Need some ATO pump help.

[snakeblitz33]

My aqualifter pump is very nice, but I am pretty sure it has konked out on me. The little return chamber that I have is so small that the pump kicks on and off once every four or five minutes. It's no longer pushing water up to the display tank, even though it's right at 28" tall.
I just switched the pump out to an Azoo 185gph powerhead that usually powers reactors - and I can't get it to pump up 1/4" tubing by 28"! Or, at least I haven't figured out yet if the little pump isn't pushing water because of an air bubble inside of it or not.
So, I need some pump recommendations or a different configuration or some help somehow.... Suggestions are definitely welcome!

 

[ifirefight]

I have had the aqualifter for many years..had to replace a few parts in it over the years but it has been rock solid...looks like you have a 75 gallon... you say the return section is small.maybe make the ATO kick in at a lower level...I know mine kicks in probably every hour or so on my 130...These things are made for repetitive on and offs... Id say dont give up on the aqualifters...I doubt there is anything better.IMHO.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Well, you get what you pay for. Someone recommended a litermeter to me, but that's in the $300 range. I don't think I will be spending that much money on my 10g tank.

the 75g tank I had is no longer saltwater. I converted it over to a freshwater planted tank after my RO unit let chloramines into my system and threw everything off....

Thanks for the help!

 

[bang guy]

Powerheads are notoriously bad at lifting water. Instead of a water pump, can you set the container higher on a shelf so that it's doesn't have to lift the water so far?

 

[snakeblitz33]

I Was thinking the same thing, actually. I'm looking into buying a small 2.5g tank and setting it next to the stand.

I want to get a decent LED light for the 10g tank so that I can start adding some SPS corals as well while I build the cube.