ATO container low water level alert

[Canuck007]

Other than manually checking if water level is low in the ATO container, is there another way you guys have done float switches or something to alert you that ATO is low? Thanks

 

[dbl]

Float switch connected to an Apex breakout box is how I handled it.

 

[doughboy]

This is what I did a while back. It requires some circuitry, but you get the idea. It tells you exactly how much water is in ATO reservoir, and sends an alert if level is low.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2328819

 

[P-Dub]

Did the same as @dbl. The BO box for the Apex has many benefits. Have a switch on the skimmer reservoir, and sump to shut things down and for a leak sensor to do the same. It is all great so long as your Apex is working.

 

[Norcalreef]

I just bought a optical sensor for apex and wrote code for alert. No break out box needed.

 

[User]

I just bought a optical sensor for apex and wrote code for alert. No break out box needed.

Any More details?

How are you providing power to the switch (5v/12v?) and how are you hooking if up to the apex without a BOB?

Cheers

 

[Mark Gray]

I have mine hooked to my Apex turns on my RODI when my `100 gallon storage container has maybe 7 gallons in it.

 

[doughboy]

If you have an apex, you can program it to detect the ATO pump running dry and send an alert. No need for any additional sensor. If you know say the ATO pump usually comes on only for say 15 seconds, then if is running still after say 1 minute, you can turn it off and send an alert. You can google apex ATO pump run dry program.

 

[Canuck007]

Thanks all for the reply. I have no problem doing a float switch in the ato comtainer. So will there be an issue with wiring that's under water? The wires from the float switch are only about a foot long.

 

[Canuck007]

Doughboy..just saw ur reply. That's sounds like the easiest plan.

 

[SPR1968]

Float switch connected to an Apex breakout box is how I handled it.

+1 to this exactly what I have and I also have a high water level version for the sump to detect a main pump failure

 

[Norcalreef]

Any More details?

How are you providing power to the switch (5v/12v?) and how are you hooking if up to the apex without a BOB?

Cheers

I ran it to one of the ports on the FMM from my ATK. Used the same programming they use for Ato. I also put one in my skimmer cup that shuts the skimmer off and sends a alert when it’s full. No power source needed. If you have their ato(pretty sure they call it atk?) then you just need a $20 optical sensor.

 

[User]

I ran it to one of the ports on the FMM from my ATK. Used the same programming they use for Ato. I also put one in my skimmer cup that shuts the skimmer off and sends a alert when it’s full. No power source needed. If you have their ato(pretty sure they call it atk?) then you just need a $20 optical sensor.

Ahh, I see. Essentially replicating their ATO with your own optical switch.

 

[Norcalreef]

Ahh, I see. Essentially replicating their ATO with your own optical switch.

Correct

 

[vetteguy53081]

Optical is way to go. In the past as the cost is reasonable, I did have a JBJ ATO kit in my ATO which has an alarm alert when water is low.