Osmolator pump replaced with AC pump that can run dry

[Land_shark067]

Just wanted to share my DIY modification to my Osmolator. I really didnt like the pump that comes with the controller since running it dry would kill the motor and I had to replace the pump twice in a month and a half. So i researched how to control other pumps using the osmolator. by opening the Osmolator you can turn the pump signal up to max which i think it 10V. I then used that signal to turn on and off a relay to power an AC pump. Tunze makes an expensive product to do this:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-osmolator-switched-socket-outlet.html

but they are rather pricey. overall cost for my DIY version was about $15 not including pump.

here are the parts i used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0GJPJ2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00843IV06?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018WVNX2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00
- ive run this pump dry multiple times and it works like a champ and the water tubing from the original pump can be used with this pump. but you could use any pump you wanted even one you already have lying around!

and here is a great how to wire video that is not specifically this but very similar application:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIT8peLndI

Hope this helps to anyone who, like me, really likes there Osmolator but hates the pump.

 

[rvitko]

The Osmo pump can run dry, if a pump is failing in less than a couple years and not being used in talk, it is defective. We are working on a new pump we will make in house (the current one is purchased) and it should be ready by summer.

 

[melmel3]

I have the Nano ato and my controller doesnt time out/stop anymore and my pump broke but in a weird way when it was running dry. Basically it over heated and the white impeller melted a bit and stopped spinning but the pump still tried to spin...

 

[rvitko]

Running dry would not cause this, the pump was faulty and eventually the impeller came loose. Please send in the pump and controller for repair. It may only be the pump, in some cases a bad pump drawing excess current will reset the safety timer. It will stop for a fraction of a second and reset because of the current draw.

 

[Land_shark067]

My pump died first time it ran dry. the replacement did as well. Just have trouble with the low voltage pump which doesnt give much options for replacement and the current cost of $30 each where I can get an AC pump that works more reliable for $8. Why not just eliminate the internal potentiometer and install a relay to control any 120V AC pump? I guess I just dont understand the design factors that went into selecting a low voltage pump. Glad to hear you are developing a new pump in house since the control device and sensor for the Osmolator are excellent and work amazing.