Jump to content

DIY Auto-water topup

Dotty1313

By Dotty1313,
in DIY Forum

 Share

Recommended Posts

Dotty1313 Newbie

Dotty1313

Posted
Posted

Hi all,

Can't resist to show a DIY project that I have done a few months back (after seeing so much posting on this topic); :P

It all started when the evaportion rate of my fish tank increases and I was pretty tired of topping up water everyday. I have it running for a few months now and it seems to work pretty well - so far no problem.

Disclaimer: The design is entirely my design - from the float switch to the electronic circuit in the controller box.

post-9-1092757614.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hammy Newbie

hammy

Posted
Posted

ya how much did u do it for . wanna get a top off utility but have exactly no idea ... care to share more ??

or u do it for mi with a small token of appreciation haha :D

pls share share ...

2x1.5x1.5 tank

Lighting: AI hydra 52HD

Skimmer: Deltec SC 1455

Reactor: Minimax; rowaphos

Skimz  ; NP biopellets

Wave Maker: MP 40 WQD

Return pump: Eheim 1262

Chiller: Arctica 1/10 hp

 

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel -- Proverbs 12:10

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dotty1313 Newbie

Dotty1313

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi,

Thanx for the interests... here's a consolidated reply to the various questions asked:

TDidn't really tallied up the cost but my estimation is that it is less than $50 (not inclusive of labour :P ). This is for the controller unit and the float switch.

The electronic circuit is pretty straight forward if you are familiar with electronic/electrical stuff.

For this project, I use a simple mechanical relay switch for the switching on/off of the power supply. You can also use solid-state relay if you have higher budget. I have a transformer to step down the power supplier to 12V for use by the float switch.

The logic is very simple, the float switch is normally open but will close when reach a certain level. When it is closed, it will activate the relay switch to turn on the A/C power (please get proper advice on this if you are not familiar working with 240V - this can kill!!).

The float switch is made from ballon stick (those sticks that come with balloons), compact foam, magnet and a magnetic switch. The magnetic switch will close when there is a magnetic field near to it. Well, that's all to it. Simple?

Do take note that the magnetic switch tends to get magnetised after some time - depending on the condition of the magnetic switch. I have mine running for a few months now and things are alright. My first float switch encountered this problem and ended up with over-topping;

I have yet to make any modifications to my design to cater for a second float switch that will turn off the power when it is over-topping (actually, need not a float switch, just 2 metal strips will do. Hoped this gives some info for you to proceed with your own DIY water top up and saves some $$$.

Regards...

Dotty

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • SRC Member
sugi Newbie

sugi

Posted
  • SRC Member
Posted

Dotty,

Sory to borrow your thread.

Just would like to show the rest about the details inside the box.

Bought the parts this morning and fix it within 2 hours, just the controll box.

This is what it looks inside.

Simple ;)

post-9-1092842135.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • SRC Member
mv3i Newbie

mv3i

Posted
  • SRC Member
Posted
(actually, need not a float switch, just 2 metal strips will do. Hoped this gives some info for you to proceed with your own DIY water top up and saves some $$$.

Regards...

Dotty

bro ,

pretty good design but i reckon not any 2 metal strips will do ? <_<

a decent float switch will save u lots of headache later on ... sure cookieM will vouch for that !!! :lol::lol:

for those interested in DIY of top up ... do a search on it ... ervine came up with a pretty good one w schematic .... I modify it to use a 12V car wiper pump itstead of a PH :lol::lol:

great fun in DIY .... :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • SRC Member
Cookiemunster Newbie

Cookiemunster

Posted
  • SRC Member
Posted

bro ,

pretty good design but i reckon not any 2 metal strips will do ? <_<

a decent float switch will save u lots of headache later on ... sure cookieM will vouch for that !!! :lol::lol:

for those interested in DIY of top up ... do a search on it ... ervine came up with a pretty good one w schematic .... I modify it to use a 12V car wiper pump itstead of a PH :lol::lol:

great fun in DIY .... :lol:

hahaha yes. Nice DIY. You even DIYed the float switch...thats a good job.

However, I would advice to go for a off the shelf float switch as its much safer and hassle free. These are easily available in SIM LIM TOWER. Remember to get the vertical float switch similar to your design.

cheers

My Humble 4ft tank
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dotty1313 Newbie

Dotty1313

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi MV3i/CookieMunster,

Yes... a float switch will be a better replacement for the 2 metal strip (less hasle in inverting the close circuit to break the PH circuit).

Well, one of my motivation of making my own float switch is because of the high price you have to pay for a simple device such as a float siwtch (above $18?)- I can make one under $3. :P and am prepare to take the risk - well that's implicit risk for any DIY project right?

I'm glad that this has generated so many sharing - I remember searching the internet when conceptualising this DIY project and there are not much information - especially how to make a float switch.

