Adding 2nd solenoid to ATO

So it happened, my single switch ATO got stuck last night dumping my whole resevior into my sump. luckly i planned for this in case it happened so it only dumped the last 4 gallons in my ATO jug.

my ATO is from Autotopoff.com and is a single solenoid. Is there a way to add to this to make it a little safer? not sure on the wiring and stuff or what i would have to do.
Any input is appreciated.

 

Why not add additional switches rather than a solenoid valve. I use two or three float switches depending on the application. One low switch to turn it on, one a little higher to turn it off and if its a critical application a third switch as an emergency high level cut off.
One switch does not have sufficient range in most cases so turns on and off frequently and is more prone to problems.

 

i thought a switch and a solenoid are considered the same thing?
i guess what i would need to know would be how to incorporate another switch (maybe emergency shutoff) with what i already have.

 

A solenoid valve is like a lawn sprinkler valve that opens and closes via an electrical signal from a float switch. Two different things but they work together.

Here is one DIY example:
How to build your own aquarium auto top-off system

or here is a ready made example, this is what I use to control my RO/DI start and stop to my ATO reservoir
Solenoid Valve Controller by SpectraPure.

For my ATO in the sump I use the Ultra Precise Level Controller II on sale here. It uses an optical switch which has an adjustable range from 1/10" to 4" and has a float switch as an emergency backup. It also includes the same peristaltic pump as the LiterMeter so is bulletproof.
Solenoid Valve Controller by SpectraPure

 

well i didnt want to go to crazy with it since i already have a pretty decent ATO.
i was thinking about adding something like this i-float Float Switch to what i already have, but have this one shut off the aqualifter. kind of a emergency shut off, but im not sure how to wire it into what i have already.

 

This is what i have right now.

 

Dbo, don't you have a reef keeper? Can't you add a float switch to that and tell it to turn off your ato if the sump gets too high?

Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk

 

I don't have a diagram but there are plenty around. What you do is wire the two switches in series so the bottom switch closes the circuit and starts the ATO and the top switch, which would be inverted, breaks the circuit one the level rises to that point. A search should bring up the wiring.

 

Insane- i was thinking about doing that, but i would need a SL1 and it just seems like to much cash to buy one just to perfect my ATO.

AZ- ahhh i think i get what you mean, hopefully i can find some wiring diagrams.

 

Do you have your ato on a timer? this was the trick that ended any oops with my ato, even after installing a second float switch i found they were not dependable because of cycling on and off to frequent. i use a timer set to turn on 2 times a day for 15 minuets and have never had another problem.