On off mechanical float switch

[reefnoob83]

Looking to start dosing kalk to pin ph at 8.3

Going to use neptune apex for control of dosing pump and ph probe. Looking for a float switch to turn off power to the dosing pump if water level in sump gets to high.

Needs to be a very trustworthy switch. Ill be feeding the kalk reactor with a 10gallon ato.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I would strongly recommend NOT using pH to dose kalk. This could cause your alk (and calc) to be all over the map, with high likelihood of spiking alk too high.

That said, you could use any of the many commercial ATO setups to control your dosing pump. If you are a bit handy, you could easily put together your own setup with dual float switches for protection. I've done a number of post of building float switch devices.....HERE's AN EXAMPLE.

 

[reefnoob83]

Just met an oldschool reefer with a killer sps dominate tank. All he doses is kalk+2 ... they did it in the beginning and it worked. To many companies selling to many products for reefing to be marketed as that easy.. im giving it a try.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I agree with redfish

The PH bump is a positive but don't dose to keep PH at a certain level.

If PH is what your are after exhaust other methods if you can.
Fresh outside air to skimmer, airline in the sump to help release C02, refugium on opposite schedule as DT etc.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Just met an oldschool reefer with a killer sps dominate tank. All he doses is kalk+2 ... they did it in the beginning and it worked. To many companies selling to many products for reefing to be marketed as that easy.. im giving it a try.

not saying to not give it a try but you can easily OD Calc and ALK if only looking at PH.

You also generally need a LOT of Kalk to keep PH steady. I was trying for a while and had to put 2 large fans on the tank to make it evaporate more just so i could pump more kalk into it.

if you do the PH route, start with keeping stead at 8.0( if lower then that) and monitor everything else. if you have enough corals to consume alk and cal then up it a bit more.

 

[KStatefan]

Just met an oldschool reefer with a killer sps dominate tank. All he doses is kalk+2 ... they did it in the beginning and it worked. To many companies selling to many products for reefing to be marketed as that easy.. im giving it a try.

Lots of people dose Kalk and is recommended by many but dose kalk based on ph is different in my opinion and is not a good option for most.

 

[reefnoob83]

Looking for float switch please.

 

[reefnoob83]

From the convo we had last night im looking to replicate what he learned from an oldschool reefer. Dosing kalk from a reactor and set the dosing to pin the ph at 8.3. There will be fluctuations in alk and calcium in the beginning but after the tank will stable on new higher alk 11-12kh which is black bucket salt anyhow.

 

[PPBlimpy]

how full is your tank? what corals? what size?

by your name i would assume you are running softies and LPS. SPS and heavily stock SPS are a a different ball game

 

[reefnoob83]

how full is your tank? what corals? what size?

by your name i would assume you are running softies and LPS. SPS and heavily stock SPS are a a different ball game

Oh look a response without any help about a float switch.

 

[KStatefan]

Good Luck

 

[BeanAnimal]

Looking for float switch please.

The possible issue with a "float switch" without context is that it is going to bounce (oscillate) at the trigger point.

I would also recommend that it be used at logic level and not to directly control a pump. So some type of latching or timer circuit or software control that debounces. The float switch itself should be diode (flyback protected) if connected to a relay coil.

Most suitable float switches are simple reed switches with a foam float and can be found from multiple vendors or amazon. Some have metal C-Clips that need to be removed. A zip tie can be used if you can't find plastic c-clips or it does not come with them.

More details would help. As for the other comments, people are trying to offer help based on their "oldschool" knowledge and experience as well.

 

[reefnoob83]

Looking for float switch please.

The possible issue with a "float switch" without context is that it is going to bounce (oscillate) at the trigger point.

I would also recommend that it be used at logic level and not to directly control a pump. So some type of latching or timer circuit or software control that debounces. The float switch itself should be diode (flyback protected) if connected to a relay coil.

Most suitable float switches are simple reed switches with a foam float and can be found from multiple vendors or amazon. Some have metal C-Clips that need to be removed. A zip tie can be used if you can't find plastic c-clips or it does not come with them.

More details would help. As for the other comments, people are trying to offer help based on their "oldschool" knowledge and experience as well.

Thank you. I was going to set the float about a gallon above what my sump level would be at for a fail safe. I see now how just a float switch would bounce on and off. So what i think im looking for is a switch once triggered would need manually reset. I really wish the neptune water sensors were more accurate in the long term. Seems like there were a ton of bad reviews.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Thank you. I was going to set the float about a gallon above what my sump level would be at for a fail safe. I see now how just a float switch would bounce on and off. So what i think im looking for is a switch once triggered would need manually reset. I really wish the neptune water sensors were more accurate in the long term. Seems like there were a ton of bad reviews.

If you want to DIY, then you can either build a latching relay circuit or purchase a latching relay.

In this case, the second float would be e momentary reset switch.

animated link

https://beananimal.com/wp-content/uploads/latchcircuit.gif