Incidentally, does anyone know how does the commercial float switch work? Curious to find out but not curious enough to spend $18 to open one up. ;)

Will share with the rest my DIY wave maker when I find the time... meanwhile, I'm now working on the rotating 'thingy' that you connect to the powerhead that is supposed to create a better water flow... has anyone done that already? Well, the motivation is the same, not prepared to paid $18 for a simple device like that... :P

Regards...

Dotty

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 month later...
  • SRC Member
rockfish Newbie

rockfish

Posted
  • SRC Member
Posted
I have yet to make any modifications to my design to cater for a second float switch that will turn off the power when it is over-topping (actually, need not a float switch, just 2 metal strips will do. Hoped this gives some info for you to proceed with your own DIY water top up and saves some $$$.

Regards...

Dotty

hi bro dotty,

care to show how u diy the float switch.. ??

how does the 2 metal stripes work.. ?? can explain??

best if u can show a drawing as well... i'm really interest to know...

i'm going to make one with limit switches ..

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 years later...
  • 1 year later...
jackywongto Newbie

jackywongto

Posted
Posted
12V dc relay (depend the power pack output voltage)

you are responding to a Jan 2008 question? :upsidedown:

Eqpt: Deltec MCE 600, Tunze 6055 with Tunze 7091 controller, Artica 1/15 HP chiller, AquaIllumination Sol Blue LED Light System

2011 resolution : Do it simpler, better and in an easier way!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Join us on the largest Reefing community in Asia!

    Sign up and share your reefing journey with us, make friends and get helps from the community .

     

  • Topics

  • Latest Update

    1. 1

      Decommissioning Sales of 5f Reef Tank

      Hi, can I know what fishes and LPS coral u have for sale? Would like to enquiry abt Archille Tang, Hydra light and Skinmer. WhatsApp 97299260
      Ooozone in Sell off/Pasar Malam Shop
    2. 1

      Decommissioning Sales of 5f Reef Tank

      After more than 14 years into this hobby, I am disheartened but to end this hobby. I have a 5ft tank that is controlled by APEX and Redsea controller. It is very complete in my opinion as I have a total of 10 doser, UV, water and leak sensor, water level monitoring, waterflow monitoring, AI HD lighting, dual return pump, Reefmat 1200, Nyos skimmer, external refugium tank, Trident KH, CA, Mg automatic tester, Vortech Wavemaker and many more. There are fish and coral hence I reckon I need to decom this in stages unless there is a kind soul to take everything at one go. One of my favourite fish is Achilles Tang. I will try to post more pictures and meanwhile, do PM me for more information. I would give priority to mass sales over individual item hence please understand.
      lyz77 in Sell off/Pasar Malam Shop
    3. 0

      专业制作美国普渡大学西拉法叶校区大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理普渡大学西拉法叶校区毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Purdue University,West Lafayette

      专业制作美国普渡大学西拉法叶校区大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理普渡大学西拉法叶校区毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Purdue University,West Lafayette专业制作美国普渡大学西拉法叶校区大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理普渡大学西拉法叶校区毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Purdue University,West Lafayette专业制作美国普渡大学西拉法叶校区大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理普渡大学西拉法叶校区毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Purdue U 【实体公司】QQ/微信751558146办理毕业证，成绩单，教育部学历学位认证，使馆认证，归国人员证明，修改成绩单+信封申请学校，offer录取通知书，在读证明，普利茅斯大学学位证书，Plymouth毕业文凭。 ★★主营项目： ◆办理真实使馆公证(即留学回国人员证明,免费申请货后付款,不成功不收费!!!) ◆办理教育部国外学历学位认证。(网上可查、永久存档、快速稳妥,回国发展,考公务员,落户,进国企,外企,创业,无忧愁) ◆办理各国各大学文凭(世界名校一对一专业服务,可全程监控跟踪进度) ◆提供整套申请学校材料 ◆可以提供钢印、水印、烫金、激光防伪、凹凸版、最新版的普利茅斯大学毕业证、百分之百让您绝对满意、设计,印刷,DHL快递;毕业证、成绩单7个工作日,真实大使馆教育部认证2个月。 【真实可查】---【永久存档】---【安全可靠】---【值得信赖】 八年从业经验,专业指导,私人定制,倾心为您解决留学毕业回国各种疑难问题 <1>教育部学历学位认证服务: 做到真实永久存档，网上轻易可查，绝对对客户的资料进行保密，登录核实后再付款。 <2>为什么您的学位需要在国内进一步认证？ 二：留信认证的作用 1：该专业认证可证明留学生真实留学身份。 2：同时对留学生所学专业等级给予评定。 3：国家专业人才认证中心颁发入库证书 4：这个入网证书并且可以归档到地方 5：凡是获得留信网入网的信息将会逐步更新到个人身份内，将在公安部网内查询个人身份证信息后，同步读取人 才网入库信息。 6：个人职称评审加20分。 7：个人信誉贷款加10分。 8：在国家人才网主办的全国网络招聘大会中纳入资料，供国家500强等高端企业选择人才。 niversity,West Lafayette
      vsf3423 in LPS Coral forum
    4. 0

