Question for those of you who use a Reef Keeper about the float switch

[Texanjordan]

I am thinking about picking up a Reef Keeper for Christmas, and I have a question about using the float switch. Can you use the float switch to turn off equipment? I have a separate reservoir on my skimmer, and I was thinking, if possible, can I install a float switch about 3/4 of the way up on the reservoir? If I can plug my skimmer into the Reef Keeper, and have the float switch set up to shut off the skimmer if the level in the reservoir gets to high, is this possible? I want to be able to shut off the skimmer automatically if it is free flowing water into the reservoir, and the water reaches the float switch. I just want to avoid an overflow like I had the other day.

 

[kn240]

Yes you can. Program it as you would with a ato.

 

[DopeCantWin]

Yes, I do exactly that. One thing to watch out for is where you plug your skimmer in. The outside outlets are different from the inner ones. Based on your tank size, I'm guessing you'll want to use the inner one for controlling your protein skimmer.

 

[Texanjordan]

Good, thats exactly what I want to do. It should help avoid overflows. Is programming it to shut off the skimmer difficult? Also, how did you set up the sensor? Did you drill a hole in the reservior and install it that way? Mine comes with a tight fitting lid, so thats what i was thinking about doing if possible.

 

[DopeCantWin]

It isn't too hard to program. I'll take a picture when I get home. I bought my float switch separately, so I needed to buy the cable to hook it up to the reefkeeper.

 

[hounddog01]

You may also want to set an alarm to let you know that it is off. You can choose to have it beep or not. I normally just use flash.


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[DopeCantWin]

You may also want to set an alarm to let you know that it is off. You can choose to have it beep or not. I normally just use flash.


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Good idea, I'll do that when I get home.

 

[DopeCantWin]

I'd also get a water detector, just in case.

 

[Texanjordan]

Where can you get a water detector? I have heard of them, but I cant seem to find one online. If I got a water detector, I could remotely shut off pumps, that would be really helpful.

 

[DopeCantWin]

http://www.amazon.com/Zircon-Leak-Alert-Electronic-Batteries/dp/B002Q8GRPG doesn't turn off pumps though, what would you even turn off? I have something similar I picked up from Home Depot. I heard it up a floor through a closed door while sleeping one night. Good thing I did, water was spilling out.

 

[canar]

I hate float valves for top off. If it does not shut off your salinity will get all screwed up.

 

[Texanjordan]

How would you run an ATO without a float valve?

 

[kn240]

Small pumps should only be used on Plug #1 or #4 on pc4, when using float valve. If using 2 or 3 it will not shut off quite often.

 

[xtlosx]

Hey guys, I just ordered two of the float switches for the RKL,as well as an aqualifter pump for ATO. Does anyone have the instructions on how to program it to do this on the RKL?

 

[canar]

How would you run an ATO without a float valve?

Using a litermeter or equivilant and setting the top off to match the evaporation rate.