Preventing your skimmer from overflowing

BighohoReef · Apr 22, 2020

I've been reading the reviews online wondering if anyone uses any of the AutoAqua security monitors. I've heard enough horror stories about skimmers overflowing. Let me know your thoughts! Thank you

Ron Reefman · Apr 23, 2020

I don't use that particular unit, but my skimmer did come with a float switch to prevent overflows and it's come in quite handy more than a time or two.

Good luck.

ScottB · Apr 23, 2020

I use that unit in both my skimmers. I run a recirculating CO2 scrubber in/out of my skimmer, so it is a "must have" IMO.

It shuts down a little more often than it needs to (false positive) but it always shuts it off when the cup gets too full.

It gives an audible alarm once shut. When you cycle the unit back on (via APEX for me) it delays for a few minutes, then gives 5 beeps and restarts.

BighohoReef · Apr 23, 2020

ScottB said:
I use that unit in both my skimmers. I run a recirculating CO2 scrubber in/out of my skimmer, so it is a "must have" IMO.

It shuts down a little more often than it needs to (false positive) but it always shuts it off when the cup gets too full.

It gives an audible alarm once shut. When you cycle the unit back on (via APEX for me) it delays for a few minutes, then gives 5 beeps and restarts.

Thank you! I was curious if you could get it to work with the apex. At the end of the day I suppose it’s just a plug. It’s good know folks are using it. No I just need to find one to purchase

ScottB · Apr 23, 2020

BighohoReef said:
Thank you! I was curious if you could get it to work with the apex. At the end of the day I suppose it’s just a plug. It’s good know folks are using it. No I just need to find one to purchase

Mine is on an APEX outlet, but I have not programmed the APEX to alert me when the wattage drops.

It works, but as I said, you may get 1 or 2 false positives a month if your skimmate is thick and dark.

ca1ore · Apr 23, 2020

i have not found optical sensors to work particularly well in grimy conditions. If you have an apex, i much prefer this …..

Custom Pressure Switch Builder

This is the pressure switch portion of our Legacy ATO, new Parrot ATO & Davy Jones' Skimmate Locker products. Includes the switch box with along with the pressure sensor tube(s) and tubing. We have seen a lot of creative uses for these over the years, from water storage tanks to overflow...

avastmarine.com

minus9 · Apr 23, 2020

I use two float switches, one in the collection container to stop the skimmer when it gets full and another float switch in the sump, which turns off the skimmer when the water level is too high preventing it from overflowing. Apex breakout box is a must if you have an apex.

New&no clue · Apr 23, 2020

Wait, What!?!? You can I use that to prevent the skimmer from over flowing? So do you put the sensor in the cup and when it reaches a certain level it shuts off? how do you attach it?

minus9 · Apr 23, 2020

New&no clue said:
Wait, What!?!? You can I use that to prevent the skimmer from over flowing? So do you put the sensor in the cup and when it reaches a certain level it shuts off? how do you attach it?

I found some cheap magnetic float switch holders on eBay.

minus9 · Apr 23, 2020

DIY skimmate locker

BighohoReef · Apr 23, 2020

minus9 said:
DIY skimmate locker

I might give this a try, tho it seems a bit more in the cost department part of me thinks this is a good option in the long run. Do you by chance still have the magnetic float switch eBay record saved? Would love to know parts used

minus9 · Apr 23, 2020

I don't think I kept it? I think there are a few out there that are better than what I have. This one is on its last leg and It wasn't/isn't well made, so the magnet started to rust and it's only holding on with one magnet now (had two small magnets). I bought two and this is the last one, so I'll be on the hunt for a replacement soon.

minus9 · Apr 23, 2020

Found this on eBay. 3D printed holder

BighohoReef · Apr 23, 2020

I've been watching enough videos of people forgetting to check their sumps that I definitely want to come up with some type of shutoff early warning system. I'm all about the DIY but I also know that time is money... sooo torn on what to do. I appreciate you all chiming in though. I will post when I make up my mind and draft a solution. Keep the comments coming!

slojim · Apr 23, 2020

sooooo....my skimmer overflows to a pitcher. (a decades old New Braunfel's WurstFest pitcher, for anyone who's spent time in central Tx). At first, if I was leaving for a few days, I'd either set the pitcher in my sump so if it overflowed, it stayed contained, or just closed the drain and let it collect until the cup was full then overflow into the sump. Then one day while cleaning my tank, I had the skimmer take off and start skimming hard. After I cleaned up the mess, I looked closer at my pitcher.
The handle is attached below the top, and the molded handle has a built in channel for stiffness. No one wants to drop a half gallon of beer chicken dancing and wait in line again. So I drilled a hole just above the handle and now I hang the pitcher on the wall of the sump. If the pitcher fills, it will overflow to the sump. The only risk if if the handle weakens and breaks. I have tested it and it is fine, but I'll eventually build a stand.

practically free and no electronics or moving parts to fail. I'm pretty happy with it.

zoomonster · Apr 23, 2020

I've thought about a switch but never made the plunge. Skeptical that it would work well on my reef octopus 3000int because while it produces liquid it also produces mass quantities of sludge that end up not only in cup and neck but the lid also.

BighohoReef · Apr 23, 2020

slojim said:
sooooo....my skimmer overflows to a pitcher. (a decades old New Braunfel's WurstFest pitcher, for anyone who's spent time in central Tx). At first, if I was leaving for a few days, I'd either set the pitcher in my sump so if it overflowed, it stayed contained, or just closed the drain and let it collect until the cup was full then overflow into the sump. Then one day while cleaning my tank, I had the skimmer take off and start skimming hard. After I cleaned up the mess, I looked closer at my pitcher.
The handle is attached below the top, and the molded handle has a built in channel for stiffness. No one wants to drop a half gallon of beer chicken dancing and wait in line again. So I drilled a hole just above the handle and now I hang the pitcher on the wall of the sump. If the pitcher fills, it will overflow to the sump. The only risk if if the handle weakens and breaks. I have tested it and it is fine, but I'll eventually build a stand.

practically free and no electronics or moving parts to fail. I'm pretty happy with it.

Do you have a picture? Almost free in this hobby is a God send