AquaController Auto Top Off DIY

[Brian Prestwood]

Hey All

Who would be interesed in building an auto top-off for the AquaController (AC I, II or III)? This is like the auto top off systems you buy...

<br>Auto Top Off Switch from Marine Depot

We're going to attach two float switches in series to the input port of the AC I, II or III standard. You must have an AC I, II or III (Jr. Standard or Pro) for this to work. NOTE: some AC Jrs don't have an input port.

Once you've attached your top off system to your AC you can do things like topping off with kalkwasser at night.

The parts for a DIY double float switch cost $60. I realize you can buy a single float auto top off for $60. However, I stongly recommend you build a double float switch model...

I had a single float switch model for a year. It stuck on twice and pumped all the top off water into my tank. I have had the double float switch model you see above for the last five years. It has never stuck on.

NOTE: If you already have a single float switch auto top off system, like the one above from Marine Depot, we can add a second float to it at this DIY for $25.

Also, if one of you electricians or EEs want to lead a stand alone auto top-off DIY in parallel (at the same time) at my place you are welcome to do it. I suspect you buy a single float switch top off sytem for about the same as you make a double.

 

[Paliya]

I think some ACjr's have the input port that you're talking about.

External Switch Input [neptunesys.com]

If the AquaJr is purchased with the serial port option, then it has one external switch input which can be used to activate/deactivate devices in response to an external stimulus. Applications for the input includes connection to water level float switches, water pressure and flow sensors, and water on the floor sensors. The AquaController Jr program can be set up to signal alarms or act upon the input condition.

-Pat

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Pat

Thanks for the correction. I corrected my orignal post.

 

[funman1]

I'd be into helping people build a stand alone ATO system with dual floats, it would just control a plug and then they could connect anything they wanted, Power head or Aqualifter.

I also put a snail guard on my main float to keep it from malfunctioning.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Steve

I was hoping you would volunteer. I almost mentioned you by name but I thought that would be a bit too pushy.

 

[Reefugee]

I can help too. I have built quite a few auto topoff systems. $60 sounds about right for the project.

For the snail guard - I have been using the "specimen" bottle that M&M gave out at one of the MARS meeting. You can also use medicine bottles.

Minh

 

[funman1]

hahah

I'm always into helping out as long as it works with my schedule.
I second the idea Mihn had, with the specimin bottles.

Did you want me to work up a cost / materials sheet on the stand alone system?

I also LOVE the "mold a hold" (Or something like that) from aquahub.
You form it to rest on the lip of the sump, so it can never fall in or "lose suction" and fall in.

Let me know..

 

[Reefugee]

My solution was to take a piece of scrap acrylic (thanks Brian!), drill a hole to hold the specimen bottle, and use a heat gun to bend the acrylic to the right size. Nice and clean! I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9629703#post9629703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1
I also LOVE the "mold a hold" (Or something like that) from aquahub.
You form it to rest on the lip of the sump, so it can never fall in or "lose suction" and fall in.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Hey Minh

TIA

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Steve

Your participation opens it up to almost everyone. I'll work around your schedule.

Brian

 

[funman1]

I "think" the 21st or 28th is open of this month.
I'll check with the Wife and get back to you.

We'll have to do it soon cause I have a little one on the way due in May


That's a great idea too Mihn.
But the only thing is I think people would like to be able to mold it at their house, with their sump right there, so it's a perfect fit for their exact system.
And it's not too expensive either.

18" which is a lot and could prolly be cut in half or more, is only $7.00

Also Aquahub sent me an email a while back about the ATO thread we had going, and said if we needed anything to give them a call.
So we can prolly get some discounts with them too.

Also: Did you want me to work up a cost / materials sheet on the stand alone system?

 

[Reefugee]

Steve,

Go ahead and work up costs. I also think we should buy some heat shrink material and some connectors so that we don't have to solder any wire directly to the relay. We can keep it simple by not including an on/off switch. A indicator light is nice, but not needed. Also - when I built mine, I like the fact that I hid the powersupply inside of the project box. When I was quoting a device for someone, I think I estimated $60 (maybe $70) in parts.

Minh

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Steve and/or Minh

Do you think we need float switches to in series if we have these snail guards?

Brian

 

[mpoletti]

I am interested in taking part in this this.

Mark

 

[Reefugee]

Brian,

Yes - I would still do float switches in series even with a snail guard. What if the switch shorted closed? What if the wire breaks and form a connection. I would feel a lot more comfortable with two switches. Call me paranoid - but I am thinking about upgrading mine to three switches.

Minh

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Minh

Thanks for the feed back. Like I said, mine never stuck open after I upgraded to two float switches. I did have it stick closed one time. I don't remember what caused it.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Hey Mark

That's one. Not a lot of interest so far. Would you do the stand alone or AquaController model?

 

[funman1]

These systems are great for nanos and such, as well as large systems.
Do your creatures a favor and give them the gift of stable salinity this summer with an ATO system from MARS!!!


Well I got my company to donate some of the parts for free.
FREE stuff
each person will get if they do the stand alone system..

(1) 2 gang Electrical box
(1) Duplex plug outlet
(1) Switch (For Manual off for water changes)
(1) Cover plate for the box

What we will need to buy, or acquire

Float switches
Snail guards (free specimen cups?)
Mold a Hold ~$5.00 per setup (Optional, but recommended)
Putty or Epoxy (so we don't have another Brian issue )
A Computer cord or similar cord with no end ($1-$2)
12 Volt DC Relay ($5-$9)
12 Volt DC Transformer $5-$10 (Wall Wart)
some crimps for connecting the relay (unless you plan to solder)
Aqua lifter $15.00 (optional but recommended)

 

[Reefugee]

I have tons of computer cords. We can cut off the end. I think we can buy the connectors in bulk. BTW - are you planning on an external DC adaptor?

 

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9642193#post9642193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brian Prestwood
Hey Mark

That's one. Not a lot of interest so far. Would you do the stand alone or AquaController model?

I ordered the Aquacontroller JR with serial port and DC8 last friday. It is on back order and should be shipped out this week.