Automatic cutoff

[Bryan Acred]

Hey Folks,

Does anyone know if there are some plans/designs for a cutoff in case of low level of water in your FT?

The wind blew the plastic into my pipes and the pipe came off the GB and pumped all my water out. This is the second time this has happened, so I glued my pipes this time. However, I would like to know if anyone has installed a cutoff in case of low water level and how they did it.

Thanks for any help,

Bryan

[Jon Parr]

Yep, I've got a switch like Jim's too, though an SLO in the FT is the way to go for a number of reasons. I'll never build another system without an SLO in the FT. (oh, and never say never...)

[Jim Fisk]

I use a form of SLO and a skimmer so as to handle both types of solids just like in a septic tank: floaters and sinkers. But I keep the pump in the clear water sump where nothing can interfere with float switch or pump. I also have an overflow from the sump in case I am topping off the sump and get that inevitable service call. Can't beat those safety measures that are based upon experience. What's the fun in learning the easy way Over rated.

Jon Parr said:

Yep, I've got a switch like Jim's too, though an SLO in the FT is the way to go for a number of reasons. I'll never build another system without an SLO in the FT. (oh, and never say never...)

[Bryan Acred]

Can you share some pics of your setup ?

[Jim Fisk]

Hi Bryan,

Not sure whom you are referring to but I have lots of pics at my page if you mean me (and I just uploaded a few more as post pics don't go to one's home page apparently. Silly me) so just click on the cabbage (my avatar) and if you need more let me know. I have lots and my family size ibc system plans pdf is up to 105 pages and still not nearly completed. I am afraid that the devil is in the details and there are so many I fear I will never finish.

If you meant Jon: never mind

[Bryan Acred]

Yeah, thanks! I just would like to see this SLO hookup so I can visualize how it is in the system. Thank you.

[Vlad Jovanovic]

http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/photo/chift-pist?context=al...

Bryan Acred said:

Yeah, thanks! I just would like to see this SLO hookup so I can visualize how it is in the system. Thank you.

[Jon Parr]

[Jon Parr]

Hmm. I'm getting pretty good at this Sketchup program. That was all of 5 minutes, however drawing a screen at the bottom would have taken another hour...

[Jim Fisk]

I do basically the same thing with a couple of mods worth mentioning.

I run down the side as it tends to be stronger. I then go across to the center of the tank and I tie the air stone on top to draw the waste towards the pick up tube and I cut slots in the pu tube bottom about 1/4" wide beneath the air stone. Next I cut a slot in the T about 1/4" wide which acts as a skimmer just like in a swimming pool. Here are some pics. NOTE: I no longer place the 3 luffas at the T as they hide dead fish and that is a big no no.

Also I use a threaded 1 1/4" T (slip top and bottom and threaded to go out of the tank) and I use an ELECTRICAL TA (threaded adapter) as it screws in all the way. No tapered thread like plumbing. And now I will post the photos AGAIN as they just disappeared on me

Outflow is to the left here and all is 1 1/4" S&D pipe for max flow.

[Mike]

Jim,

I love this setup for your SLO but have 1 question.. What is the advantage of the cut in the tee for a "skimmer"?  I am setting up my system and want to build something similar to your SLO but on a slightly smaller scale and trying to avoid that cut if I can (I like my fingers too much!!)  What would the downside of not cutting this slot into the tee be?

Thanks!!

Mike