Hydros: Using a float switch that is under water, alert when dry?

[BriDroid]

Is this recommended? I was thinking of using a float switch in my ATO reservoir and have it mounted under the water to alert me when the reservoir gets low. I figured it would be ok since it’s RODI clean water? Should I just use an optical switch instead? Will this negatively affect the float switch life/reliability?

 

[tbrown]

Is this recommended? I was thinking of using a float switch in my ATO reservoir and have it mounted under the water to alert me when the reservoir gets low. I figured it would be ok since it’s RODI clean water? Should I just use an optical switch instead? Will this negatively affect the float switch life/reliability?

That's what I do, but not with a float switch. I have my level sensor at the bottom of my ATO shut the ATO pump off when the sensor shows dry. I believe on several of Hydros configuration diagrams they use the sensors in dosing containers to notify when they need to be refilled.

I've had issues in the past with float switches getting "stuck" even out of the water.

I'd also be curious if the float switch is sealed like the sensors are, so they may not be fully submersible.

@Connor At CoralVue

 

[n2585722]

I use float switches in my DI reservoir but they a screwed into Threaded schedule 80 1/4 PVC pipe with a o-ring so water cannot get to the top of the float switch where the wires are at. The first photo shows the low level float switch mounted to the lid of the DI reservoir. The second is the lid with the full float switch and the backup float valve installed. The other fittings are for ATO and DI dispense.

 

[BriDroid]

I ended up ordering the optical switch just in case of any issues. It was only a few $ more. I just wanted simplicity if it were possible.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I have the float switch in my ATO container to let me know when it runs dry. No issues at all. I have it ever so slightly above to give me time. So when it tell me its dry. Its more like 15% water left in the container.

 

[tbrown]

I have the float switch in my ATO container to let me know when it runs dry. No issues at all. I have it ever so slightly above to give me time. So when it tell me its dry. Its more like 15% water left in the container.

Underwater?

 

[Dragen Fiend]

Underwater?

yup fully submerged.

 

[tbrown]

yup fully submerged.

That's awesome news! Did you do anything to waterproof it or was it already good?

 

[chapter7]

Is this recommended? I was thinking of using a float switch in my ATO reservoir and have it mounted under the water to alert me when the reservoir gets low. I figured it would be ok since it’s RODI clean water? Should I just use an optical switch instead? Will this negatively affect the float switch life/reliability?

Thinking of doing the same thing!

 

[Dragen Fiend]

That's awesome news! Did you do anything to waterproof it or was it already good?

Nope nothing, just straight in. Been 4 months solid and no issues.

 

[BriDroid]

Nope nothing, just straight in. Been 4 months solid and no issues.

I figured it would be, especially since it was going to be in RODI water. Glad to hear that it is working out!

 

[n2585722]

I figured it would be, especially since it was going to be in RODI water. Glad to hear that it is working out!

The main cause of failure any water level sensor is where the wires enter the device. Water in some cases can get into the inside at that point. If worried you can alway apply a dab of silicone aquarium sealant at that point. Just make sure it will not interfere with installation or removal of the device if it does need to be replaced. I added it to my optical sensor that goes in the sump since it does get completely submerged if the return pump is turned off.

 

[BriDroid]

The main cause of failure any water level sensor is where the wires enter the device. Water in some cases can get into the inside at that point. If worried you can alway apply a dab of silicone aquarium sealant at that point. Just make sure it will not interfere with installation or removal of the device if it does need to be replaced. I added it to my optical sensor that goes in the sump since it does get completely submerged if the return pump is turned off.

I’ve got one of each coming. I need the float switch for the FOH CO2 scrubber I ordered and I’ll use the optical one in my ATO.

 

[tbrown]

I've got the optical sensor in my ATO. I've been considering the Skimmer Sensor so all wires would be external but I'm not sure how that would work with RO water vs brown skimmate.