How to set up overflow switch?

fishboys · Apr 20, 2017

I am wanting to instal a switch of some kind so my return pump doesn't keep pumping if my overflow quits draining for any reason. Recommended brands and models would also help.

I have had it happen twice and by pure dumb luck I was in the room both times it has happened. One time it overflowed because the U shaped tube developed a crack in it and it just randomly quit siphoning. On another occasion i believe it was clogged because of a large snail.

I have an apex so with the correct switch i should be able to have the return pump shut off if the switch is triggered?

Any help would be great, If anyone has pictures of how and or what you use it would be great for me if you can post them. I have a hard time picturing things in my head. Hands on is better but I doubt anyone wants to send one to me so I can take a look.

Thanks in advance for any help.

mtraylor · Apr 20, 2017

You could put a float switch at the very top of your overflow out of the water and run it to an I/O box for your apex. If it goes on, just tell it to turn off your return pump. that is what I would do. That's kind of weird that your overflow has had issues like that. You may want to rethink the Engineering of that as well.

fishboys · Apr 20, 2017

Thank you for the suggestion. Its an eshopps overflow box. pretty standard.

Ty Hamatake · Apr 21, 2017

This is how I did mine. The bracket is an ATO tube holder http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart-ato-universal-tube-holder.html
then just a standard float switch.

smh254 · Apr 21, 2017

Depending on how your sump is set up. I put a float switch in the return section lower than the water level. If the siphon brakes the return pump will run until water drops below the float switch and turn off.