Osmolator problem

[Nht8134]

Hi I just set up my osmolator and on the initial run, the water would not stop flowing out after the water line exceeded the optical sensor. The pump shuts off but water continues to flow. I believe it started a syphon but how do I remedy this? Thanks

 

[shawnz28]

Most likely there is air bubbles on the optical sensor. When they are new bubbles tend to cling to the new plastic of the sensor. give is a good rinse/soak in warm water or warm soapy water and this seems to help. Once bubbles get stuck to the sensor the eye cant tell the difference between the bubbles or open air.

Is the pump sitting higher than the output from the hose it pumps thru? If not I would doubt a siphon and guess the above to be the problem

 

[Nht8134]

After the water reaches the optical sensor, the flow through the output slows down and when I check the pump in the reservoir, it is off but the water is still flowing through. Even activating the "TOO HIGH" sensor does not stop the flow. Any other ideas?

 

[shawnz28]

It is siphoning then. Sounds like you need to raise the output of the topoff. Is the output of the topoff lower than the water in the resivor it is pumping from?

 

[Nht8134]

yes the output is lower. If I were to raise the output, then it would be really high as I am using a Brute 32 gallon trash can for a reservoir and the water coming out would be making a big splash into my sump.

 

[shawnz28]

I am not a fan of check valves so my suggestion is to get a peice of rigid pipe taller than the can's water line and have the hose run into this. The pipe would act as a gutter to channel the water to the sump but relieving the siphon

 

[rvitko]

If you follow the directions you will see that we suggest pumping up to the aquarium as the safest method. I would also suggest a smaller reservoir for added safety.

 

[Nht8134]

Yes, that makes sense now. DURH!! Just pumping up to the tank would get rid of any syphon problems. As far as using a smaller reservoir, Ive been wanting to use something smaller but the Brute is the only one that I have found to be save to use to store water. Other trash cans/containers have been believed to leach phosphates over time. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[rvitko]

We offer a 6 gallon reservoir that is a standard European milk bucket, it is used to transport milk so it is foodgrade plastic, a salt bucket should work as well. I don't think a new trash can would leach phosphate as I am unfamiliar with any plastic that would contain a phosphate additive. I am not positive but most plastics are hydrocarbons and may contain some sulfur compounds but I have never heard of a phosphate added to plastic.