setting up pump shutdown switch if level is too high
- Thread starter Blizz
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sbash
Valuable Member
Can you describe your setup (ideally with a diagram) so we can be of better assistance. In most configurations, if you shut the pump off, then more water will go into the sump...
Also, a description of the disaster scenario you are trying to avoid would be good (e.g. ATO spazzes out, something else breaks down)...
Also, a description of the disaster scenario you are trying to avoid would be good (e.g. ATO spazzes out, something else breaks down)...
OP
OP
Blizz
Community Member
will be using a CPR overflow box on my 75gal show tank with a 1" fitting feeding my refugium which is a 40 gal tank probably 50full.. My main concern is not the show tank but would be any type of back flow into the refugium which is going to be 3 feet lower than the show tank. Need to setup some type of safety mechanism in case of power failure and backfeed. I guess by keeping the output nozzle from the refrugium close to the top of the showtank, I would only loose 5-10 gallons.. Trying to plan it out at this point..
Last edited:
sbash
Valuable Member
I have no idea if there are products out the for this full solution, but below is a good video on building the float switch with a relay. You can get these floats from eBay or BRS (BRS is more expensive, but comes with fancy mounts and such). Depending on the space you have to work with, you could also get a utility pump float switch (like this: https://goo.gl/duPOs9); this is not likely to suit you though...
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
IMHO three adjustments are necessary. You might try a test setup in the garage with cheapo containers and play around until you understand it.
1. insure no flood with power out.
1a on the reverse syphon on power our drill a small hole above the water line or have the return pipe outlets above the surface. To break up the siphon.
2. insure normal operation returns when the power returns
3. insure the upper container does not flood with overflow/drain failure. simulate by breaking siphon or blocking the drain.
3a the key here is the pump runs dry before the display floods. Then return to normal operation and mark the water level of the sump. Then never never add water above that line.
The ato can be a problem with a drain failure as the ato will kick in and add water and possibly flood the display. I would think some kind of drip system would be better. But that would require some adjusting also.
Finally, notice there is no level switch mentioned. After all they can fail also. These adjustments will eliminate any floods or at least 99% of them. Also If you use a level switch insure that is uses dc power to kick in a remote relay for the ac power to the pump. AC can kill you, dc won't. (the reason you can put your fingers over a model train track and not get electrocuted is that track is dc.
my .02
1. insure no flood with power out.
1a on the reverse syphon on power our drill a small hole above the water line or have the return pipe outlets above the surface. To break up the siphon.
2. insure normal operation returns when the power returns
3. insure the upper container does not flood with overflow/drain failure. simulate by breaking siphon or blocking the drain.
3a the key here is the pump runs dry before the display floods. Then return to normal operation and mark the water level of the sump. Then never never add water above that line.
The ato can be a problem with a drain failure as the ato will kick in and add water and possibly flood the display. I would think some kind of drip system would be better. But that would require some adjusting also.
Finally, notice there is no level switch mentioned. After all they can fail also. These adjustments will eliminate any floods or at least 99% of them. Also If you use a level switch insure that is uses dc power to kick in a remote relay for the ac power to the pump. AC can kill you, dc won't. (the reason you can put your fingers over a model train track and not get electrocuted is that track is dc.
my .02
