Easy DIY ATO float switch mount

[leeit2me]

Pick up the ATO unit from iCoral the other day. So, started coming up with ideas on how to mount these float switches. Its pretty simple I think.

I had a small Mag float magnet cleaner laying around and piece of left over acrylic from my other projects, nylon screw/nuts and glue.

Here are the materials.

Measure and drilled the holes for the float switches.

Glue the magnet to the acrylic plate. made sure it was level let it set.

And here you got the end result. Here is a depiction how it would look once mounted inside a sump with both magnets.

 

[xclusive252]

only problem is magnets can shift up and down. But the design looks nice. Nice job

 

[leeit2me]

the magnets won't move once I peel the scrubber material out and lay a thin rubber liner on the magnet. The magnet has pretty good magnetism between a 1/4" inch glass so I am positive it won't move.

thanks!

 

[leeit2me]

just to update since I got couple of people asking how does it look mounted.

excuse the mess of the cables, I definitely need some cable management.... LOL

 

[ReefMonkey13]

Nice job . . . may need to "borrow" this for my set up.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Klewis]

Looks like a good concept, does the mag float effect the magnetic switches?

 

[leeit2me]

Nope the mag floats does not effect the float switches at all. That's the first thing I've tested before gluing and drilling.

 

[masterswimmer]

Nice mounting job. The only issue I see with it is the opportunity for a small snail effecting the operation of the float switch. You should install a snail guard. All you need is two 3/4" or 1" pvc caps and a short piece of the same size rigid straight pvc. Drill a hole in the top of one cap to thread the float switch through it. Install the float switch inside the cap. Put the straight piece of pvc into the open end of the cap. Drill 1/2 dozen or so 1/16" holes into the lower cap, with at least one hole on the very bottom for water to drain from it, and install it on the end of the straight pvc. Water will fill the caps and rise and fall with your evaporation. No snails will be able to effect the float switches.

Russ

 

[leeit2me]

Nice mounting job. The only issue I see with it is the opportunity for a small snail effecting the operation of the float switch. You should install a snail guard. All you need is two 3/4" or 1" pvc caps and a short piece of the same size rigid straight pvc. Drill a hole in the top of one cap to thread the float switch through it. Install the float switch inside the cap. Put the straight piece of pvc into the open end of the cap. Drill 1/2 dozen or so 1/16" holes into the lower cap, with at least one hole on the very bottom for water to drain from it, and install it on the end of the straight pvc. Water will fill the caps and rise and fall with your evaporation. No snails will be able to effect the float switches.

Russ

Thanks! I know what you mean about snails issues with ATO/float switches. And I understand your description of building a snail guard for the float switch similar to a-la AutoTopOff.com sells. I could have gone that route but my sump I don't have a fuge and in fact I don't have any snail ever going down to the sump. Since my drain has a filter sock with a draw string that I made. so nothing will get out of the filter socks unless I clean the sock.

But yes your idea is a good suggestion if you do have a fuge or you have snails ending up in the sump from time to time.

 

[fishman1069]

I took a 3/4 inch strainer and cut the bottom of and put it right over the float switch. Alot simpler than all that pvc stuff lol