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jordanh 
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 Topic: auto topoff
Posted: June 25 2005 at 11:28pm |
I'm going to put an auto topoff system in my zoanthid tank, I just got my float switch from floatswitches.net and I'm trying to decide how to wire it up. This link suggests you just put the switch directly in the line from the outlet. I'm a little concerned about that because the wires are pretty small guage. I think I'm going to need to use a relay or something but I'm no electronics wiz. Anyone have any suggestions or used one of these switches before?
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coreyk
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Posted: June 25 2005 at 11:33pm |
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That is how I have mine wired .. It works great!
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jordanh
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Posted: June 25 2005 at 11:39pm |
Corey, cool maybe I'll try that, just didn't want to start a fire.  Anyone else doing it like Corey? Also, what kind of pump do you use Corey?
Edited by jordanh
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coreyk
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Posted: June 26 2005 at 5:39am |
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I have two... A maxijet and some other powerhead.
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jfinch
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Posted: June 26 2005 at 10:47am |
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I would wire a relay into the circuit. The starting amp draw on the powerhead can sometimes cause the reed switch contacts in the float switch to fuse (it's happened to me before). It only costs another $10 or so for the relay and socket.
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jordanh
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Posted: June 26 2005 at 12:21pm |
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I've heard that the relays have a tendency to fail; do you know if that is true?
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jfinch
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Posted: June 26 2005 at 6:19pm |
IMO, a relay is less likely to fail then just wiring directly to the float switch. Relays are made to start things like pumps... reed switches aren't.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: June 27 2005 at 12:31am |
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What about using a "Glug Jug" for top-off? Those are very reliable.
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jordanh
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Posted: June 27 2005 at 6:46pm |
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Mark, the probem with that is I want to keep the topoff water below the tank.
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Jared
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Posted: June 28 2005 at 8:42am |
 jordanh wrote:
Mark, the probem with that is I want to keep the topoff water below the tank. |
No sump?
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Jared Neilsen
Lehi, Utah
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jordanh
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Posted: June 28 2005 at 5:41pm |
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Nope, 10g tank again.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: June 28 2005 at 10:50pm |
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Of course.
I'd use Jon's method.
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jordanh
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Posted: June 29 2005 at 5:17pm |
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Where is the best place to get that kind of relay, and what kind should I ask for?
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jfinch
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Posted: June 29 2005 at 10:36pm |
I can't get www.standardsupply.com 's web site to work right, but thats where I buy mine. They're local (SLC) so I just stop by the store. I use the Potter and Brumfield relays (P&B). I don't remember the model number, but just get the cheapest relay they have (should be about $6). You want a relay with a 120 volt AC coil and contacts rated for at least 10 amps. You'll also need a socket for the relay (about $5).
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jordanh
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Posted: June 29 2005 at 11:15pm |
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jfinch I've been to that place before it is pretty close to my work. I need to get a switch for an old ballast sometime so maybe I'll run over there tomorrow. Thanks for the info. I'll show you the setup when I get it all hooked up; hopefully I will have it started this weekend, lighting and the other float switch should be coming ( though I ordered two float switches so I had to order another )
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smatney
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Posted: July 03 2005 at 9:01am |
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I'm going to order a couple of these float switches. If anyone else wants to get one and share shipping - let me know by tomorrow. They are $6.00 each. Shipping is not bad - 3.00.
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Susan Matney
Farmington, UT
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jordanh
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Posted: July 03 2005 at 10:32am |
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That is a good idea Susan; so far they seem like great little switches; the price is right too.
Edited by jordanh
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Sarnack
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Posted: July 13 2005 at 2:06pm |
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I've been using an aquaglobe powerhead with my float switch to fill my
minibow at work for almost 2 years without any problems. The good
thing about them is they have a transformer that outputs 24V DC so you
can just wire the switch inline and if something were to go wrong there
is much less current to harm the tank inhabitants. I think I have
the AQ300 and it pumped water up 30 inches or so into my 18 gallon tank
just fine as well...
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/brandcategory.a sp?brandID=AG&catID=wp
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