Timer Based outlet

Oceanwolf · Nov 18, 2022

I am still trying to figure out what to buy for an ATO. I thought until then I can use my current Top Off pump.
The problem is I can turn the pump on, but I am afraid I will forget to turn it off. Is there a way for me to use a button on the fusion that turns on the pump and turns off after a set time passes. That would solve my forgetting the pump off anxiety.

Fat_ Ninja · Nov 18, 2022

I have been using a water lift pump called Aqua lifter AW-20 and a float switch. I found the switch on ebay for $18. It was a way cheaper method then purchasing a Name brand ATO set up. And I'm happy with it. The only problem I had was it wanted to siphon from the water reservoir (5 gallon water jug) because the water level in the jug was above my sump water level. But it was an easy fix. I just added a pipe that was wider then the water line coming from the pump. It protrudes out of the sump and is taller then the highest water level of the 5 gallon reservoir then I dropped the water line inside it an inch or two. This breaks the siphon and it works really well. This set up only cost me a little over $18. A friend of mine gave me the pump but they cost around $50- $60 online. I plan on building a tiny box with holes in it around the float switch this would prevent stuff from keeping it from kicking on or off.

Lift pump

EBay float switch

Extension tube to break syphon

Oceanwolf · Nov 18, 2022

I have the same pump. I connected three 5 Gallon jugs (it makes it easier to bring the RODI water from garage and sometime I only fill one. Since they are connected, once the pump fills the lines the bottles get the same level of water. In the past when my Reef Angel controller was alive, I had a water level sensor in my sump and another one in one of my bottles. Controller would start the pump at a level and stop when it reached another level with a timer to prevent any mishaps. The water level sensor in the bottle would stop the pump running if the bottle is empty.
In the latest earthquake in the Bay Area, aquarium waves got into my controller and salt is not friendly with circuits.
I bought an Apex. So I am trying to create a button just like a Feeding button that will start the pump and run for 20 mins without any sensors. I am working on buying an ATK and maybe 2 water level sensors just like my Reef Angel ones.

Fat_ Ninja · Nov 18, 2022

I just watched a video the other day on YouTube from Fish of Hex. And he went through how to program an Apex. Like when to start and stop in accordance with each outlet you selected. That gave me the idea to set up two of the aqua lifters with 2 jugs one kold ster-il and the other salt water. Then make them alternate between the two as needed. I'll find the video and post it here if you would like to check it out. It was pretty informative.