Overflow sensor for return pump??

[brianisoutside]

Is there a way to use a level sensor on my tank that would turn off my return pump if say a hermit crab clogs my drain? I don’t have an emergency drain on this durso overflow.

Asking for a friend, his wife isn’t happy.

 

 

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[Jon Lazar]

Yes. 

 

It would be easiest to do this with an aquarium controller and an optical sensor.  I'm only familiar with the Neptune Apex.  You could use either a breakout box with a float switch, or the Flow Monitoring Module with an optical sensor.  A high level would activate the switch/sensor, switch off the pump, and sound the alarm or email you.  You'd program it so once it turns off the pump, it stays off.  Otherwise the pump will repeatedly cycle off and on.

 

IMO you're much, much better off with an overflow design that can't flood, like a 3-pipe Bean Animal.  Maybe your tank configuration won't support that, though.  Can't you drill a second hole for an emergency overflow?

[mogurnda]

Pretty straightforward if you have an Apex.  Just hook up a float switch to the I/O port and (depending on the orientation of the switch) have it shut the pump off when the switch is closed (or open).Without an Apex, it could be done with a power supply, a float switch and a relay, if you are your friend is comfortable with electronics.

[brianisoutside]

Ok thanks for the ideas.

drilling another hole would be next to impossible with the tank set up.

[smh254]

Reef octopus return pumps come with a float switch to shut off


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[rioreef]

http://autotopoff.com/

 

Nano w/ bracket in your overflow would work. $40 solution.