This is the most up to date info we have about the Aqua Lifter and its alternatives.

TOMs discontinued the Aqua Lifter pump last year. We have been told by their parent company that they are in the process of restarting production with another company and that the pumps should be available again sometime in 2022.

In the meantime we have tested a number of venturi powerheads to find acceptable alternatives to the Aqua Lifter.

We supply a modified JBJ Accela powerhead as a replacement pump for our BakPak protein skimmers that has worked well during testing.

They are currently available here:

Please note that we modify these pumps by adding an intake venturi. The standard Accela pumps available from other sources do not have this fitting and will not work for this application.

Other pumps that we have tested that will work: Rio 600PT or 800PT and the Hydor Ario 4

There are likely other venturi powerheads available that could work but we have not tested any that are not listed here. If you do decide to source your own we recommend a powerhead rated for at least 200GPH and one that has an intake venturi (a venturi on the outflow may not work in this setting).

We recommend placing venturi pumps like the ones listed above one in your sump or display tank, with the pump close to the surface but still submerged. Submerging the pump deeper will reduce the effectiveness of the venturi and make it harder to maintain the overflow siphon.

We understand the frustration many of our customers are feeling since the lack of Aqua Lifters makes it harder to use our CS Overflows. We are still exploring better long term alternatives and will post any updates here.