Tunze nano ato float switch looks off

[glb]

I’ve had this ato for a few years, and it’s been acting up lately. I’ve been through several pumps after the reservoir running dry, but this pump is running fine most of the time. The problem is that sometimes it doesn’t come on and sometimes it comes on when it shouldn’t. I took a close look at the float switch and it’s hanging crooked in the water. Is this a problem? I have a 40g and am wondering if I need to upgrade to the bigger one. Here’s a pic of what the float switch looks like:

 

[glb]

Hi #reefsquad. Any thoughts about my float switch not hanging straight? I just ordered a new Osmolator (not the nano one), but I’m curious about the float switch because I know the model I ordered has one too. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks!!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Have you taken this apart?

I have a electronic float switch on my ATO. Not that brand, but it's similar.

 

[saltyhog]

Can you post a picture? The outside magnet has be oriented properly to make it hang straight. If you twist it the direction it needs to go it should straighten up

 

[saltyhog]

Never mind...for some reason I couldn't see the picture when I first clicked the thread. Are you talking about the front to back difference of the white float? I have seen that before but it's never affected function.

You also may need to clean the float if you haven't lately. A little biofilm build up could cause one side to hang, causing the crooked issue. I've never had nearly as much luck with the nano version as I have the regular one with the optical primary switch.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

It appears to me that the magnet is pulling on the float so it will cause it to not work properly, on some of my tanks I add a piece of plastic to make it thicker so the magnet has less of a pull,

 

[glb]

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Flippers4pups]

If you had taken it apart, the "donut" float" can be placed upside-down accidentally, which would cause it to act in reverse.

It looks like the float may be making contact with the guard, which would make it act erratically and cause it to "hang up".

Another thing about these types of switches, if the switch is located too close to a pump, the magnetic field from the pump may interfere with the float. Also in the case of mine which has a electronic contact switch in a box in line with the electrical line from the float, if that electronic contact switch box is too close to a pump it can cause it to act erratically. Same reason, magnetic field interference.

Just food for thought.