Minimalist DIY leak detectors and level switches

[Velodog2]

On my Apex I used the breakout box and aftermarket water sensors to save a lot of money over Neptune's leak detector options. Looking at the (extremely) simple design of the water detector I made some of my own by simply taping down the cut end of a wire pair and connecting the other end to the bob. With fine wires this works perfectly for the base of the tank where I can tuck the wires into the little joint between the tank and stand where water will run if there is a leak or overflow. It's tested perfectly. Even a tiny amount of water completes the circuit between the cut wire ends.

The same concept can be (obviously) used as a water level detector/switch although (and I haven't actually done this) you may want to use something more robust and corrosion resistant such as two stainless rods separated by a half inch or so. I would imagine these would be more reliable and robust than float switches and in fact are used by Innovative Marine in their new ATO in place of float switches.

 

[amond003]

That's a great idea. I will be doing this

 

[VicD81]

Thanks! Once I FINALLY set up system ill give this a try also.

 

[ReefKeeperMark]

Sounds like a great idea, innovative use Inert Graphite Electrodes. What sort of voltage would you run through the stainless electrodes?

 

[Mike in CT]

Of course this is not good if your not home, but Amazon sells 3 moisture detectors that sound off like smoke detectors for like 30 bucks. I keep one below the tank and next to my RODI station.

 

[Velodog2]

Sounds like a great idea, innovative use Inert Graphite Electrodes. What sort of voltage would you run through the stainless electrodes?

I use the break-out box with my Apex system. It simply tests a circuit for being open or closed and then the Apex alarms accordingly depending on how you program it. It may apply a small voltage I suppose in order to do that but I don't know. Graphite might work I suppose.