      〖国外毕业证书〗加拿大MSVU圣文森山大学毕业证成绩单〖Q/微信751558146〗办理文凭教育部学历学位认证Mount Saint Vincent University

      〖国外毕业证书〗加拿大MSVU圣文森山大学毕业证成绩单〖Q/微信751558146〗办理文凭教育部学历学位认证Mount Saint Vincent University 〖国外毕业证书〗加拿大MSVU圣文森山大学毕业证成绩单〖Q/微信751558146〗办理文凭教育部学历学位认证Mount Saint Vincent University 〖国外毕业证书〗加拿大MSVU圣文森山大学毕业证成绩单〖Q/微信751558146〗办理文凭教育部学历学位认证Mount Saint Vincent University 【实体公司】QQ/微信751558146办理毕业证，成绩单，教育部学历学位认证，使馆认证，归国人员证明，修改成绩单+信封申请学校，offer录取通知书，在读证明，普利茅斯大学学位证书，Plymouth毕业文凭。 ★★主营项目： ◆办理真实使馆公证(即留学回国人员证明,免费申请货后付款,不成功不收费!!!) ◆办理教育部国外学历学位认证。(网上可查、永久存档、快速稳妥,回国发展,考公务员,落户,进国企,外企,创业,无忧愁) ◆办理各国各大学文凭(世界名校一对一专业服务,可全程监控跟踪进度) ◆提供整套申请学校材料 ◆可以提供钢印、水印、烫金、激光防伪、凹凸版、最新版的普利茅斯大学毕业证、百分之百让您绝对满意、设计,印刷,DHL快递;毕业证、成绩单7个工作日,真实大使馆教育部认证2个月。 【真实可查】---【永久存档】---【安全可靠】---【值得信赖】 八年从业经验,专业指导,私人定制,倾心为您解决留学毕业回国各种疑难问题 <1>教育部学历学位认证服务: 做到真实永久存档，网上轻易可查，绝对对客户的资料进行保密，登录核实后再付款。 <2>为什么您的学位需要在国内进一步认证？ 二：留信认证的作用 1：该专业认证可证明留学生真实留学身份。 2：同时对留学生所学专业等级给予评定。 3：国家专业人才认证中心颁发入库证书 4：这个入网证书并且可以归档到地方 5：凡是获得留信网入网的信息将会逐步更新到个人身份内，将在公安部网内查询个人身份证信息后，同步读取人 才网入库信息。 6：个人职称评审加20分。 7：个人信誉贷款加10分。 8：在国家人才网主办的全国网络招聘大会中纳入资料，供国家500强等高端企业选择人才。
      vsf3423 in LPS Coral forum
    5. 0

      专业制作美国福特汉姆大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理福特汉姆大学毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Fordham University

      专业制作美国福特汉姆大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理福特汉姆大学毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Fordham University专业制作美国福特汉姆大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理福特汉姆大学毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Fordham University专业制作美国福特汉姆大学毕业证》Q/微信751558146丨办理福特汉姆大学毕业证成绩单,文凭留信网认证，保录取Fordham University 【实体公司】QQ/微信751558146办理毕业证，成绩单，教育部学历学位认证，使馆认证，归国人员证明，修改成绩单+信封申请学校，offer录取通知书，在读证明，普利茅斯大学学位证书，Plymouth毕业文凭。 ★★主营项目： ◆办理真实使馆公证(即留学回国人员证明,免费申请货后付款,不成功不收费!!!) ◆办理教育部国外学历学位认证。(网上可查、永久存档、快速稳妥,回国发展,考公务员,落户,进国企,外企,创业,无忧愁) ◆办理各国各大学文凭(世界名校一对一专业服务,可全程监控跟踪进度) ◆提供整套申请学校材料 ◆可以提供钢印、水印、烫金、激光防伪、凹凸版、最新版的普利茅斯大学毕业证、百分之百让您绝对满意、设计,印刷,DHL快递;毕业证、成绩单7个工作日,真实大使馆教育部认证2个月。 【真实可查】---【永久存档】---【安全可靠】---【值得信赖】 八年从业经验,专业指导,私人定制,倾心为您解决留学毕业回国各种疑难问题 <1>教育部学历学位认证服务: 做到真实永久存档，网上轻易可查，绝对对客户的资料进行保密，登录核实后再付款。 <2>为什么您的学位需要在国内进一步认证？ 二：留信认证的作用 1：该专业认证可证明留学生真实留学身份。 2：同时对留学生所学专业等级给予评定。 3：国家专业人才认证中心颁发入库证书 4：这个入网证书并且可以归档到地方 5：凡是获得留信网入网的信息将会逐步更新到个人身份内，将在公安部网内查询个人身份证信息后，同步读取人 才网入库信息。 6：个人职称评审加20分。 7：个人信誉贷款加10分。 8：在国家人才网主办的全国网络招聘大会中纳入资料，供国家500强等高端企业选择人才。
      vsf3423 in LPS Coral forum
×
×
  • Create New...