Float switch to turn off/on RO booster pump?

[markfleener]

I'm wondering if i can use some sort of float switch to turn off/on an RO booster pump, however, the pump would not be hooked up to the home's water supply with water pressure behind it, but instead, get its water from a 20 gallon reservoir that's filled once a month or so, so when the pump turns on, it just trickles in to top off the aquarium without much pressure. The pump is an Aquatec 6800 and the power supply says INPUT 120VAC 290mA, OUTPUT 24VAC 0.8A., wondering if any of that in particular has to be matched with whatever float switch gets wired in between the pump and power supply? These pumps typically run with a pressure switch, so I'm thinking it might be possible to simply replace the pressure switch with the float switch, or so the concept goes. Please don't tell me i need a selenoid valve, or whatever, and a pump with water pressure behind this to get this going how i want. I just need a certain float switch, right?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I think you're asking for advise on building a DIY ATO (Auto Top Off) unit using an Aquatec 6800. I think there are better (less expensive) choices for a pump, but either way, you'll want to use a relay switch to run the pump. That said, you could eliminate the relay and cut one of the 24 VDC wires and wire the float switch in directly. What you don't want to do is run 120 VAC through the float switch.

I did a post some time ago on a DIY ATO setup HERE. If you use some other 120VAC pump, you'll want to use a relay.

 

[markfleener]

I think you're asking for advise on building a DIY ATO (Auto Top Off) unit using an Aquatec 6800. I think there are better (less expensive) choices for a pump, but either way, you'll want to use a relay switch to run the pump. That said, you could eliminate the relay and cut one of the 24 VDC wires and wire the float switch in directly. What you don't want to do is run 120 VAC through the float switch.

I did a post some time ago on a DIY ATO setup HERE. If you use some other 120VAC pump, you'll want to use a relay.

Thanks! I just happened to already own the Aquatec 6800, thus my thinking of using it, but I am willing to consider a different pump, if it simplifies things, and is able to get water up over 9 feet to a loft?

 

[14 foot reef]

Call Russ at Buckeye Hydro. I've been using his very affordable Booster pump, float switches and valves on my RO for 10 + years, never has failed, never have replaced 1 single item.
Best investment I ever made in my RODI system.

Hi - Lo Tank Level Controller

At Buckeye Hydro we specialize in providing the highest quality water filtration systems and accessories for every potential need.

www.buckeyehydro.com

 

[RocketEngineer]

Um, 0.8 amps is a lot of current for most float switches. May want to consider the relay after all.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Have you tried running that pump off your Reservoir, and open on the outlet side? My Booster is very noisy if there is little to no pressure, but plenty of water.

 

[GuppyHJD]

I'm wondering if i can use some sort of float switch to turn off/on an RO booster pump, however, the pump would not be hooked up to the home's water supply with water pressure behind it, but instead, get its water from a 20 gallon reservoir that's filled once a month or so, so when the pump turns on, it just trickles in to top off the aquarium without much pressure. The pump is an Aquatec 6800 and the power supply says INPUT 120VAC 290mA, OUTPUT 24VAC 0.8A., wondering if any of that in particular has to be matched with whatever float switch gets wired in between the pump and power supply? These pumps typically run with a pressure switch, so I'm thinking it might be possible to simply replace the pressure switch with the float switch, or so the concept goes. Please don't tell me i need a selenoid valve, or whatever, and a pump with water pressure behind this to get this going how i want. I just need a certain float switch, right?

Is your sump in the loft with the aquarium? If so, put a float switch ( 1/4" plumbing, not electric) in the sump, and then put the pump on a timer - mine runs ever day for 10 minutes, but the float switch stops the flow as needed