Water pumps that don`t die????

So, I have a common problem of my water pumps dying. I'm using them in a 5g bucket that sits next to my stand that holds straight RO water for my ATO. I'm sure that they are dying sooner than normal because they occasionally the bucket empties and the pump is exposed to the air, but it seems like even if I keep them constantly submerged, they are dying at least every 3-4 weeks. It is getting ridiculous and expensive. Does anyone know a more reliable water pump that would be suited for this job? I've mostly tried small marineland pumps but have also had a few tiny off brand pumps. 
Is there such thing as a water pump that is also capable of being an air pump? One that wouldn't fry if it started sucking air?
Thanks for any ideas,Kylie

 

Would a toms aqua lifter pump work or is that just to small for your needs? Works great on my ato for my tank but it is a nano. If it runs dry, which it has ,it does not get damaged as of yet. Mine has been running for 7 months. Good luck

 

Have you tried a Maxijet? They are reliable and cheap.
One thing you could do is set up a float switch that would shut the pump off if the water level gets to low in the bucket.





http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...r.html






The aqua lifter pump is a good Idea also and very cheap.


 

 

+1 on the toms aqua pump cheap and very reliable.

 

Small tunze

 

+1 for a maxi jet. I use one for this exact purpose, and even though the water has run low a few times, it keeps going.

 

Thanks everyone. I'll look into them /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
That fancier ATO looks like it would help a lot. Is it xmas yet??

 

IME maxijets don't do well if they are being turned on and off frequently. For the sake of this response, let's define frequently as 10+ times a day. What are you using for a pump? I'd recommend a smaller pump that is on longer rather than going with a larger pump. I have the Tunze osmolator now and it was worth every cent.