View Full Version : Auto top up float switch sticking
Ive had my Aqua medic auto top up in use now for 9 months. On two occasions it has stuck in the on position. I fitted a snail guard after the first time but it happened again last night. Came down this mornining to find water well above the bracing bars. Anyone had the same problem and know how to fix it? It seems very sporadic first time after one week of use next about 9 months later.
Mine did this 3 or 4 times in about 2 months, they are crap I would get rid of it.
same happened to me, now using a peri pump on a timer, lot safer.
Mandy
I've got two. The first stuck on day two and they replaced it. two months later the replacement stuck permanently and the second had the same problem intermittently. I sent them back and they could find no problem. When tehy were returned the first was still permanently stuck, although the second has not played up since (three weeks). I removed the switch to the first. (waranty void but wasn't any point in it anyway). the switch is electrically closed all the time. Looking for a suitable switch now. in the meantime I've ordered a level sensor for my new aquatronic, so I'll probably just use the pump for dosing.
Not impressed with some of the responses I've had from that manufacturer so I'm moving away from them......permanently. This is a shame as I've used them on all three tanks since I started.
MarineManMercer
04-08-06, 12:03
Im using the system 2000 auto top up and find it great.Had it now for over two years and never had any bother,plus they are pretty cheap to buy compared to other brands.Heres a link incase you are interested in changing.
http://www.paraquatics.co.uk/paraquatics%20online.html
Sticking float switches is something that worried me so I went down the electronic route.
system 2000 have gone bust i believe, you may still find some stock though.
i also use teh system 2000 top up - have done for nearly a year now and its never stuck on once
I have taped up the switch on my aquamedic one and use it with the aquatronica with the level sensor now :(
Jamieb told me yesterday that when this happens, the cure is to switch it off and then on again and it'll work fine. Doesn't stop it from happening again, though. If this turns out not to be true, please blame Jamie!
MarineManMercer
04-08-06, 12:39
Gosh never knew system 2000 went bust but then again it was bound to being british,lol.
I think this problem could be a big concern if you go away on your hols either unmanned or with a tanksitter !
the only way you will solve it without throwing the top up away(we talking about the sp3000?)is to run it on a timer so it cant over top up,not the best solution but does away with the sensor and means you can still run it.
Jamieb told me yesterday that when this happens, the cure is to switch it off and then on again and it'll work fine. Doesn't stop it from happening again, though. If this turns out not to be true, please blame Jamie!
:D thanks mate, but yeah that has worked a few times for me but ive now changed to a deltec one that i got cheap. best thing to do would be get a new one and use the peri pump for something else
HTH
jamie
system 2000 have gone bust i believe, you may still find some stock though.
i also use teh system 2000 top up - have done for nearly a year now and its never stuck on once
Really wish i could say the same, it was simple and worked great for months then typically the one time i am away on an overnight the missus called to say the room (spare room used for tank) was soaked on the floor, had to rush back late in evening to sort :( , would not have minded if i had been local so was well upset as was her indoors, i have never risked an auto top up since.
Malc
keith hellyar
24-08-06, 20:00
I've had two occasions when a float switch has stuck on. Luckily I noticed before any serious flooding and serious decline in SG. I've cured it in two ways.
1. I've DIY'd a flood alert. Its a simple buzzer (available from Maplins) connected to a PP9 9 volt battery housed in a electrical box (also Maplins) and then wired to a float switch. It cost me less than a tenner to make. The float switch is set to come on when a level is reached rather than switch off and it therefore sounds the buzzer if the water level is higher than normal.
2. The other precaution I have taken is to wire two float switches into my auto top up in series. One of them is set a little higher than the other and stays pemanently switched on. Unless the lower float switch gets stuck on. When this happens the water level will rise and switch off the higher float switch.
I hope all this makes sense but I'm pleased to say it works.
Keith.
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