Adding extra float valve to top-off

[apedroza]

I have a DIY top off unit in my sump, but it has only one float switch. I have an extra switch that I would like to add as a back up in case the other fails. I'm not sure how to go about doing this. My set up is identical to the one on melevs reef
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

If anyone has an idea on how to splice these together lmk.

[hobogato]

is your extra float valve electronic or mechanical?

if mechanical, the topoff line coming in will attach to the float valve and install it at the top of the sump so it stays open unles the water reaches the top of the sump.

if electronic - idk

[Bill S]

Anthony,

The one on melevsreef is a float SWITCH, not a float valve. If you are using SWITCHES, just wire them in series (that way both have to get stuck DOWN for you to overflow). And, both have to float down to turn your pump on.

[Bill S]

BTW, what are you feeding this top off with? A container, or directly from your RO/DI unit?

[apedroza]

I have a 30gal rubbermaid container that feed sthe water via an aqualifter pump.

[apedroza]

Bill here is a basic drawing of my set up. Can you explain where I would splice in the second switch??? TIA

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o43/apedroza/AutoTop-offSmall.jpg

[hobogato]

in series - black wire of lower switch connects to red wire of upper and black wire of upper connects to where you had the black wire of the lower switch originally.

[apedroza]

Thanks Ace I'm gonna try it now!!! I'll report back.

[apedroza]

It worked!!!!! Thanks Ace.

[Bill S]

Yup, Anthony, that's it. Didn't I say that???? ;-)

HOWEVER. I'd STRONGLY recommend that you modify this setup. If you have a spare 12v or 9v adapter around (like an old phone charger, etc.), what I would do is this:

Buy a relay from Radio Shack ($10) - one that is a 9 or 12 volt relay, BUT will switch 110v. Then I would put together a 12v circuit that uses your float switches and the relay (the float switches fire the relay, which in turn closes the 110v circuit, turning your pump on). This keeps 110v out of your tank and/or sump, and is a MUCH safer solution - one used by all of the aftermarket suppliers of top off equipment.

Seriously, please consider doing this...

[apedroza]

Thanks for the info Bill. Iam actually going to order a more professional Top off from Auto-top off with the relay. This is just temporary until we get back from vacation. But now I'm gonna freak out about the 110V while I'm away!!!LOL!!!!

[Bill S]

Yeah, I can't believe he published that thing on the web. Any electrician would have a heart attack. A BAGGIE to cover up the wiring connector?

Really, the risk is small over the short term, just be careful about it. I just know how I am over the long term, I'll forget it's there until it bites me!

[apedroza]

Luckily for me the part where the wires are spliced in are no where near the sump or water in fact. They are raised above the sump and to the side. I should have ordered the ATO before going on vacation, but hindsight is 20/20. Guess I'll just bite my fingernails til I get back!!!

[Bill S]

Anthony, I really didn't like my ATO... It lasted about a year.

[apedroza]

What are you using now??? I was thinking of ordering the one from our sponsor
http://www.top-off.com/

[Bill S]

That's THE ONE!

[apedroza]

So what did you replace it with.

[Bill S]

I bought 2 units from top-off.com. Love 'em.