Ok, here is something I put together for an auto top off system. I am sure this can be done in many different ways but I wanted to make it as inexpensive and simple as possible. The parts were purchased from the local electronics store, online and some from my old stuff collecting dust.
The part you see in the pictures (from left to right) are,
-an old 9 volt DC adapter
- Reef Fanatic Float Switch Kit (That was the most expensive part, $19.99)
- SVDC Mini Relay for $4.89
-Bottom left is just a female mono jack connctoer for the float switch so it can be disconnnected at any time.
I used a cheap Top Fin powerhead to suck water from the reservoir to carry it to my sump.
The principle is very easy. If the water falls below a certain level, the float switch triggers the relay switch coil (on the 9 volt side), this action then closes the 120 volt switch connection, turning the powerhead on.
Just make sure you use the relay pins marked as NO (normally Open), meaning this connection is always off until triggered by the low voltage. This was the simplest design I could come up with and after testing it a few times (in a small bucket), it seems to work perfectly.
I’ll be using this system at the same level as my sump, so I am not worried about water getting pulled by gravity.
Just tweak the setup with your needs. I am sure using a check valve can become handy. Please feel free to improve this setup and post it here, (I’ m sure I can use it!!!)
This is how it looks after it’s all done. MAKE USRE you insulate all of your connections and parts that come in contact with electricity and are exposed. I do this by using shrink wrap and a plastic dip that I bought at LHS. Do this DIY at your own risk, I take no responsibly for any flaws this design might have or develop, I am just sharing the idea.
The part you see in the pictures (from left to right) are,
-an old 9 volt DC adapter
- Reef Fanatic Float Switch Kit (That was the most expensive part, $19.99)
- SVDC Mini Relay for $4.89
-Bottom left is just a female mono jack connctoer for the float switch so it can be disconnnected at any time.
I used a cheap Top Fin powerhead to suck water from the reservoir to carry it to my sump.
The principle is very easy. If the water falls below a certain level, the float switch triggers the relay switch coil (on the 9 volt side), this action then closes the 120 volt switch connection, turning the powerhead on.
Just make sure you use the relay pins marked as NO (normally Open), meaning this connection is always off until triggered by the low voltage. This was the simplest design I could come up with and after testing it a few times (in a small bucket), it seems to work perfectly.
I’ll be using this system at the same level as my sump, so I am not worried about water getting pulled by gravity.
Just tweak the setup with your needs. I am sure using a check valve can become handy. Please feel free to improve this setup and post it here, (I’ m sure I can use it!!!)
This is how it looks after it’s all done. MAKE USRE you insulate all of your connections and parts that come in contact with electricity and are exposed. I do this by using shrink wrap and a plastic dip that I bought at LHS. Do this DIY at your own risk, I take no responsibly for any flaws this design might have or develop, I am just sharing the idea.
Last edited:
