JBJ ATO float replacement questions

EDJFA · 06/07/2018, 03:45 PM

The floats switches on my JBJ Auto Top Off have stopped working. I can call JBJ and get replacements, but I have no idea how much they're going to be. But I know they'd send me the right parts.

I can get five switches on Amazon for under $10 with free shipping. I can also order them from Bulk Reef Supply or some other similar place for about $10 each plus shipping.

Any reason the cheap ones from Amazon won't work?

The JBJ supplied floats are wired with RJ22 type connectors that plug into the JBJ head unit. I can get those type of connectors from Amazon for cheap as well. I would assume it's just a simple crimp style connector. If I'm wrong, let me know.

Any thoughts on which direction to go?

babybull · 06/08/2018, 03:35 AM

BRS has free shipping option. I always use it and get my delivery within a week.

Pife · 06/08/2018, 04:42 AM

https://premiumaquatics.com/products...RoCYAgQAvD_BwE

15 bucks. I'd buy the direct replacement.

EDJFA · 06/08/2018, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pife

https://premiumaquatics.com/products...RoCYAgQAvD_BwE

15 bucks. I'd buy the direct replacement.

Perfect. Thanks.

mpgrant77 · 06/08/2018, 08:34 AM

Technically you can do what you are asking. It is just a simple current loop through the switch. The float either opens the circuit (called normally closed) when it makes contact or closes the circuit (called normally open). The important part is purchasing the correct switch normally open or normally closed. Having said that I would buy direct replacements if you want to continue to use the JBJ setup. If you have an apex controller you can remove the JBJ auto top off and and use the apex to do the same thing. You use the I/O ports to wire the switches and run an ATO pump off one of the controlled outlets, that's the way I run it. That way I can use the float switches to add additional safety logic to protect things like running the return pump dry or notification if the sump goes full (like a failed return pump). This gives you more options and better utilizes the apex.

EDJFA · 06/08/2018, 12:33 PM

I don't have an Apex yet. Trying to keep things as simple for myself as possible. I don't have wifi at the office, so a lot of the warning type features would be useless for me. I may add one at some point, but for now it's just a system of totally separate equipment.

Pife · 06/08/2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDJFA

I don't have an Apex yet. Trying to keep things as simple for myself as possible. I don't have wifi at the office, so a lot of the warning type features would be useless for me. I may add one at some point, but for now it's just a system of totally separate equipment.

I have nothing in wifi for my apex. It is not needed at all.

06/07/2018, 03:45 PM	#1
EDJFA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 1,025	JBJ ATO float replacement questions The floats switches on my JBJ Auto Top Off have stopped working. I can call JBJ and get replacements, but I have no idea how much they're going to be. But I know they'd send me the right parts. I can get five switches on Amazon for under $10 with free shipping. I can also order them from Bulk Reef Supply or some other similar place for about $10 each plus shipping. Any reason the cheap ones from Amazon won't work? The JBJ supplied floats are wired with RJ22 type connectors that plug into the JBJ head unit. I can get those type of connectors from Amazon for cheap as well. I would assume it's just a simple crimp style connector. If I'm wrong, let me know. Any thoughts on which direction to go? __________________ Current Tank: 210g mixed reef. 75g sump AquaMaxx ConeS skimmer, Jebao DCS9000 return pump, ATO, Reefbreeders Photon 48 on a custom lighting schedule

06/08/2018, 03:35 AM	#2
babybull Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dardenne Prairie, Mo Posts: 671	BRS has free shipping option. I always use it and get my delivery within a week. __________________ HURRY UP AND WAIT Current Tank Info: 50g cube, Oceanrevive T247, Eshopps sump and skimmer, Mag 7, Tunze ATO

06/08/2018, 04:42 AM	#3
Pife Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 7,408	https://premiumaquatics.com/products...RoCYAgQAvD_BwE 15 bucks. I'd buy the direct replacement. __________________ Brandon I'm not saying let's get rid of all the stupid people.* I'm just saying let's remove all the warning labels and let the problem work itself out. Current Tank Info: 150g DT plumbed to an 80g frag tank and 220g sump in the basement. ~6-MP40s ~ 12 ATI powered t5s ~ Reefbrites and Radions supplementing ~ Custom GEO Skimmer ~ GEO CA Reactor 6x24~ Iwaki 70 Return ~

06/08/2018, 08:34 AM	#5
mpgrant77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Saint Louis Posts: 716	Technically you can do what you are asking. It is just a simple current loop through the switch. The float either opens the circuit (called normally closed) when it makes contact or closes the circuit (called normally open). The important part is purchasing the correct switch normally open or normally closed. Having said that I would buy direct replacements if you want to continue to use the JBJ setup. If you have an apex controller you can remove the JBJ auto top off and and use the apex to do the same thing. You use the I/O ports to wire the switches and run an ATO pump off one of the controlled outlets, that's the way I run it. That way I can use the float switches to add additional safety logic to protect things like running the return pump dry or notification if the sump goes full (like a failed return pump). This gives you more options and better utilizes the apex. __________________ They say you are what you eat but I don't remember eating a legend. Current Tank Info: 120gal mix reef

06/08/2018, 12:33 PM	#6
EDJFA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 1,025	I don't have an Apex yet. Trying to keep things as simple for myself as possible. I don't have wifi at the office, so a lot of the warning type features would be useless for me. I may add one at some point, but for now it's just a system of totally separate equipment. __________________ Current Tank: 210g mixed reef. 75g sump AquaMaxx ConeS skimmer, Jebao DCS9000 return pump, ATO, Reefbreeders Photon 48 on a custom lighting schedule