Alternate Use for ATO

[da_mob]

I'm in the process of researching in preparation for setting my 75g back up again. Since it's not drilled, I plan on using a HOB overflow. My question concerns the float switches commonly used in autotop off kits. What would be the downside of mounting a float switch in the DT, just in case of overflow failure to shut off the return pump before the DT overflows?

I understand it would need to be kept clean of snails and such, and I would plan on testing it at least once a month (every other water change).

I would run it through a relay, so the constant draw of the pump wouldn't be on the float switch itself.

Just curious if anyone has tried this and any input or comments on the idea. Thanks.

[jason2459]

Using an autotopoff.com enclosed dual float switch and bracket I them hooked up to a reefkeeper in serial which controlled the return pump. I set this up because I was using a hang on back overflow which could fail at any time and with out precautions could flood the tank and empty the sump.

[da_mob]

What was the advantage of the dual float switch? I was planning on just a single, only to determine high level in DT. My understanding is that if the water level is below the switch setpoint, then basically water needs to be added (return pump would be on). Am I missing something in your application?

[jason2459]

What was the advantage of the dual float switch? I was planning on just a single, only to determine high level in DT. My understanding is that if the water level is below the switch setpoint, then basically water needs to be added (return pump would be on). Am I missing something in your application?

redundancy. Single would work. Even though it's out of the water it could still get saltcreap making the float sticky.

[jimmy frag]

can i ask why not just drill the tank for an overflow

[jason2459]

weird ... delayed double post

[da_mob]

I've thought really hard about drilling it, just really nervous about cracking or busting the glass. That is really my only hesitation. I've checked with the only LFS I could find in the area (just moved here a month ago), and they grinned and said they would give it a shot, they had been wanting to try and drill one (not really a confidence builder). With my luck, my glass working skills would match my wood working skills. For some reason, I can make anything out of metal, but when it comes to wood, I do good to cut a straight line...

[Grayhead]

Try a glass shop. They offered to drill mine.

[ryeguyy84]

I used a DT float switch as an emergency shut down the main pump and ATO switch.

if I ever had a HOB overflow failure my thoughts were the pump would raise the DT and trigger the ATO so not only would I drain the sump into the DT I would then pump freshwater in. so kill everything.

[Reverend Reefer]

if your tank isn't filled, i would seriously seriously consider drilling it. less of a headache and sleepless nights thinking of failed overflows, failed float switches etc. i have an autotopoff.com float switch, one of those Madison ones, which i believe are some of the best float switches around, and yet i have had it fail once. emptied the top off water container into my sump. equipment fails. its a reality. i have a siphon overflow box from lifereef, also one of the best ones, and it also stopped once on me. so no guarantees. a drilled tank is just a simpler and more elegant option. not having a drilled display is the biggest regret i have in this hobby.