Never waste your $$$ on Apex leak detection, make your own!

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Leak detection systems are normally outside your tanks, on the floor...

Yes, thanks, I get that. I have a small battery operated one in the basement next to my RO system waste water collection container. Even that appears to have stainless steel probes. Reading the opening post led me to believe the individual has these probes in the reef system since he's using them with his Apex to control pumps, not simply sound an alarm. Even mentions he has one on the top of his tank. Some systems use float switches for that, so I reckon that's where my train of thought was. Either way, never a bad idea to be cautious with the use of copper around a reef tank.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Reading the opening post led me to believe the individual has these probes in the reef system since he's using them with his Apex to control pumps, not simply sound an alarm. Even mentions he has one on the top of his tank. Some systems use float switches for that, so I reckon that's where my train of thought was. Either way, never a bad idea to be cautious with the use of copper around a reef tank.

My leak detector is under my sump and have it hooked to my Apex IO Breakout box, and it will shut down my return pump if there is a problem. I once had my hose pop off the return pump outlet and shoot water up to the ceiling of my sump room. Luckily I was there at the time, and was able to pull the plug before too much happened (other than I got soaked). But it got me thinking what if I had a leak there (lots of hoses and connections, etc) and was not around to catch it. Of course, since I hooked up my DIY leak detector (zero cost since I already had the Apex and IO breakout box), I have not had any problems.

Important point about copper in the reef though, and float switches can also be used with the IO breakout box. Currently I use one to turn on/off a solenoid as part of my DIY ATO.