Float switch topoff...

[SHOmuchFUN]

Thought about the sand... But I remember putting rubble in my emperor 400 (around 4-500gph) and it getting stuck in the impellar and the sound it would make. It was such a PITA to get out. I don't know that I want to recreate that havoc, not to mention decrease the life of the filter.

[tsalter]

I meant sand in the tank. Most were cutting flow in the hobs because it would blow the sand around where it dumped in the tank. sand in it yikes. I just had spagetti in mine and that was okay.

T

[SHOmuchFUN]

Payment sent for 6 float switches... Total $39
-Erik

[tsalter]

Cool thanks Erik

t

[SHOmuchFUN]

Whew.....

Talk about HIGH... I just tried the dremel out cutting some acrylic. I feel like I've been takin' shots of cuervo. Yerrreaararrrrrrrrrrr...

I cut about a 1' length of acrylic that's about 1/2" wide. I then heated the end to make an L that'll be parallel to the water. Those float switches are 1/4" NPT, so I'll drill a 1/4" hole in the L bracket and hang the float from there. I have to wait for the tank to come, before I bend anymore because I'll need to fit that to sit at a specific level.

I'm still thinking of making a prefilter/overflow to conceal the switch and the mechanical filter straw. BUT... I think I'll use my new jigsaw to do that. The dremel was messy and unforgiving.

Ignore spelling errors... I'm still a little light headed (and I thought that aquarium sealant was noxious stuff!)

[tsalter]

good stuff! My Table/band saw are always avalable, yet far away! They make quicker work of that stuff. Sounds like a fun project. reminds me of your sump!

T

[SHOmuchFUN]

Yeah, the table saw is the ultaimte. agm;mkmgllll

If I'm going to make a prefilter, I'll stop by and use your table if you don't mind... I'll cut the prefilter teeth with the dremel though.

Tank should be here Thursday, I'm going to grab an aquaclear this weekend. Maybe when I stop by on Saturday, I'll bring my acrylic and run a few prefilter walls off.

-E

[SHOmuchFUN]

Float switches went out VIA USPS, from Texas yesterday... So, who the hell knows?

[tsalter]

Why not use the table saw to cut the teeth too? Or my brand spanking new router. Not that I don't like dremels they are sweet and you probably want to use it. but the router, table or band saw will take all of 10 seconds to that job. then you could clean it up with the dremel if need be. Gots to get me a dremel at some point they are cool.

T

[SHOmuchFUN]

I dunno? I guess I could use the router as well if you're willing to let me use it. I'd need some help as I've never used a router before. They look pretty neat though!

I'm having trouble figuring whether to make an overflow basket, or one that extends all the way down the tank. The acrylic is also clear, so I guess it isn't really hiding much?


Jen gave me a nice dremel for Christmas. I was just kinda itching to use it. It didn't work on the acrylic too great. Takes a steady hand! I've got an acrylic hangover from last night cutting it as well. Yee-haw.

[tsalter]

Yeah that is the problem with the dremel is you need a fence. The router will work well, I can show you how to use it or you could just drill holes in the acrylic at the bottom of the teeth and then cut down to them with the bandsaw.

Yeah I got a router for christmas. It was nice but since I have broken three in the past year. I returned it for the one I really wanted/knew that I couldn't break.

It is the old rule of woodworking. You ether swear once when you open your wallet or you swear everytime you use the tool. It is up to you.

So needless to say I got a nice porter cable unit. They have a new version out but HD didn't carry it so I got the older one which is still really super nice. I haven't used it yet but it is made very well.

I would go just for a box but it really doesn't matter. if it was to the bottom you wouldn't have to cut the infeed to the ac. and it would have more stability when you siliconed it in.

[SHOmuchFUN]

Well, cool...
I'd hate to be the one to break it in though...

I think I'm leaning towards just a box as well. I don't want it taking up too much room, but also see your points. It's not going to have to be perfect, since it's inside the tank. So I'm not too worried.

[cczarnik]

Originally posted by Brad A.
These switches have a stainless steel E-clip which is bad. It will rust in your reef.

Just something to consider.

FYI, I just bought these switches this week, and they came with plastic clips. No exposed metal anywhere. I think his www site has incorrect info. Chuck

[tsalter]

Yeah, we got them and they were nice and plastic. Neat little switches.

T

[SHOmuchFUN]

I wired mine up already... Works like a charm.
Just need to find a way to mount the switch and the return line. I wish the wires were removable though, because once you solder the connections, you can't get the nut over anything since the wires run through it.

Whoops.