Adjustable float valve reef safe?

[skr791346]

Anyone using these on their reef system? Wondering if that stainless steel part is reef-safe

 

[Flippers4pups]

Anyone using these on their reef system? Wondering if that stainless steel part is reef-safe

Though the metal parts are made of stainless steel, one needs to inspect them from time to time for corrosion.

If you don't mind me asking, what are you planning to use them for?

 

[skr791346]

I'm using them on my reef as a main top off float valve. I'll switch it out to a standard float valve

 

[Flippers4pups]

Got it.

 

[skr791346]

Checking BRS for their standard float valve, it also seems to have the same stainless steel part that will eventually rust...

 

[Flippers4pups]

You may need to switch over, no pun intended, to a electric float switch for ATO down the road.

 

[skr791346]

Any particular brand you would recommend?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I've used these for a couple decades with no problems.

http://autotopoff.com/

I currently use the double on my system. You do need a ATO reservoir and a small pump for it to work.

BRS has some, but I would be leary of optical sensors. Just me, but I don't know if I would trust them.

 

[Rivet]

Anyone using these on their reef system? Wondering if that stainless steel part is reef-safe

Can you just adjust the float down so that it doesn't come in contact with the water

 

[skr791346]

I drilled the hole for float valve in the return chamber too low, oversight on my part. Any lower and pump will run dry

 

[sailorman]

Anyone using these on their reef system? Wondering if that stainless steel part is reef-safe

Swap the screw and nut out for titanium which has greater corrosion resistance than stainless. https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-rounded-head-screws

 

[Tastee]

There are lots of adjustable float valves to be found on eBay. Most of them have metal screws but some are fully Acrylic. I would personally only use one without any metal, not just for the rusting but due to the metal entering the water column, esp. if Nickel or Zinc is used.

The float valve in my Red Sea Reefer is one of the acrylic screw models, as is the one I use in my DIY ATO for my QT.

 

[Osaurus]

You should be able to loosen that wing nut and adjust the angle at which the float comes into contact with the water. If not, just go to a big-box hardware store and pick you up a comparable nylon bolt and wing nut. Good luck.

 

[clm65]

Swap the screw and nut out for titanium which has greater corrosion resistance than stainless. https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-rounded-head-screws

McMaster Carr also has plastic bolts and nuts if you want to go sans metal. But I'm not really sure that SS is a problem. Mag Drive pumps use SS bolts to mount the impeller housing to the body. And I imagine many pumps use SS impeller shafts.

 

[skr791346]

Just looked closer and there definitely seems to be some rust on the nut. Guess that could explain why some of my softies have stayed closed lately.

I'm not sure what sizes wing / nut I would need to order from McMaster. I'll take a spare unit to a hardware store and try to find fitting titanium or plastic wing and bolt for it.

Tried looking around on eBay but having a hard time finding one with 1/2" mounting hole & for 1/4" OD tubing (equivalent to BRS float I have)