Auto shut off float switch in sump

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Wiksta

Wiksta

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 1, 2015
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I am having trouble finding how to make a auto shut off float switch for my sump. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks!
 
jsodwi said:
Www.autotopoff.com.
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I want to install a float switch in the sump of my aquarium. The issue i'm running into is this.. Once the water level in the sump reaches the set low point the float switch will turn the pump off. That's great but there is still water in the return line and above the fill line so naturally there is water that will fall back into the sump causing the level to rise. This would toggle the switch and turn the pump back on. This would create a loop. Is there a way to have the float switch toggle the pump off but stay off until its been reset?

I attached a picture of my sump. Its has 2 reservoirs and i would put the float on the right (return) side.

20160222_144457.jpg
 
Somebody correct me if im wrong, but you should be able to find a dual float switch kit that will solve your dilemma. Should be a way that bottom float switch cuts the pump off and only the top float switch will cut the pump back on. You would just have to experiment cutting the pump off at lower level and seeing how much the water rises from water returning from the lines, then you'll know your upper float height.
 
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Komatsuxj said:
Somebody correct me if im wrong, but you should be able to find a dual float switch kit that will solve your dilemma. Should be a way that bottom float switch cuts the pump off and only the top float switch will cut the pump back on. You would just have to experiment cutting the pump off at lower level and seeing how much the water rises from water returning from the lines, then you'll know your upper float height.
Click to expand...

Yea that works. I also emailed the company and they have an option for a switch that once tripped has to be reset by someone. I asked them for pricing.


Do they come so that i can just plug my pump into something or do i have to splice wires?
 
I looked it up... Yes it plugs in. I ordered a single switch with the "reset switch upgrade". Works for me.
 
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look at a tunz osmolator. that's the thing to use for ATO on marine tanks. kinda pricey, but highly reliable.
 
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millerkid519 said:
Why don't you look at a holding tank and use the ato to top off the sump? It would be alot easier
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Space... i love the idea but i don't have the space. This tank is in the family room. Don't want to put a holding tank next to the aquarium. Might be able to finagle a small tank under my tank but i eventually want a bigger sump and it wont fit both. I really don't mind topping it off weekly, just need a fail safe for if i forget or a leak pops up i don't notice right away. Might look into putting holding tank in garage and running lines... but i have other priorities now, that would just be cool!
 
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