Possible alternative to a float switch...

fliberdygibits · 06-28-2004, 05:09 PM

I'ts been a while since I dabbled much in electronics, so I'm hoping if I'm onto something that someone with more electronic smarts than me will jump in here.

Instead of a float valve, would it be possible to rig up an LED emiter/detector assembly that sticks to the back wall of the tank? Something that can tell the difference in reflected light coming off a tank wall WITH water behind it compared to one without? If it were posible, it would put a bit of distance between voltage and our water, and unless a snail chose THAT exact spot to stop moving it would eleminate the snail problem. Plus it would be less likely to jam or stick just on it's own.

Algae could confuse something like this, but we generally clean our glass regularly anyway, so how hard would it be to include an extra 1 inch square patch in out efforts?

Any ideas or am I just off on a tangent?

gregt · 06-28-2004, 05:18 PM

Tunze has a fantastic product that operates off of two low voltage sensors, one being an infra-red sensor and the other a fail-safe float in case the IR sensor fails. It works extremely well. It's only downside is it's price. It's fabulous.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...Category_Code=

Geoff · 06-29-2004, 08:49 AM

the only other thing i could think of is what will salt buildup do to the sensor?

G~

Tasher80 · 07-02-2004, 03:01 PM

I have a question about this Tunze one. If I use it as my auto topoff does it have the pump already or do I need one? It says metering pump but im not sure what that is. If I need to buy a pump do I need to splice into any wires or is there a simple plug in for the PH to attach to?

gregt · 07-02-2004, 07:33 PM

The metering pump is what pumps the water into your sump or tank. It comes with everything you need to use it.

Phishnoob · 07-02-2004, 08:56 PM

I would use the old fashioned switch or a float that goes to one and a relay. The LED would work as well as long as you could make the receptor visible in the limited field of view...15 degrees or whatever the LED puts out..think of a long long telephoto lens focusing on a target that is swishing around in your tank.