Recommend a float switch !

[Reefguide]

Going to be out of town for a week and have nobody who can look after my tank. Need a decent float switch to connect a PH for top off...

What do you folks recommend?

 

[texasreefer]

Go to Grainger and order a float switch. You will need to use a relay to actuate the switch so you don't burn out the contacts. If you need any information e-mail me and I'll send you a schematic of how to do it.

 

[balberth]

I like this one:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...ode=PA&Product_Code=AT-1&Category_Code=Dosers

It's not really cheap, but I think it works very well for my applications. I have a couple that I use for keeping my R/O tanks topped off, as well as using one in my sump. Never had a problem, though it is best to mount the sensor to something sturdy with tie wraps rather than using the suction cups provided - they sometimes don't stay too well.

I like it because it has no moving parts in the water - and therefore seems less prone to getting stuck. It works by sensing the pressure in a plastic tube lowered into the water. As the water level falls, the pressure decreases and turns on a pressure switch inside the main unit. It seems sensitive enough to me, though it claims to control the water level within an inch or so.

My liter meter has apparently the same system built in ...

--Albert

 

[Anonymous]

http://www.aquadevices.50megs.com/order1.htm

 

[King Jason]

I would be careful about suction cups!

 

[Reefguide]

I'm not crazy about suction cups, but what other affordable method is there?? I'd hate to drill....

 

[Vixyswillie]

Are you going to mount it on the side of your sump?

 

[Reefguide]

maybe... dont know my options...

 

[Vixyswillie]

You might want to try using nylon ties to mount the body of the float switch to one of those spring clips that are commonly sold at Home Depot, etc. Clip the spring clip to the side of the sump and make vertical adjustments to the body of the float switch as necessary. Easy on - easy off. Be sure to test your final arrangement thoroughly before you leave. And don't forget the siphon break.

 

[ReeferAl]

I have a method that has worked very well. I have cut some strips of scrap acrylic (1/4in thick) about 3/4 to 1in wide. I use a hobby heat gun to make 2 bends in one end to form a flat-sided hook. It is hard to describe but really very simple. The long end is left long enough to reach into the water. I have them about 6 to 10in long. It then hangs over the side of the sump or tank and I can attach various different devices such as the Spectrapure level sensors described in a post above using cable ties. They have been fool-proof. If you want to re-use them just cut off the ties.
Allen

 

[Leopardshark]

MY FLOat switch is attached with epoxy to a piece of acrilic and this acrilic has an L form and it is siliconed to the sump.
It cost me about 3 mins to glue and works great.
You can also buy a lifereef switch

 

[bashduo]

I've been using one of the switches from "aquadevices" that "Righty noted earlier. It's been up now for about two years and just recently stuck for the first time. I don't know why, the float had risen all the way, but the internal reed switch just didn't switch. I cleaned it and it's back working fine. The suction cups are actually quite good - suprise... As a precaution, I never fill my freshwater make-up with more water than I think the tank will need between the times I can inspect. That way if something does happen with the switch (it's only a matter of time before brother Murphy visits), hopefully the worst will be a few "controlled" gallons of extra fresh water

 

[Anonymous]

I've been using the Aqua Devices float switches for about 6 years without failure, and yes, never had the suction cups fail either. I always made sure my sump could handle my full resivoir and the the drain from the overflows in case the worst could happen.