NEW auto top-off controller

AVAST Marine · Nov 6, 2010

Hi All!

Our pressure-sensing level switch used in our Davy Jones Skimmate Locker has a great dual role: auto top-off controller! It's magnet-mounted, so installation anywhere in your sump is a snap (literally; watch your fingers as the magnet will hold through 3/4" glass!) Snails can't crawl on it and cause a false signal, and calcium can't build up on it and cause it to stick like magnetic floats. No moving parts means less chance of failure.

Special deal: Order with either a K1 or K2 Kalk Stirrer and save $10!

Breakin Newz · Nov 6, 2010

Me like!!!! :bigsmile:

phi delt reefer · Nov 6, 2010

might be interested in two units...just a couple questions...

can you explain how this works vs. a traditional float switch?
Most float switch setups have a backup switch - does this system utilize a secondary switch or is it not necessary given its design?
can it be used in reverse (ie sump bump dry run protect?)

thanks guys - keep up the creative work!

ctenophore · Nov 6, 2010

phi delt reefer said:
might be interested in two units...just a couple questions...

can you explain how this works vs. a traditional float switch?
Most float switch setups have a backup switch - does this system utilize a secondary switch or is it not necessary given its design?
can it be used in reverse (ie sump bump dry run protect?)

thanks guys - keep up the creative work!

As the water level rises, it covers the bottom of the tube. This traps air inside. As the water level continues to rise, air pressure builds in the tube. At a set pressure differential, the switch is activated cutting power to the outlet. Then as water drops (evaporation), pressure inside the tube decreases and the power is restored, in the ATO case, turning on the feed pump. This all takes place over about a 1/2" water level variation.

Float switches often have backups since the switches themselves are prone to sticking & failing due to moving parts in the water. This pressure switch does not. It is a high quality magnetic switch in the box, rated for over 10 million cycles. It's not 100% failure proof, but it's a lot better than the cheapo $7 switches that many ATO systems are based on.

If you wanted to have a redundant system, just plug one box into the other- if the water level makes it past the first one, the second will cut power to the pump.

Funny you ask about being used in reverse. Our early prototypes had a reversing switch on the box, but we felt that the added complexity wasn't worthwhile and wanted to keep the price down. Dry-run protect is a great use, so if you want we can easily make you one in reverse.