JBJ ATO Question

redfishbluefish · Feb 17, 2016

I'm building a new tank setup and was given a JBJ ATO to use with this tank. I really like redundancy and would prefer to have a second "emergency" float switch if and when the first one fails. The way I read the manual, this option isn't available. Am I missing something?

If comes with two float switches, but the "B" option, where both float switches are in the tank, one is for a minimum level, while the other is for a maximum level.

Help!

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 17, 2016

theres a great diy guy on the board I ask all my questions. red fish something something

ritter6788 · Feb 17, 2016

I've been using them for years but never used more than 1 float switch. It's designed to run a min and max level in the sump or protect the pump in the top off container. I don't think it's designed to be a backup float. There is a timer inside you can adjust so it won't run forever and overflow. I always use them with aqualifter pumps and set it for max time.

Jlobes · Feb 17, 2016

use mode A, for two sensors. it is intended to have one sensor in the ATO res to detect low level, but if you mount sensor two upside down, higher than sensor 1 and in the same compartment...it now acts as a high water shut off. HTH and is clear enough, if ya need more details/explanation, give a holla/pm

redfishbluefish · Feb 17, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
theres a great diy guy on the board I ask all my questions. red fish something something

That's my problem @saltyfilmfolks....I could slap together a relay, two float switches, a wall wart, and a project box for 12-15 bucks......done!!!! But when you're give this JBJ......

I'm about ready to toss this JBJ and do it the right way!

Thanks @ritter6788 , but I just don't trust a single float switch. It will fail. And I don't like getting my feet wet!

redfishbluefish · Feb 17, 2016

Jlobes said:
use mode A, for two sensors. it is intended to have one sensor in the ATO res to detect low level, but if you mount sensor two upside down, higher than sensor 1 and in the same compartment...it now acts as a high water shut off. HTH and is clear enough, if ya need more details/explanation, give a holla/pm

Thanks @Jlobes . I was typing the above response when you posted.

I think I 've got what you're saying. I might be able to simply flip the float around to change for Normally Open to Normally Closed (or visa versa) without having to mount the float upside down. Thanks again. I'll have to play with it and see what I find.

chefjpaul · Feb 18, 2016

Flip the high one.
You can adjust the timer from 7-14 minutes.

Jlobes · Feb 18, 2016

redfishbluefish said:
Thanks @Jlobes . I was typing the above response when you posted.

I think I 've got what you're saying. I might be able to simply flip the float around to change for Normally Open to Normally Closed (or visa versa) without having to mount the float upside down. Thanks again. I'll have to play with it and see what I find.

for sure. its actually pretty easy, you can just flip the float over as well. heres a link, go to one minute in...

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 18, 2016

redfishbluefish said:
That's my problem @saltyfilmfolks....I could slap together a relay, two float switches, a wall wart, and a project box for 12-15 bucks......done!!!! But when you're give this JBJ......

I'm about ready to toss this JBJ and do it the right way!

Thanks @ritter6788 , but I just don't trust a single float switch. It will fail. And I don't like getting my feet wet!

chefjpaul · Feb 18, 2016

I trust the timer more than the second float. When I used the JBJ, I just timed the ato to shut off at a certain point and dialed it in.

redfishbluefish · Feb 18, 2016

Jlobes said:
for sure. its actually pretty easy, you can just flip the float over as well. heres a link, go to one minute in...

That's the ticket! Thank you very much. Solved!

Jlobes · Feb 18, 2016

you get that all worked out? glad i could be of assistance.

redfishbluefish said:
That's the ticket! Thank you very much. Solved!

redfishbluefish · Feb 18, 2016

I did attempt to try it out, but it looks like one of the float switches isn't cooperating. It clicks ON when slightly moved up, and then clicks off. That is, it's off in the resting position (at the bottom), and you raise it oh so slightly, and it goes on, but then as you continue to lift it, it goes off. So it truly is never ON in the resting position. Flipping the float over, nothing happened. So I'll have to wait for a new switch to arrive.

I do appreciate the heads up!

Thanks again.

Jlobes · Feb 18, 2016

oh bummer. do you have a new JBJ switch on the way? I might have an extra around here..

redfishbluefish · Feb 18, 2016

No, not JBJ.....too rich for me. I actually ordered up five switches about five days ago....for another project, where I only need two. I purposely ordered extras, knowing I'd eventually use them somewhere. The only issue is that they are on a slow boat coming from China.

ReeferBob · Feb 19, 2016

I love my JBJ. I use it with a low and high sensor. One light comes on, when the 2nd comes on it will run until they are both out. It also shuts off if the pump runs too long. Never an issue with it. $65 you can't go wrong.