Float Valve

[blakeoe]

WHat are the guidelines for mounting a float valve for an auto top off into a sump? Is it o.k. to put it in the chamber with the return?

[ppurcell]

probably not. most designs would place the float valve in a location where the water will drop due to evaporation or water loss. plus the return chamber may be turbulent causing the float valve to cycle on and off frequently.

[crumbletop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7910267#post7910267 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ppurcell
probably not. most designs would place the float valve in a location where the water will drop due to evaporation or water loss. plus the return chamber may be turbulent causing the float valve to cycle on and off frequently.

??? I guess it depends on how your sump is designed. Every sump I've ever seen has the return section as the location where the water level is variable. Turbulance doesn't really matter that much, IME.

blakeoe, do you mean float valve or float switch? Regardless, it is fine for you to put your switch/valve in the return section if that is the section that the water level varies in. IMO, float valves stink for ATO. Too easy for them to leak / stay on.

[blakeoe]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/blakeoe/sump.jpg
Here's the link I dunno how to resize:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/blakeoe/sump.jpg

Here is how my sump is designed

[outy]

no its not ok to use a valve for ato

[blakeoe]

what is a float switch? Can i use a float valve for the other large container? Im planning on having one line go to the sump and one go to a 50 gallon container so ill always have water for water changes and stuff.