Flood alarm

TriMax · Nov 27, 2015

I need a flood alarm for my fish room. I am going to make several, DIY. Any other VRJ Members need one or more?

nitrox36 · Nov 27, 2015

NOPE, got an apex works great. thanks good luck edwardo

Engloid · Nov 27, 2015

You may be able to buy them easier and cheaper. I have one of these. I even rigged a rigid wire so it holds it down into the sump a little bit. If water level in the sump rises to that point, it will go off. It reminds me to shut off the RO water when I'm topping off. I dont use any sort of tank for topoff water...just plumb from the house supply with a solenoid, and water runs straight into the tank. You can get these at harbor freight also. It has two little metal pieces on bottom and it will go off even if you set it on concrete that is too damp. On carpet, it will go off also.

I think the same company makes the shutoff switches that are commonly used in the condensate pan of HVAC units. You could even tie one inline to shut off pumps or other things if a sump level gets too high. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Basement-Watchdog-Battery-Operated-Water-Alarm-BWD-HWA/100038838

Engloid · Nov 27, 2015

For pans or sumps that you want to be able to shut off something, this just interrupts the hot wire to that item. AquaGuard is the line of products, and there are a few similar products that can be used for other purposes. For example, something like this could be used as an emergency shutoff for a top off pump. http://www.rectorseal.com/index.php/ag-1200/

Only thing I would verify on this unit is whether it can handle a 120v circuit. If it can't, you may be able to just use it to interrupt the ground and shut off the pump or other item. Scott (Runner) could probably tell us whether that would be ok to do and not overload the switch.

TriMax · Nov 28, 2015

I saw that model Spenser. I was thinking of using a $5 smoke detector since the basement watchdog costs $12

Engloid · Nov 28, 2015

TriMax said:
I saw that model Spenser. I was thinking of using a $5 smoke detector since the basement watchdog costs $12

You're going to modify a smoke detector to detect a flood? If that's the case, it sounds interesting.

TriMax · Nov 30, 2015

Buddy suggested it to me several months ago to be used as a club meeting topic.

TriMax · Nov 30, 2015

I never followed through with Buddy's idea. Wish I had though. Probably most everyone has some automatic control. Not me though. I will be making three when I get the smoke detectors. Cost will be about $9 when you add in shipping.

I like the idea of the flood detector shutting of a pump. The whole is powered by a 9-volt battery, however.

Eddie

nitrox36 · Dec 1, 2015

Wow, eddie that was like a year ago! Good luck man. Keep us posted with some pics. Buddy is full of good information, I have deemed him reefing yoda, one with the corals he is.

TriMax · Dec 2, 2015

WOW, Shawn, Thanks for reminding me how much of a procrastinator I am.

The smoke detectors arrived today. Pics to follow.

Eddie

Engloid · Dec 3, 2015

Should we check back next year for the pics?

TriMax · Dec 3, 2015

Next year is < 30 days from now. That may be toooooooo............ soon. Although I need the items on duty now. We will see.

Eddie

nitrox36 · Dec 3, 2015

Ok time is set edwardo! Ready.set.GO!!!
Hey keep a log going of progress. Good.bad. improvements, it would serve of a do/don't for people thay are interested and can weigh it out. Great idea bro. Well done. Kudos to buddy also, gonna be a good meeting topic!

nitrox36 · Dec 4, 2015

Is it in,is it in, is it in!!!!

nitrox36 · Dec 7, 2015

2016 is approaching!!!

TriMax · Dec 9, 2015

Another flood last night. Ro/Di tube fell from its proper place. Lots of water on the floor. Tension rises at the Neal household.

Need to get the alarm going.

Eddie