DIY Auto Top Off

[catfisher]

I saw a pretty cool DIY auto top off video on Youtube. It consists of a float sensor, extension cord, piece of acrylic and powerhead. You can make it for around $15. Has anyone made one of these and are they as safe and effective as one of the commercially made auto top off systems sold for around $100?

 

[THE ROOK]

Not safe at all. Those floats are not designed for that much current. It will eventually fail & dump all that current right into the tank. There's no need to spend $100.00 for a decent one. Autotopoff.com & Aquahub.com both sell setups for under $50.00 that utilize a relay to keep the current out of the tank.

 

[downhillbiker]

I use one, and have not heard of them dumping voltage into the tank. I will check today some time and post the results. I have been running for about a year with mine.

 

[cabrego]

Current dumping into the tank is always a problem with any electrical device submerged in water, but the real problem with running the float switch as THE ROOK said is that it runs the risk of failing due to current swings that are going directly through the switch.

Generally the switches are rated for low amounts of current, so if your pump surges ur switch may leave your pump running all day.


If your interested in learning about my explanation and about yoru float switch options I reccommend aquahub mainly because of there documentation, lots of good instructions and documentation.

Become informed then buy!

 

[catfisher]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15243245#post15243245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cabrego
Current dumping into the tank is always a problem with any electrical device submerged in water, but the real problem with running the float switch as THE ROOK said is that it runs the risk of failing due to current swings that are going directly through the switch.

Generally the switches are rated for low amounts of current, so if your pump surges ur switch may leave your pump running all day.


If your interested in learning about my explanation and about yoru float switch options I reccommend aquahub mainly because of there documentation, lots of good instructions and documentation.

Become informed then buy!

I just checked out Aquahub. I think I'm going to go that route. I'd rather spend a little more and worry less.

 

[aquariumclown]

It works, but not safe due to high voltage.

 

[reefboy1994]

mine works fine

 

[Dholmblad]

how do you check to see if a component is putting stray voltage into the tank?