Is anyone using the RKL with the float switches? Pros cons of use?

interested as well

gonna follow along

I am using the RKL with an SL2 module and their float switches. If you've already got a module you can hook it up to it's super cheap and there are endless ways to use it in your system.

Feel free to PM if you have any specific questions...

Do you have to have a module to hook up a float switch or can you do it with just the rkl?

You need a module such as the SL-1, SL-2 or SW-5.

Hi,
are you using just one or two float switches and are they on the same mount?
Thanks,
Rick

I am using 2 of the DA float switches with the RKL. One float triggers the ATO (via switch function, which I have setup to run the ATO pump for a timer duration; prevents frequent on/off cycling), and the second switch is just a high level switch, which will turn off the ATO pump if triggered.

I am using a BRS ATO peristalic pump for top off.

Been working without any problems since I purchased (maybe 2-3 months ago).

It is on a Solana 34G.

Bryan

Bryan,
are they both on the same bracket 1) normal and the other upside down.
I have the bracket with 1) switch and don't know how to set it up with my rkl so i'm just plugging in the pumps socket when I need top off, scared its going to keep on running and overflow...

No, I have them on separate brackets.

2 float switches definitely helps me sleep a little better at night.

Others might have some ideas to limit risk with only one float.

A couple of my ideas:
- use an ATO reservoir with a limited capacity. For example, my ATO container is a 1 gallon jug. So, even in worst case, I will only pump 1 gallon of ATO into the tank (34 G Solana).
- you could set a timer for ATO, and then use the float you have as a high level float. However, this requires more checking to maintain a constant level. So, for example, if the evaporation is fairly repeatable, and your ATO pump is repeatable, you could run your ATO for a period which should closely match your predicted evaporation. Then, setup an alarm for your float. So, if it pumps too much, it will shut down the pump.
- or, use a similar timer to above, but just use the float to shut off the pump. So, if you think it will take 30 seconds of ATO pumping every 12 hours, you could set it to run 35 seconds every 12 hours, and then use the float to shut it off when it triggers. So, even if the float fails, you will only be pumping slightly more than is required.

Or, spring for the extra money, and buy the second float (recommended).

With all that said, no matter how many floats or fail safes you have, there are still probably failure modes that are possible. For example, in my setup, if my lower float were to stick in the up position, it would think that the level was okay, and not pump, which would result in no ATO being added, even if it totally ran out of water in the return section.

It would likely be cost prohibitive to eliminate all potential failure mechanisms.

Just my opinion / thoughts.

Oh, also, one's comfort with ATO probably has a lot to do with what's at risk... ie, what gets ruined if it fails... my tank is in my basement, so, it would be a mess if my tank overflows, but not anywhere near the expense as having the tank on an upper floor.

Bryan