About Float Switch for return pump

[PaulKlug]

I was wondering if I could put a float switch on my pump that returns water to the tank. This is so just in case overflow stops it will not run the sump dry thus burning out my pump. My only thought is that the pump uses too much electricity for the wiring on my float switch or something along those lines. Or if the salt water will eventually make the float switch stick since it will be under water constantly until water is so low it will shut off pump. If this will not work what could I do to prevent this. I will be using this float switch http://www.floatswitches.net/floatswitch.html
If you need more information just ask.
Thanks
Paul

[skeety]

Not sure I completely understand what you're trying to prevent. And while I'm not sure the float would work or not, I definitely don't think it's necessary.

The shut off would be for if your overflow became empty, right? But why would your overflow loose that much water?

The only situation I can think of would be if a LOT of water evaporated.
Your signature says you have a 55 gallon sump. So I'm guess you have
at LEAST 25-30 gallons of water in there at any given time.

Even on your size tank, I'm still guessing that that would take at LEAST a
week to evaporate.

And if 25 gallons has evaporated from your system, chances are good you've
lost MORE than possibly your pump. The salinity change that the evaporation would cause, more than likely, will kill anything in the tank.

I guess I'm just wondering what you're trying to prevent. The normal maintenance on a tank would require you to check in on the tank long before that much water could evaporate, at which point, you'd top it off.

However, the other situation where you might want this protection, would be if your sump broke, and released all the water. But I'm not sure that this level of protection is of any use at that point, because you'll also loose your skimmer, thermometer, and anything else you might have in the sump.

Please elaborate more on what it is you're trying to protect yourself from.

[PaulKlug]

Oh sorry I forgot to say that I do not have a drilled tank so I have overflow boxes and I am sort of worried about just in case the syphon broke for the overflow so that no more water was going to the sump then the pump would keep putting water back into the tank and eventually dryout. Oh wait then the auto fill will keep adding water causeing the main tank to overflow. AHHHH hahah didnt even think of that. is there anything I can do about this for redundancy in case my overflow siphon stops? Maybe such as adding a float valve check to the main tank to stop the pump if the water gets to high? I mean this might stop from any movement between the tank and the sump but atleast it wont overflow either tank and not burn out the pumps.
If I dont make any sense just tell me to explain more and I will. I might even try to draw a couple pictures. Sorry to confuse but thanks for any answers i might get.

Thanks again
Paul

[skeety]

ahhh...well, in that case, I apologize. You MIGHT want to consider that.

Otherwise, your display will overflow onto the floor.

don't know much about float-valve's. SOmeone will chime in.

[Casey]

Paul put a float switch in the tank and hooked to the pump that will stop it.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...&Category_Code=

[BenOlson]

On my top off pump (for redundancy), I also have it on a timer that turns the pump on 4x per day for 1 minute. That way the pump won't run continually if there is a problem. I know this won't solve all your questions, but I hope it helps.

[PaulKlug]

Casey do I need that float valve or can I use the one I listed above in this thread? Cause that other one is alot cheaper? Or do I need that one because of how much voltage is going through or something?
Thanks for the replies
Paul

[Casey]

I like the one I listed because it can handle alot more voltage and its reversable

for low water level or high water level I use it and love it.

[VWD]

That is only 6.00. seem like a great deal. I have to get one soon before vacation time.




Vince

[Casey]

Vince your not gonna get much out of it for $6 you get what you pay for

[VWD]

Casey. that what i was thinking , I will will get the one You have. I know better then trying to save money on something that can really mess up while I am on vacation this june. I must of been tripping. thank you.


Vince

[Casey]

Your welcome Vince you know by now you have to put the big $$$$ in the equipment buddy.

[PaulKlug]

Yeah I ordered 2 because I read some reviews of people who liek them and figure for 15 dollars it cant be bad and only has to run a tiny powerhead. I will see how they work and post on here if they are good or bad. I think I might try to hook one up to the pump and try it and do some tests to see if it can handle the voltage before i actually trust it to leave for a vacation. If It isnt up to it I will def purchase one like the one you showed me.
Thanks for the info
Paul