ATO questions.

[99Trev]

I am still working on putting my auto top off "system" together. I am to the point of ordering the float switch (or switches) questions following after a short history:

I am looking at the single or double float switch from www.AutoTopoff.com

Since I do not have a sump, the float switch will have to go into the tank. I like the idea/safety of having a 2 float switch system, but I don't like the idea of having to "hide" two of these in my tank. I currently have a TOM Aquarium Aqua Lifter Pump 3.5gph and a 2 gallon container for my RO water.

So my question is (or others opinions), is a two float system really an added safety feature, or is it more of a it could happen???

Has anyone had a float switch fail on them? And if so, do/did if fail in an open or closed position?

And if I were to go with a single float switch, and it were to fail in an on position, and pumped all 2 gallons of RO water into my DT (it would all fit without overflowing but it would be filled to the "brim") what damage could it really do? Burn out the pump if it were not unplugged?

Would a tank filled to the very top cause it to "fail". It is a glass tank with a plastic rim (I am sure there is a technical name for it)?

Thanks for any ideas, opinions, suggestions, comments (and even man this guy just keeps rambling on and on and on....)

 

[victornator333]

What I do is put mine on a timer, so that the water is only pumped during a small interval or small intervals during each day. By that method, a failure would be less catastrophic. Before I connected the unit to the timer, I pumped in 5 gallons of RO with kalk into my system of about 70 gallons and nothing happened(I did a quick water change and readjusted the parameters accordingly).

 

[Tucson Reef]

Get a Tunze Osmalator, pricey but safe and lasts for years, one of mine is 8+years. Just have to replace pump every few years, about $20

 

[mattsummers]

float switch

float switch

grainger has float switches for around 12 dollars, cheap to install 2

 

[99Trev]

grainger has float switches for around 12 dollars, cheap to install 2

Is this what you have/suggest?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/MADISON-Liquid-Level-Switch-5DYC9?Pid=search

Putting that together, I would need a plastic mounting bracket, and then wire the float through a relay that would control the pump...

 

[99Trev]

Get a Tunze Osmalator, pricey but safe and lasts for years, one of mine is 8+years. Just have to replace pump every few years, about $20

Looked them up. Sounds really safe, but $180... ouch. I might look at growing into that at some point (or if/when I move to a tank controller)

 

[Big Jay D]

I have a low pressure switch on my tank. Will never fail because water never touches the switch.

 

[Tanque Verde]

One of the best reasons for dual float switches is that your snails will hitchhike on your float switch. The snail's weight will turn on the ato and your tank will flood. I've seen it happen. Dual switches on a timer is much safer. Snail guards are also recommended, but fugly.