Tunze osmolator alarm sound
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I found that jumper I just couldn't figure out without being told the answer was staring me in the face (was looking in the english section only?). Interestingly tonight after doing my water change, I am seeing the issue where the float switch is sensitive to the return pump. While the float is near the pump it is in an alarm state. I shifted my return pump back from the glass, over time the pump had worked itself closer and closer to the glass. Now the magnetic switch is triggering. Interesting problem to have days before leaving for vacation - I'm so glad it happened now.
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The return pump is an eheim 1262. I tested the switch away from the pump and it performed as expected. When I placed the switch back into the magnetic holder and toggled the float switch it functioned correctly as long as i did not fully raise the float switch. It's getting confused as to what is the default state. The LED indicator in the initial down state would be "Green", halfway up "red" all the way up "green" again. Then upon lowering the switch again, it is now in reverse down is "red", halfway up is "green" and all the way up "red". Something is really screwy, the float is now reading that it is level with it is not as well. The top off when first powered on runs for about 15 seconds and then stops. I don't use kalk, and this is the first issue other than a burned out pump.
I replaced the jumper just in case something was amiss. No plausible reason for this to work and the problem wasn't solved of course.
Maybe a short somewhere on the optic? I wiped the optic clean and it started to respond (for about 15 seconds). The unit is now powered off and I'm going to let it completely discharge for 20 minutes and then plug it back in and pray.
I replaced the jumper just in case something was amiss. No plausible reason for this to work and the problem wasn't solved of course.
Maybe a short somewhere on the optic? I wiped the optic clean and it started to respond (for about 15 seconds). The unit is now powered off and I'm going to let it completely discharge for 20 minutes and then plug it back in and pray.
I would try the controller away from the magnet holder and pump and see if that solves the problem. Remove it from your set up and cycle the float at the kitchen table and see if it works. The float contains a permanent magnet that floats up and trips a magnetic switch inside. Reversing the float will reverse the switching direction. Any magnetic field nearby can effect the float switch and the magnet holder has to be installed to the letter for it to not interfere with this switch. This test will rule out whether it is the controller or something else.
Maybe we do need to separate issues here. Unfortunately, I won't get to really fiddle with the setup until after the holidays. Nothing has really changed until maybe two days after I asked about the sound.
The controller is plugged into a chrontrol xt table top timer. The timer is used because it can be programmed to turn off the fresh water ato and skimmer during a water change, and return to a default state at a later time. The osmolator has been plugged into the chrontrol for about 2 years.
The controller sits outside the tank somewhat near a metal halide ballast (June)
I installed the magnetic ballast in october, but only had the optical probe installed. The float laid on the ground
I purchased the little board for the float switch and installed it about 2 months ago.
I now have two issues:
1) float valve malfunctioning while installed near the eheim 1262 (if i can get the optic working again I just won't use the float)
2) The osmolator sensor is only functioning for 15 seconds at a time. Pump turns on and the controller led is "yellow", 15 seconds later the controller turns "green" pumping ceases. The water level is lower than the sensor not in contact with the water.
I think the solution to #1 is to install the float switch on the front glass of the sump a few inches further away from the pump. Might be difficult because it is not a big sump.
Looking for help on #2 I'm baffled. It is so reliably misfunctioning. Can i use anything other than vinegar to clean the sensor?
The controller is plugged into a chrontrol xt table top timer. The timer is used because it can be programmed to turn off the fresh water ato and skimmer during a water change, and return to a default state at a later time. The osmolator has been plugged into the chrontrol for about 2 years.
The controller sits outside the tank somewhat near a metal halide ballast (June)
I installed the magnetic ballast in october, but only had the optical probe installed. The float laid on the ground
I purchased the little board for the float switch and installed it about 2 months ago.
I now have two issues:
1) float valve malfunctioning while installed near the eheim 1262 (if i can get the optic working again I just won't use the float)
2) The osmolator sensor is only functioning for 15 seconds at a time. Pump turns on and the controller led is "yellow", 15 seconds later the controller turns "green" pumping ceases. The water level is lower than the sensor not in contact with the water.
I think the solution to #1 is to install the float switch on the front glass of the sump a few inches further away from the pump. Might be difficult because it is not a big sump.
Looking for help on #2 I'm baffled. It is so reliably misfunctioning. Can i use anything other than vinegar to clean the sensor?
Try soaking the optic sensor in vinegar for 3-4 hours and wipe it off with a soft towel, do not scrub it, scratches will destroy the sensor. Keep in mind the controller box itself is affected by magnetic fields, these sensors switch relays which are electromagnetic switches. It is worthwhile to test the controller with just a bowl of water at the kitchen table, away from any magnets.
I was able to get the probe to function just for a moment two times in short succession. Each time the green light blinked once then the yellow came on to fill and the probe responded when i dunked it into a cup of water. After these two short successes, the probe stopped responding. I soaked the probe in vinegar and had no more successful attempts to get the probe to function. I have never exposed my osmolator to kalk or calcium dosing. The probe looks almost as good as it did the day I bought it. I opened the case and on close inspection I see a very little bit of yellowing on some of the solder joints of the probe. I bought this in January 2008
I installed a another osmolator seems to be functioning fine so far. Although i did move the magnet mount further away from the return pump.
What are the options available for me to get back up and running?
I installed a another osmolator seems to be functioning fine so far. Although i did move the magnet mount further away from the return pump.
What are the options available for me to get back up and running?
