Auto Top Off Issue

[cabrego]

I am currently using my AC JR to pump water from a top off tank into my sump. After a few days I thought I had dialed about 1 min every 1.5 hrs worked well.

But, my problem is that this only works well when the top off tank is about half full, when its full to the max I do not need to run the pump as long. I suppose this is basic physics. Since there is more water mass forcing it's way through the pump my 1 min / 1.5 hr now pumps to much water.

One solution is to never run my top off for more than half way. Surely this has happened to others so I am wondering what solutions everyone else has come up with. I would obviously like a solution that does not cost money.

I also thought about running a larger pump less frequently like maybe once a day, but I figure I would have the same issue with gravity and all.

 

[noahm]

You need a float switch.

 

[winstew]

For relatively cheap you can set up a float switch system, which basically just hooks a float switch (preferably 2 for redundancy) up to a relay which then turns your pump on and off... Its the system I have been running for years and it works great.

 

[THE ROOK]

Your tank will not evap. the same amount day to day. Too many variables with the surrounding air. You'll likely be adjusting constantly.

I'd go with the autotopoff.com dual float. Hook that to your reservior pump & your done in about 10 minutes. Also frees up another plug on your AC jr for another toy.

I added water twice a day for 9 months until I finally broke down & got a float setup. It's just awesome. I only check the reservior once a week now. Best $60.00 I ever spent on my tank.

 

[cabrego]

hmm, ok it looks like the float valve is what everyone is using. I seem to remember reading that these often fail, which is why I have been reluctant in buying one.

Is there anything that will prevent the switch from getting stuck and pouring to much water into my sump?

 

[THE ROOK]

They do not fail very often but they are only a couple of dollars so that's why we utilize two floats. The main float does the work & if it were to fail the upper float would stop the system only adding an inch or two to the sump. The upper float stays dry so it will work if needed.

 

[chilwil84]

reef fanatics dual float lets you put one at the height you want and the other higher that shuts the pump off in case the main one fails. bulk reef supply has the reef fanatic.


one of the other brands might do the same i have only used the reef fanatic though

 

[cabrego]

Thanks for the input, I think I am going to go with a method similar to one lined out here,

http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

It is cheap, I just need to buy a switch.

I may try to put two switches in parallel. In series will not work as a safeguard if I am not mistaken.

 

[THE ROOK]

I feel that design is why the floats don't last long. Too much current thru the float. That is why the autotopoff.com unit (others as well) cost a few dollars more. It uses a relay & includes two floats already wired.

 

[winstew]

ya you really need to hook up a relay with these things... they last so much longer when properly hooked up. Cycling 110V through a float switch will lead to failure in no time.

 

[cabrego]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764013#post14764013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by winstew
ya you really need to hook up a relay with these things... they last so much longer when properly hooked up. Cycling 110V through a float switch will lead to failure in no time.

What kind of relay should be used? Also, can you explain what a relay adds into the design?

From my perspective I think the float valve would basically be flipping a switch in the relay instead of actually supporting the 110Vs. Maybe I am not clear on how relays work, but won't the float switch still have 110vs going through it when it flips the switch?

 

[tkeracer619]

I use the dual switch unit from ATO.com with the low voltage option. Great unit.

I still run it through a float valve (not switch) so if there is a problem I have a backup.

 

[tkeracer619]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14764141#post14764141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cabrego
What kind of relay should be used? Also, can you explain what a relay adds into the design?

From my perspective I think the float valve would basically be flipping a switch in the relay instead of actually supporting the 110Vs. Maybe I am not clear on how relays work, but won't the float switch still have 110vs going through it when it flips the switch?

A DPDT relay. The float switches operate the relay. The relay operates the 110v.

 

[winstew]

thats it.... very simple and inexpensive