Flow Swith Question

[Caribbean Jake]

I am thinking of setting up an automatic top off system on my 125G tank and wondered if anyone can help me with some questions before going forward.

 

What flow switch should I use?

Where can I get this flow switch?

Where should I place/install the flow switch (I have a sump CPR 194)?

Does it work with a power head or pump in the resrvoir container, and what type of ph or pump should I use in the resrvoir?

 

Thank you in advance for your advice and cooperation.

 

Jacob

[krish]

Jacob,

 Here is the description of my setup.

The key is the presence of a pressure cylinder to hold the RO water and a

 pressure regulated switch that goes with it.

 

This will shut off the RO water to the membrane with the tank is full.

 

I have the RO water from the cylinder go thru a DI cartridge and to my

tank.

 

At the tank, a solenoid value ( 100 PSI rating for water) controls the outlet.

 

The sensors are 2 float switches that close a 9V circuit. The 9V circuit has a

relay that controls the 110V solenoid.

 

This has been working flawlessly for close to a year now.

 

Soon will be installing a similar setup for the Kalk reactor. This way, if there is

a major loss of water, the fresh water top off will kick in.

 

The kalk water top off, by dripping will be the normal water addition, till the sump

level is maintained.

 

A sudden loss of water can happen in certain cases, like the mag 7 in my sump

got unhooked from the soft plumbing and became a fountain in my sump, under

the cabinet or if i take a gallon or 2 of water to add to my softies tank or if you

take out some water to do other stuff. :-)

 

Lazy reef it is. :-)

 

-krish

[miller]

i have a float switch from grainger in the sump hooked to a powerhead in a rubermaid tub next to the tank and when the level goes low the water pumps in i think thats about the most simple way you just have to make sure to keep the switch clean so it dosent stick

[Guest Tmtplyb]

I have similar setup like Miller bought on Ebay simple liquid float switch much cheaper compare to Grainger.

Good luck!

[flowerseller]

I also use a Grainger float switch and a trash can/powerhead.

I just added my DIY kalkreactor 1+ weeks ago and is controlled by this method and a backflow valve.

A great DIY project.

Chip

[michaelg]

I have been using a reeffanatic setup for quite some time and am extremely happy with it.  You plug a powerhead into it.  Activate when drops to a certain level.  

Comes with 2 switches and several configuration you can use it.

[Caribbean Jake]

Thanks everyone

 

Can you rpovide me with a part number on the flow switches you mentioned above?

[miller]

geofloors got me mine so i dont know a part number

[tygger]

Look into www.autotopoff.com unit's and Tunze Osmolators. The later being the preferred, but more expensive method.

[dchild]

I built my own setup using switches from floatswitches.net, I use a pair in series for redundancy.  The switches work just fine as long as you are running low voltage/amperage - they will stick open if you try to run a 10w powerhead, even though they are rated higher than that.  At $6 each, they are cost effective, and with some minimal building (relay + power supply) you will have a great system.  I think total cost on mine was about $25.  I can provide pics/details if you are interested.