Float switch problem

[wkopplin]

I am using two Ultralife float switched to run my topoff system. Only problem is that there are some small waves in the sump that cause it to bob up and down and keep starting and stopping the pump. Any ideas on how to combat this short of the Tunze system?

[BA]

where do you get float valves??for autotop off?

[Henry]

Are the waves caused by surface turbulence from falling water or an actual change in water level. If its the first one then you can try to place a piece of glass or plexi across the top of the sump about two inches into the water to break the waves. Just an idea.

[Ram_Puppy]

you could put a breeder box in the water around the float, use it to keep that area calm.

[wkopplin]

I siliconed a cup with the bottom cut out to the glass and put the switch inside that, but it still does the same thing. The turbulence is caused by water falling, although none of it splashes directly into the water, all the pipes are submerged. Just lots of water flowing in there.

[wkopplin]

Float valves can be purchased at CB Pets. I know they have them.

[BA]

how much?

[adaminaustin]

You can always try..... http://www.floatswitches.net/floatswitch.html

[BA]

does anyone know how much they are at CB pets?

[matt]

Blake, outside of a splash guard, which you've tried, you either need a timed switch, like they use on thermostats (this means that the float switch doesn't kick on or off until it's been in that position for a while) or you set up two float switches, at different levels, and it gets wired up in some weird way so that one has to be on and the other off, but there's something i can't remember about it.

What I do is keep the switch on a timer, meaning no power goes to the solenoid except a 1 hr window twice a day. This keeps the water flow off during all other times, which allows it to drop significantly, leaving the float switch out of the water, which allows the top off to come on and stay on. If it fills up before the hour is over, then the switch can go on and off, but usually that's only for a short time each day.

[drehere]

The stilling chamber (that's what I'd call it) like the breeder box, or cup suggested is what I'd go with. Something that surrounds the float valves on every side yet is opne on the bottom (and top for that matter). Doesn't need to be too deep and at least large enough not to interfere with the floats. Shape isn't going to matter, so you can probably find something aroud the house suitable.

[wkopplin]

I will put the cup deeper into the water and see if it works. A timer is a good idea. I will also do that. The pump in the top off is a big one, so it will be able to sufficiently fill it up in under an hour, probably a lot less.

I think CB charges around $25 for a float valve. I might be wrong though, cannot remember.

[matt]

There's a guy who took the MACO classes that's making high quality float switches, I think. His username on reefs.org is Louey. Remembering this guy ffrom the classes, I bet they're real good. Probably not cheap.

I use one from mcmaster-carr that cost about $20. It's nothing special, and one of these days, like before I go on a vacation, I'll replace it with something better. In my set up, it's more the solenoid that keeps everything from flooding; both the float switch and the timer would have to fail simultaneously in the on position to flood my tank. But if the solenoid stuck on (unlikely as it's a "normal closed") I'd be in deep water, literally.

[wkopplin]

I am using the two float switches. Both must be in the correct position in order for it to work. I still might go with the Tunze Osmollator. Waves are not supposed to affect it.

[BA]

thanx matt i will p.m. louey

[RobertG]

I run the Tunze & have had no problems. The water in my sump does move alot. I have the sensor in the left corner which is the calmest spot. It really seems accurate. It runs very short periods of time. If it is to low the controler will tell you. It really is the only thing I have ever run so I know nothing about the other types out there. Tunze set me back 120.00 Or so. So What it is only money...... Yeah it is pricey. Like i said I know nothing else. Tunze is the Elite. IMO theres nothing better. Then again I dont know.

[BA]

Wkopplin, do u know if Cb's has a website?

[wkopplin]

www.cbpets.com, but there is nothing there other than their address and phone #

I am going to get the Tunze deal. You made up my mind for it. Do you remember where you got it?

[RobertG]

I got it here in Austin @ Aquatek. Roger is the one to talk too. If not talk with Bruce. He will ship it to you. Call him 512-450-0182. Or you can PM him at Rvitko on RC. The PM method might get you a faster response..

[scuba_steveo]

I bought my Tunze Osmomat from Aquatek in Austin. I had to go with the Osmomat instead of the osmolator because I do not have a sump. My water level stays very percise but I get a lot of extra bubbles which sucks but that is not a problem with the osmolator, just the osmomat. So I am thinking about switching over to a float switch. I know that I can turn my osmomat into an osmolator with a 25 dollar tunze kit. So maybe we can arrange something if you want to take my osmomat and turn it into an osmolator.

[wkopplin]

Rats,

I ordered it before I saw your post. I should have paid closer attention.

[scuba_steveo]

return it...lol...j/k

[kaiser]

You might want to check out www.autotopoff.com.