DIY float switch auto top off

[jaze36]

Here is another project I have been working on. Most of the parts and the instructions came from this site.

http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html

This project is much easier than it looks. The wiring only took about 20 min.

Here is the whole system. The black box holds the relay and all the conections. The black plug powers the float switches and relays. The white plug will be connected to a dosing pump that will be connected to my kalk reactor.

These are the float switches. The bottom is to control the water level in the sump and the top is there in case the bottom breaks. I made the holder from 1/8" acrylic. This was the most time consuming of the build, and it didn't really take that long.

The black box holds the relay and contains the connections. The black box and the on/off switch came from Radio Shack. They were my addition to the project. The rubbre gromet the wires go through through the box came from NAPA. The box, switch, and grommet cost less than $6 total.

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions.

 

[michaelg]

That is really really nice. I like how both are fixed. Hopefully not dependent on suction cups to stay mounted. I should make a little PVC rig like that to hold mine.

 

[jaze36]

Thanks Michael, no suction cups, it hangs on the top of the tank, the bolts are there to adjust it so it will stay parallel with the tank.

 

[TA]

Can you adjust the level of the bottom switch? If not, you're stuck with that water level (I'm sure you've already considered that, though )

Also, if its located in an area of your sump that tends to be 'wavy', you can reduce the on-off flicker you may get by enclosing the switch in an inverted pvc cap. IMO, I don't think thats gonna be a problem though.

Another great DIY thread Steve. :thumbsup:

 

[jaze36]

No the bottom switch can't be adjusted, I built it for the sump level I wanted. I designed the two together. That would have been a good thought though. I going to try it out as is but will keep that thought in the back of my mind.

Another thought to keep in the back of my head when I get the system up and running.

Thanks to the input Tony, good things to keep in mind.

 

[seaham358]

where did you get the relay? how did you bend the acrylic?

nice job..... I use that type of float switch w/out the relay and I think I should invest in one..
I also have a cob job hanger and would like to make something like yours..
Thanks for any info..
Bob

 

[jaze36]

The relay came from the link above and they also provide the instructions for hooking it all up. I bent the acrylic with a household torch one of those propane things. You have keep it moving or you'll burn the acrylic. I used a metal ruler and a couple of alligator clamps to hold it in place. Heated it up and bent it, I used a square to make sure it was 90.

 

[seaham358]

thanks for the info...

Bob

 

[Dave ESPI]

Same float unit I haev that " PHYSHY" makes off of nano-reef.com, but yours is dual and fancy in the plastic.

nice work