Float Valve in Sump Question

[Scotty8284]

I selected an Eshopps Alpha-fuge for my new build. It comes with a built-in float valve for an ATO. Here’s my question: Are float valves only for gravity fed systems, or can I hook an ATO pump to the valve? I was wondering if it could be used in conjunction with ATO systems that also have back up shut off capabilities. Or do I just skip the float valve altogether?

 

[airmotive]

No need for the float valve in addition to the ATO with a pump and level sensor. All the float valve would ever do is remain shut while the pump is trying to add water.

Yes, the float valve would be good for a gravity-driven top off system.

 

[Tastee]

It is another level of redundancy. I use the Neptune ATKs in my tanks and they have 3 levels of redundancy. Low level sensor for normal operation. High level sensor in case that fails. Float valve in case both fail. When ON > nnn.nn programming if all three fail or something unexpected happens (e.g. pump failure), also sends an alert.

In my SW mixing station I just have a pump and a high level sensor but the pump is connected to a float valve so that if the sensor fails the float valve will stop an overflow. And then the Apex will alert me due to the When ON > command.

So it depends how much redundancy you want.