Float Switch needed - DIY ATO

[Snaz]

I am going to build an ATO along these lines but cannot find a suitable sealed AC float switch locally. Anyone have or know where I can source something like this in the lower mainland?

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=58100

or

http://www.chicagosensor.com/images/FLT003Small.jpg

DIY build thread from nano-reef.com
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29093&st=0

[BlueAbyss]

I've been considering ordering some from the states... cause I need about 5 of them :lol: I can't find the website that I was going to order them from though, it was a small website and I found it a long time ago and can't remember what it was called. They were like 10 bucks each or 12.99 or something...

If we can find a place that sells them, we could maybe see if anyone else wants some and organize a group buy?

[BlueAbyss]

Aha! The website was http://www.fishbowl-innovations.com/ but it seems to be down... I've heard on NR that the guy that runs this is in school, so may not have or be applying much time to his business...

This said, look at this... http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=220415895568&Category=67003&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

[Snaz]

I'm interested in a group buy but the ones you found on Ebay are not suitable for my needs.

"Specifications: Normally closed. (circuit is closed when float is in the "down" position towards the o-ring, circuit opens when float rises.) Maximum switching current 5W (~0.5A at 12VDC), max. voltage 250VAC. Wire leads are 40" long, ends are stripped and tinned. Maximum operating temperature 100C (212F)

Notes:
Unlike some float switches, the operation cannot be reversed from N.C. to N.O. by flipping the float."

I was hoping for reversible so I could have two floats installed, one to signal low(CLOSED) need water and high(OPEN) to turn off. The high float is redundant but does provide a measure of safety I want.

So yes if we can find suitable switches I would want 2 or 3 please. Thanks.
Keith

[muck]

I had 70+ of these half a year ago and couldn't hardly give them away. Not sure if I have any left...maybe, but will have to look.

[banditpowdercoat]

Omega.ca had them.

http://www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc.asp?ref=LVK130_140_150_190&Nav=grek13

thats CDN prices too

[Snaz]

Omega.ca had them.

http://www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc.asp?ref=LVK130_140_150_190&Nav=grek13

thats CDN prices too

That's a perfect switch but kinda pricey, I was hoping for $8.00 - $15.00 each. Might have to rethink this project.

[mr_alberta]

I think I may have a couple float switches left. PM me if you are interested.

[byee]

I highly recommend you buy it from eBay. Check out this link

http://cgi.ebay.com/Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Vertical-Float-Switch_W0QQitemZ120431899845QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0a4cf4c5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

$4.99USD + FREE shipping to Canada.

Sure beats buying Canadian at $28/each. They ALL come from the same factory in China. Its all about economics especially in todays economy...save where you can so you can buy MORE livestock.

Heck, you'll have money left over for a spare !! :smile:

[byee]

found them even cheaper on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Horizontal-Float-Switch_W0QQitemZ320393427459QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a98efba03&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1| 294%3A50

[NateL]

I have 4 of these, $10 for all. I can get a pic if there is any interest

[Snaz]

Thanks. I bought the ebay ones above and it ended up costing ~$4.50 each. Your offer is a great deal. I built my ATO and took pics but I haven't had the time yet to make a DIY post. It was the best upgrade I have done so far for this tank.

[lngrhaul]

do you need a vertical or horizontal float switch to make it work?

[Snaz]

I used the vertical ones as pictured in the Ebay link. It sits in my back compartment and is working a treat. This last week my little 12 gallon tank is going through about 0.75 gallons a day of fresh water as I blow across the surface with fans to keep it cool.

[Starry]

If anyone has 2 of these to spare I would like to purchase them.
NOTE: The ebay ones are what I had, and now I need new ones as the ones I had are now sticking either on or off and need to be tapped rather hard to reset them. I will be in Calgary at the end of the month if that makes any difference.
Sorry to hijack (more of a bandwagon jumping) :biggrin:

[Binare]

I think I may have a couple float switches left. PM me if you are interested.

I bought 5 from Mr Alberta, great price, fast shipping, all brand new and working flawlessy for the last couple months I've been usin em. Highly recommend sending him a pm.

[hillegom]

Starry:
Try putting them in vinegar to loosen them up again

[Binare]

Was in ocean city on the weekend, they got them in now. They are 13.99 and have about 20" leads on em.