Octo WC140 Waste Collector Float Switch
SKU: ROP-WCFLTS
- 100% Genuine OEM Factory Part: Manufactured directly by Reef Octopus as a precise physical and electrical match to replace stuck, calcified, or damaged shutoff switches.
- Corrosion-Resistant Enclosure: Molded using highly dense, saltwater-inert polymer plastics that fully resist brittle breakdown and staining from aggressive skimmer organics.
- Hermetically Sealed Magnetic Core: Uses a heavy-duty internal reed switch configuration completely isolated from liquid contact to prevent electrical short-circuits.
- Pre-Wired Connection Tail: Comes fully loaded from the factory with a specialized wiring cord designed to plug directly into your standalone Reef Octopus Delay/Shutoff Control Box.
- Broad Waste Locker Matching: Optimized explicitly as the direct drop-in replacement sensor for the Classic 6-Inch Waste Collector (OCT-WC140).
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus WC140 Waste Collector Replacement Float Switch (SKU: ROP-WC-FLTSW)
The Reef Octopus WC140 Waste Collector Replacement Float Switch (SKU: ROP-WC-FLTSW) is an authentic, structural OEM safety component distributed by CoralVue to provide uncompromised backup overflow protection for high-performance marine aquariums. Protein skimmers are highly effective at stripping organic waste out of the water column, but they are notorious for occasionally overflowing due to sudden water level changes in the sump, shifts in surface tension from medications, or heavy coral epoxies. When a skimmer overflows through its cup drain line into a remote container, that container must have a hardwired brain to stop the cycle. The ROP-WC-FLTSW acts as that exact insurance safety valve, sensing the wastewater line inside your OCTO WC140 6-Inch Waste Collector Container and shutting down power to the skimmer before a drop of nasty skimmate can escape onto your floor.
Engineered to survive the incredibly harsh, high-humidity, and concentrated chemical environments found inside a closed organic waste locker, this vertical float switch features a low-voltage reed mechanism triggered by an internal magnetic float ring. It mounts through the factory-drilled port on the container lid, positioning itself perfectly alongside the integrated backup mechanical ping-pong ball valve checker. By swapping out a faulty or mineral-bonded switch for this brand-new original factory part, you completely restore the automated fail-safe functionality of your Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer Delay Timer Box, giving you true peace of mind whenever you step away from your aquarium setup.
Key Features
Bypasses Disastrous Skimmate Floods: Communicates instantly with your central delay timer module to instantly freeze pump operation when the 145-ounce collection ceiling is breached.
Inert Multi-Year Material Formulation: Resists oil accumulation, protein slime buildup, and heavy salt-crusting to prevent the floating magnetic ring from jamming over time.
Tool-Free Modular Installation: Pushes directly up through the integrated lid collar port and locks cleanly into position with the pre-threaded plastic retention hardware.
(Note: This retail SKU contains (1) individual pre-wired float switch assembly with matching plastic retaining nuts. Acrylic waste collector canisters, carbon filter caps, flexible 15/32" drain tubing, and central Delay Timer outlet boxes are sold under separate product categories).
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Octopus Replacement WC140 Vertical Float Switch Assembly with Pre-Wired Signal Cord
(1) Chemical-Inert Plastic Threaded Mounting Nut Set
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: Reef Octopus Float Switch for WC140 Waste Collector
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: ROP-WC-FLTSW
Switch Execution Orientation: Vertical Double-Drop Reed Circuit (Normally Closed when Down)
Structural Casing Material Base: Saltwater-Safe Hardened High-Impact Injection ABS Plastic
Terminal Wiring Extension: Integrated Insulated Signal Line Lead (Connects directly to Octo Control Box)
Canister Unit Compatibility: Form-Fitted strictly for the Reef Octopus 6-Inch Waste Collector (OCT-WC140)
Warranty
CoralVue, Inc. hereby guarantees this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- 1 Year
Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
- Unplug your protein skimmer pump and the Reef Octopus Delay Timer control box from your home wall outlet.
- Disconnect the old float switch wire line from the receiving socket on your yellow/black delay timer control box.
- Unthread the clear top lid of your OCT-WC140 waste collector and flip it upside down. Unthread the plastic retention nut holding the old, broken float switch to the lid flange and slide the spent switch body out.
- Take your fresh ROP-WC-FLTSW replacement switch and feed the wire lead up through the bottom of the designated mounting hole on the collector lid.
- Thread the included plastic retaining nut onto the top exposed threads on the upper side of the lid. Tighten it by hand until the switch base is firmly locked and vertically aligned against the lid face. Do not overtighten with tools.
- Thread your lid back onto the 6-inch canister cylinder, plug the switch cord jack firmly back into your delay control box, plug the box back into the wall, and test the float by flipping it up manually to ensure your skimmer instantly cuts power.
Pro Tips:
- Routinely Soak the Float Ring in Warm Vinegar to Prevent Calcium Jamming. Because this float switch is continuously exposed to highly concentrated, sticky fish organics, protein sludge, and evaporating salt mist inside the waste canister, a thick layer of organic grime and calcium scale will slowly coat the vertical tracking shaft over time. If left unmanaged, this sludge will act like glue, freezing the floating magnetic ring in the "down" position. If your skimmer goes crazy while the float is stuck down, the safety switch won't trip, causing water to burst out onto your floor. Every 2 to 3 months, spray the switch down with warm white vinegar and move the ring up and down by hand to ensure it glides completely free.
- Never Alter or Splice the Signal Wires Directly to High-Voltage Home Outlets. This genuine replacement part is an engineering control loop component designed strictly to carry a low-voltage, low-current micro-signal to an isolated relay motherboard (like the Reef Octopus Delay Timer box or an aquarium controller breakout block). You must never cut, splice, or wire this float switch directly into a standard 120V household power wire to control a pump on its own. Exceeding its micro-amperage threshold will instantly melt the internal reed contact wire shut, permanently frying the switch, shorting your outlet, and voiding your factory warranty.
- Verify the Floating Magnetic Ring is Oriented Correctly After Cleaning. If you ever pull the tiny plastic retention E-clip off the bottom of the switch shaft to slide the floating donut ring off for a deep descaling scrub, pay close attention to which side faces up. The floating donut ring contains a hidden internal directional magnet that interfaces with the reed node inside the central plastic tube. If you slide the ring back onto the shaft upside down, the switch logic will reverse—meaning it will think the container is empty when it’s full, or vice versa, causing your skimmer pump to stay turned off indefinitely. Always trace your wiring logic checks before walking away from the system.