float switch help?

[opihi]

Has anyone used any of these float switches?

specifically, does anyone know HOW to use those float switches? i know i need a relay, and blah blah blah... obviously, you can tell that i'm no EE, so all the wiring diagrams i've seen just don't make any sense.

any help you could provide is greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Jeff

[opihi]

some links that may help you understand what i'm talking about:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...g+float+switch
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...g+float+switch
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...g+float+switch

i'll try reading them again, but i've been trying to put this tank up in the little free time that i have and i'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

thanks!

[jdieck]

Opihi:
May be you should consider one already made. They are not expensive. If you assembly yours in the wrong way you may risk getting shocked or face a flood or a drop in salinity that may damage all your critters.
For safety sake and capacity I would recommend a level switch that operates the float at low voltage (12 volts) and uses a 12 volt relay to apply the 120 V to thepowerhead or RO/DI solenoid valve.

[opihi]

Thanks jdieck.

i don't think i'd want to DIY one myself, so i thought i'd ask if anyone locally could help me out.

that said, i do appreciate your concern

j

[jdieck]

If you find some help here is one of the best circuits I have found:
the float switches are only energized with 12 volts so if they short to the water there is no risk of shock or electrocution.
Here are some features:

A) Using a relay, you can use higher capacity pumps or solenoids which will not be able to operate using the low Amp rating of the typical float.

B) Latch memory method which means that the pump will turn on when the lower float is activated but even if the lower float is opened again by the rising water it will not turn off until the higher float is activated. This will allow you to set the total level to be rised just by how far apart you place the floats from each other.

C) A lamp will indicate when it is activated and the pump or solenoid is on.

[LVfishguy]

I wish I could help you Jeff, but I look at those and scratch my head too! If you ever get it figured out, let me know I might need the help too!

[mikebon111]

I have used this ultralife float switch for years without a problem.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_....asp?ast=&key=