float switch
- Thread starter Gary Gnu
- Start date
swearint
New member
This is where I got mine (FLT015): http://www.chicagosensor.com/Miniature_Vertical_Mount_Float_Switches.html
Todd
Todd
110galreef
New member
I like these sensors, but how do you mount them in your sump?
I plan to use 1 to kick on an aqualifter pump in my ATO holding container, and also then have an extra one up higher in sump as a safety backup.
I plan to use 1 to kick on an aqualifter pump in my ATO holding container, and also then have an extra one up higher in sump as a safety backup.
slief
RC Sponsor
I use reef fanatic float switches that I got from Premium aquatics. I think these are similar if not the same as the ones Todd linked to from Chicago sensor except that they came with the micro plug. They can be reversed from normally open to normally closed. They are mounted to a removable bracket that has suction cups. I removed the cups and glued them to a magnet scrubber. They have a headphone jack plug can that can be removed but since I made my own breakout box, I used female headphone style jacks in it so my sensors can plug right in. It works well as I used a headphone splitter from radio shack to wire 2 sensors for redundancy. Both need to be open for the topoff to turn on.
This is a picture of my breakout box. You can see the dual headphone jack that I used to make my float switches redundant.
This is a picture of my breakout box. You can see the dual headphone jack that I used to make my float switches redundant.
This is the way I mounted my float switches. http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc365/mozz671/2011-02-20_13-06-33_999.jpg
PokerReefer
New member
Why is it that Neptune offers the ability to control an Ato, but leaves it to a D.I.Y application to implement it ? I was looking all over the site for a floatswitch system to connect to the breakout box , that is not there. Dosent make any sense to me ?
slief
RC Sponsor
The break out box can be used for a wide range of things from momentary switches to activate outlets, water on the floor switches, float swirches etc. Also, there are a wide range of float switches and as such, not every one is for everybody due to mounting options and different applications. I use reef fanatic float switches, but if you search this forum, you will find many options including those posted above. Keep in mind that Neptune is a controller company. Not a float switch company. Float switches just happen to be one of the many things you can use the breakout box for.
That said, pretty much any 2 wire open/closed float switch will work.
PokerReefer
New member
I understand what you are saying , but they are not a lighting company. The have a controllable led rig though. I just would like a one stop shop is all I was implying. Not to spend that kind of money and then need to track down, research , pay shipping from another source to implement. With that being said is it possible to just buy a dual float set up from some where like autotopoff.com and plug in to the floats into the break out box ? Or would further modification be needed ? Thanks for the help. I am just new to the controller game and have many questions.
slief
RC Sponsor
If you want a one stop shop, then buy from a retailer such as premium aquatics. They sell both the Apex and the float switches. You will likely get a better price on the Apex than buying direct and they have plenty of knowledge when it comes to all the components including the Apex and float switches to help you make an educated decision without doing a ton of research.
As for their Lunar LED's, their Lunar controller dims and follows the moon cycles which is a bit more complex than lights or float switches. While I do understand your analogy, I dont think its very relevant. I suppose they could make money selling float switches but like I said earlier, there are a number of different types of float switches for different applications and for them to stock them all wouldn't be cost effective due to the fact that Neptune doesnt manufacture them unlike their aqua controllers. As a manufacturer, margins are a critical factor in long term success. Cheap items like float switches can be had very cheap if you go direct to the manufacturers so it would be difficult for a company like Neptune to make a decent enough profit to warrant the inventory. Especially when most of their products are sold through retailers who already stock a wide range of these switches and are very knowledgable when it comes to integrating them with the controllers.
To answer your question above, you can use the switches from autotopoff or any other vendor. Personally as I indicated above, I like the reefgeek or chicago sensor ones as they are cost effective, easy to mount, reliable and easy to setup in multiples for redundancy
