Installing low level float switch in trigger ato container

[Bthomas]

I plan on getting one of the trigger ato containers and need to be able to install a low level float switch that I can hook to my Apex. I don't love the idea of trying to drill a hole on the side of the container to install a horizontal switch. How else can this be done? I know the wires on the switches cannot be in the water

 

[Crabs McJones]

What about instead of a float switch, use an optical sensor that uses a magnet, no holes need to be drilled
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/os-1m-optical-level-sensor-with-mount-neptune-systems.html

 

[Bthomas]

What about instead of a float switch, use an optical sensor that uses a magnet, no holes need to be drilled
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/os-1m-optical-level-sensor-with-mount-neptune-systems.html

Can this be hooked to a break out box instead of using the fmm module?
And is it OK for that wire to be submerged if I'm putting it at the bottom of my ato container?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Can this be hooked to a break out box instead of using the fmm module?
And is it OK for that wire to be submerged if I'm putting it at the bottom of my ato container?

The wires on that one can be submerged, but not able to be connected to the break out box Aside from drilling and installing a horizontal switch i'm unsure of another way.
Maybe a #reefsquad member might have an idea

 

[Bthomas]

The wires on that one can be submerged, but not able to be connected to the break out box Aside from drilling and installing a horizontal switch i'm unsure of another way.
Maybe a #reefsquad member might have an idea

Thanks.
Any experience with drilling holes in acrylic boxes? They're quite pricey I don't wanna risk cracking it

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thanks.
Any experience with drilling holes in acrylic boxes? They're quite pricey I don't wanna risk cracking it

I have the Trigger clear 5 gallon ato, and I had to drill it to accomidate my ATO, no issues. Drills pretty easy. Spin the drill fast and don't put any pressure on it. Lets see what any squad members suggest though before resorting to drilling

 

[TheEngineer]

The AVAST ATO sensor is what I use and I love it. It is just a 1/4" tube that comes out the top of the ATO.

 

[Bthomas]

The AVAST ATO sensor is what I use and I love it. It is just a 1/4" tube that comes out the top of the ATO.

I'll have to look into this. Can it be hooked to my Apex? I've become pretty reliant on my Apex telling me when I need to fill my ato lol

 

[Brew12]

I'll have to look into this. Can it be hooked to my Apex? I've become pretty reliant on my Apex telling me when I need to fill my ato lol

The Avast switch comes in a variety of options. You can get it with the Apex compatible connector or bare wires to use a break out box. BTW.. I'm a big fan of their products and they have great customer service.
https://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/ato-kit

What type of switch is it you have now?

 

[Bthomas]

The Avast switch comes in a variety of options. You can get it with the Apex compatible connector or bare wires to use a break out box. BTW.. I'm a big fan of their products and they have great customer service.
https://www.avastmarine.com/collections/avast-built/products/ato-kit

What type of switch is it you have now?

Currently I have a plastic tote that I drilled a hole in for a horizontal switch. But I'm replacing that tote with the trigger container and was worried about drilling it

 

[Brew12]

Currently I have a plastic tote that I drilled a hole in for a horizontal switch. But I'm replacing that tote with the trigger container and was worried about drilling it

If you can find a way to mount the switch you can likely make it work by putting heat shrink over the wires. Personally, I would never use a Trigger container.

 

[Huff747]

@cromag27 sells magnetic float switch holders that I use on that same ATO and I wire the switch up to my Apex break out box.

 

[MSB123]

Drilling is easy. As @Crabs Mcjones said, little to no pressure, high rpm.

 

[P-Dub]

Drilling is actually very easy so long as you follow the directions already given above. On a side note, provided you go with drilling and installing a horizontal float switch, be very aware at what point your horizontal float switch kicks open as they are "normally closed". It would be terrible if you drilled and installed the switch too low for it to actuate because it is resting on the bottom of the ATO reservoir still in the closed position.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You are able to install a conventional horizontal float switch without drilling the container.....use CPVC or PVC pipe. Install the float switch in an end cap. Glue that, using a short nipple, to a tee. Another short nipple and end cap that will rest on the floor of the container. And a length of pipe to extend up and outside the container. The one thing you'll need to do is somehow fasten this Rube Goldberg so that it doesn't fall or twist. 1/2 inch CPVC or PVC should work just fine.

Here's what I'm talking about:

 

[jsker]

Thanks.
Any experience with drilling holes in acrylic boxes? They're quite pricey I don't wanna risk cracking it

5/8 hole saw, works like a charm

 

[rkpetersen]

Can this be hooked to a break out box instead of using the fmm module?
And is it OK for that wire to be submerged if I'm putting it at the bottom of my ato container?

An optical sensor will not work with a breakout box, you need an FMM for it (they actually have 4 wires, not 2 like a float switch).

It is ok for an optical sensor to be submerged, although in my opinion (not confirmed or denied by Neptune), the OS that Neptune sells and identical ones off ebay are designed to be installed through a bulkhead, typically horizontally, with only the face exposed. OSs that are used submerged will work fine but have a tendency to fail prematurely, and it's generally due to a leak where the cord enters the OS body. However it's still quite rare that they fail overall. Also the fluid they're submerged in could make a difference.

 

[jsker]

Purchased my switches on Amazon link

 

[jsker]

Here is my set up

 

[Bthomas]

The AVAST ATO sensor is what I use and I love it. It is just a 1/4" tube that comes out the top of the ATO.

I've shopped around on the avast website and I'm not seeing any sensors sold separately. All I see in an ato kit for 100 bucks.
Do you have a link to the one u use?