head height. So, in laymens terms, if you're trying to pump water up more than two feet it won't be able to handle it. You might consider using a shallower reservoir instead if buying another pump depending on what you have available.

Troylee · Jul 7, 2011

I use a aqua lifter with my jbj they work great and are disposable for $12 when the alk top of kills them...

ReefRDude · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks for everyone's advice!!!!!!!

I went and bought a .5 Sicce pump for $39.00 700 gph still was a no go but almost. I then took it back for a 1.0 Sicce pump 900gph for $69.00 (Ouch!!!!) but guess what. It is working perfectly so far!!!!

Lesson learned Auto Top Offs work perfectly when pumping into a sump but when they have to pump water 5ft upward you better have a **** good pump!!!!!!