Float switches and reservoirs mounting.

linus.chan · Dec 1, 2017

I feel pretty dumb , because it seems like everyone appears to automatically know how to mount a float switch, but it seems pretty unclear to me.

So I am trying to set up a DOS automatically water changing system.

I have the DOS, I have the I/O breakout box, and I have 2 reservoirs, each 5 gallons for the NSW and the old water.

What I don’t get is how to mount the float switches in the,. one reservoir will be a trigger ATO 5 gallon, the other is just a 5 gallon slim jug. I see BRS sells bracketing systems for $ 40 which confuses me even more as I am not sure the brackets would fit inside either containers.

What am I supposed to do to mount the float switches?

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

http://octoaquatics.com/octo-strong-float-switch-holder/

linus.chan · Dec 1, 2017

okay- so it costs $50 to mount 2 float switches? at least it isn’t the $80 for the bracket systems

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

Subtract $5 for combined shipping.

linus.chan said:
okay- so it costs $50 to mount 2 float switches? at least it isn’t the $80 for the bracket systems

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 1, 2017

I mounted mine with bulkheads from the side of Brute cans.

I used and like these:

Omega LV-1201

https://www.omega.com/pptst/LV1100_1200.html

linus.chan · Dec 1, 2017

So are the $10-15 float switches considerd too unreliable? and please forgive me, but i still don't follow.

How does creating a bulkhead allow you to mount the float switch? Doesn't it have be kept horizontal in your case? What do you attach the switch to?

I feel as if there is absolutely no explanation of this step which seems to be obvious to everyone but me.

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

Those are horizontal float switches. Not practical in all applications.

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

There are magnets that you can use that are real cheap on ebay. The float switches are like a dollar and the magnet holders are like 8 to 10 bucks. Check those out if you are looking for a nice affordable option.
I personally use these and love them. I got my set for like 29.99 when I got them. Not sure why they are so high now.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reefkeeper-float-switch-bracket-kit-digital-aquatics.html

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

op wants to use them in 5 gallon reservoirs. these cheap hang-on brackets won't work. my magnets holders are designed to be placed anywhere.

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

LOL. I guess you may want to read what someone types before you reply. Hey I get it. I see that you sell stuff and you want everyone to think your stuff is the greatest and you are the only one that has the right solution. To each there own. Good luck. I recommended some magnets from ebay. The ones I saw when I was looking were Diatomaceous Earth magnets. Real strong. Let me see if I have an old link. Hang tight.

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

i think you mean 'rare earth' as diatomaceous earth is something completely different. rare earth (or more appropriately, neodymium) magnets are not reef safe.

mtraylor said:
LOL. I guess you may want to read what someone types before you reply. Hey I get it. I see that you sell stuff and you want everyone to think your stuff is the greatest and you are the only one that has the right solution. To each there own. Good luck. I recommended some magnets from ebay. The ones I saw when I was looking were Diatomaceous Earth magnets. Real strong. Let me see if I have an old link. Hang tight.

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/magnets-and-your-tank.233/

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

cromag27 said:
i think you mean 'rare earth' as diatomaceous earth is something completely different. rare earth (or more appropriately, neodymium) magnets are not reef safe.

Actually not. I personally use rare earth magnets in my aquarium setup in multiple ways. Mostly outside the aquarium, but I also use them on the inside of the aquarium with a homemade frag rack that I use every now and then. They are super strong. I personally do not know of any that are stronger. The ones I use have an epoxy surrounding on them so they are perfectly reef safe. My reef looks great and I have no issues with them. See pic below of magnets.

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

Now as far as the ebay ad I saw. Im pretty sure it said they were "diatomaceous earth" magnets, but since I cant find the link now, I guess I was surf dreaming.

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

actually, yes. the magnets themselves are NOT reef safe. once you encapsulate them in something, you can make them reef safe. in your case you chose epoxy which is not the best option, but it can work. read my article that i posted a link to if you want to know more about magnets.

mtraylor said:
Actually not. I personally use rare earth magnets in my aquarium setup in multiple ways. Mostly outside the aquarium, but I also use them on the inside of the aquarium with a homemade frag rack that I use every now and then. They are super strong. I personally do not know of any that are stronger. The ones I use have an epoxy surrounding on them so they are perfectly reef safe. My reef looks great and I have no issues with them. See pic below of magnets.

cromag27 · Dec 1, 2017

diatomaceous earth is fossilized diatoms. commonly used for pest control.

mtraylor said:
Now as far as the ebay ad I saw. Im pretty sure it said they were "diatomaceous earth" magnets, but since I cant find the link now, I guess I was surf dreaming.

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

cromag27 said:
actually, yes. the magnets themselves are NOT reef safe. once you encapsulate them in something, you can make them reef safe. in your case you chose epoxy which is not the best option, but it can work. read my article that i posted a link to if you want to know more about magnets.

I agree that epoxy resin is not the best option, but once you encase these in silicone they are bullet proof and less likely to crack anything if you get them too close around another magnet when you don't want them to be.

mtraylor · Dec 1, 2017

cromag27 said:
diatomaceous earth is fossilized diatoms. commonly used for pest control.

I don't make the posts. Just telling you what I saw. They were similar to the following:
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/69298340/diatomaceous-earth-sem-_magnets?productId=795040373

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 2, 2017

linus.chan said:
So are the $10-15 float switches considerd too unreliable? and please forgive me, but i still don't follow.

How does creating a bulkhead allow you to mount the float switch? Doesn't it have be kept horizontal in your case? What do you attach the switch to?

I feel as if there is absolutely no explanation of this step which seems to be obvious to everyone but me.

It is a horizontal float switch mounted through a bulkhead in the side of the container. You put the bulkhead at the level you want the water.

These are super quality switches. I used them for 20 years with no issues.

You can also run full 110 V through them so they can directly control pumps without any other devices connected.