Float Switch Questions

salvatore

salvatore

Member
Im researching how to create a top off system, and have some questions on the specifics.
I found this float switch at Grainger:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/pro...mId=1611760105
But I see it just has two wires that need electrical attention before using. I also found this posting from someone describing how they wired it:
http://www.escribe.com/pets/reefkeep...html?mID=19190
I am NOT an electrician and want to get as much information as possible before mixing electricity and my tank.
Questions:
Is the wiring described in the second URL similar to what I'd need to do?
Is there such a thing as an inexpensive float switch thats prewired and can accept an input (plug from a PH)?
Ive found the how-to at about.com for a top off, but the wiring schematics are a bit over my head. Does someone have a simple top off system they use and can detail here (or give a URL)?
What am I missing?
Thanks in advance.
.salvatore
salvatore@palmisanonet.com
 
scubamedic

scubamedic

Member
Here is a link to some electrical information for your tank.
Top Off
I changed this up a bit by adding a step down transformer and a voltage regulator. This way I only but 12 volts D.C. into the tank instead of 120 volts A.C. or 100 volts D.C. You could also change it to only 5 volts D.C. if you wanted to by changing the regulator and relay.
Because everyone made me paranoid about the possibility of my top off switch getting stuck on, I added another float switch in series. I have the one that actually regulates the top off water and then one a little further up that will shut it off if it adds to much water. I have never had it happen but I guess other people have.
I can probably come up with complete list of part numbers from Radio Shack if you decide to tackle this yourself.
I also ended up with some extra float switches. If you need some let me know. I can assure you it will be cheaper than Grainger or McMaster.
Good Luck.
 
spider crab

spider crab

Member
Scuba,
I'm kind of in the same boat and plan to do this myself. If you wouldnt mind, please do post the radio shack parts and setup info. I may be interested in the floats switches. Email me at drober41@csc.com with your price.
 
scubamedic

scubamedic

Member
I think this is most of it.
275-248 Mini 10 amp SPDT relay
273-1385 12.6v mini transformer
276-1388 PCB terminals
270-364 Panel mount fuse holder
270-1806 Project box
276-158 Grid pc board
276-1161 DIP full wave rectifier
276-079 led holder
274-346 phono jack
274-337 phono jack
42-2445 12 ft speaker cable
Float switch
6-plug outlet strip (for the plug and switch/breaker)
Suction cups
Duplex outlet
And I'm sure other stuff that I just had around the house. (led's, etc.)
 
salvatore

salvatore

Member
SM,
Wow, thanks for the level of detail. Your site was one I ran across when researching this, and hesitate only because I know so little about things electrical.
Is there a treat-me-like-a-six-year-old version of how to put all this stuff together? How much would everything cost? My eyes glaze over when looking at the wiring guide, and a step by step, connect this first, this second, et cetera, is more my speed. (I can set up and maintain an entire computer network but when faced with wiring a plug Im useless.)
Grainger locally says they have the float switches for less than 12$, so Im not too worried about that price.
Any other information you can provide is going to be helpful.
Thanks again.
.salvatore
salvatore@palmisanonet.com
 
rook

rook

Member
Well my top off isn't quite a do it yourself cheep o but I am not electrically skilled.
I purchased a float switch from Lifereef.com. It is excellent. I got it over six months ago and have not had one problem and have never paid any attention to it. Very easy to use all setup. Also, no electricity running into the tank. You can check it out at their site.
Then, I got a water bucket from my lfs that is air tight when the cap is screwed on. Drilled two small holes into the top. Put two rigid plastic tubes into the top with a reefsafe glue. One tube is long enough to reach the bottom of the bucket, one can not touch the top of the water when filled.
Then, I run the short tube to an air pump with flexible tubing and the long one to the tank. Then simple set up the float and hook the float to the pump.
When the water evaps the float turns on the pump which creates preasure in the bucket and forces water to the tank.
Very easy and it has worked great with no problems at all. Also I add dkh buffer to the water and there is nothing to get cloged like a powerhead.
Only suggestion is to get a pump rated for back preasure like a luft pump. They run about $40 though. I bought a $10 pump and it is still going strong, but one day I am sure it will die and I will replace it with the luft.
by the way I stole this idea somewhere off the internet. don't remember now.
 
scubamedic

scubamedic

Member
I will try and get a step by step together. I am going in for a 48 hour shift so I will try and get it together on my down time. I will post it in a couple of days when I get back.
 
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