auto topoff
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7096
Printed Date: July 16 2026 at 9:59am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: auto topoff
Posted By: jordanh
Subject: auto topoff
Date 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. http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html - 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? |
Replies:
Posted By: coreyk
Date Posted: June 25 2005 at 11:33pm
| That is how I have mine wired .. It works great! |
Posted By: jordanh
Date 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?
|
Posted By: coreyk
Date Posted: June 26 2005 at 5:39am
| I have two... A maxijet and some other powerhead. |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: June 26 2005 at 10:47am
|
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. ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: June 26 2005 at 12:21pm
| I've heard that the relays have a tendency to fail; do you know if that is true? |
Posted By: jfinch
Date 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. ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 27 2005 at 12:31am
|
What about using a "Glug Jug" for top-off? Those are very reliable. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|
Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: June 27 2005 at 6:46pm
| Mark, the probem with that is I want to keep the topoff water below the tank. |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: June 28 2005 at 8:42am
No sump? ------------- Jared Neilsen Lehi, Utah |
jordanh wrote:Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: June 28 2005 at 5:41pm
| Nope, 10g tank again. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 28 2005 at 10:50pm
|
Of course.
I'd use Jon's method. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: June 29 2005 at 5:17pm
| Where is the best place to get that kind of relay, and what kind should I ask for? |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: June 29 2005 at 10:36pm
|
I can't get http://www.standardsupply.com - 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). ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: June 29 2005 at 11:15pm
| 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 ) |
Posted By: smatney
Date Posted: July 03 2005 at 9:01am
|
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. ------------- Susan Matney Farmington, UT |
Posted By: jordanh
Date Posted: July 03 2005 at 10:32am
| That is a good idea Susan; so far they seem like great little switches; the price is right too. |
Posted By: Sarnack
Date Posted: July 13 2005 at 2:06pm
|
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 |