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jlaudiofreak
09/10/2008, 03:09 PM
hey guy , I was wondering if anyone can help me with a float switch. I am wanting to put a float switch inside my skimmer collection cut, so when the cup is full it will shut off my feed pump and my dart rec pump. any help would be great.
Donw
09/10/2008, 03:11 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13327984#post13327984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jlaudiofreak
hey guy , I was wondering if anyone can help me with a float switch. I am wanting to put a float switch inside my skimmer collection cut, so when the cup is full it will shut off my feed pump and my dart rec pump. any help would be great.

Float switches dont work well in skimmers an optical will do a much better job.

Don
jlaudiofreak
09/10/2008, 03:20 PM
what is an optical
Donw
09/10/2008, 03:23 PM
Solid state LL sensor. You can get one from dwyer and there should be a pic of one in my gallery.

Don
jlaudiofreak
09/10/2008, 03:27 PM
So how does it work and how would you hook it up . Here is what I was looking at .
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1022
Donw
09/10/2008, 03:31 PM
That will not work in a skimmer nor would I use it as an ato with just a single switch. :)
An optical connects to a relay just like a float switch but needs to be powered by the same low voltage sourse as the relay. If you know how to connect a 12vdc relay then its easy.
Donw
09/10/2008, 03:34 PM
The little clear nippel right at the water level below the float is the optical.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/58414dads_003.jpg
Indymann99
09/10/2008, 03:56 PM
you might just want to add a drain to your collection cup and drain to a 1gal jug. Sound easier and better than having pumps shut off.

my 0.02
jlaudiofreak
09/10/2008, 04:15 PM
The skimmer drains into a 15 gallon waste collector. My problem is I travel alot with my job sometimes I am gone for 3 - 4 weeks at a time. I have had it over flow on me one time befor and I dont want it to happen again
coralfragger101
09/10/2008, 06:03 PM
Someone has to be checking on things. A tank just can't go 3-4 weeks at a time unattended. Have that person empty the waste collector every once in awhile.
jlaudiofreak
09/10/2008, 06:17 PM
coral
I check my tank daily via AC3Pro, and webcam from my laptop, I have a fish feeder that holds enough food to last a month.SO I realy dont need to have anyone looking in on my tank.