bluetang_2000
Member
Anyone done this to the skimmer cup so that when the cup overflow, the aquacontroller would turn off the skimmer pump? Pic would be appreciated. Thanks
Adding float switch to Skimmer cup?
- Thread starter bluetang_2000
- Start date
DeathWish302
Clown Hoarder
I tried it with my existing ATO components and ran it directly to the pump. It worked, but I felt the cost was outweighed by the fact it will 'stop' skimming when the cup is full as-is. If you have a drain line to say a 5gal bucket, that's when this could be handy. No aquacontroller experience though....
THE ROOK
New member
Seems that a single float ato would work nicely. Just drill a hole in the lid, install float, flip float to change direction & add a connector to the float wiring so lid may be removed. Then simply plug the skimmer into the ato.
Autotopoff or aquahub would work well for this. Could diy it & save $10-$20 possibly.
Autotopoff or aquahub would work well for this. Could diy it & save $10-$20 possibly.
DeathWish302
Clown Hoarder
I would advise against this if your running an recirculating skimmer and especially the QO/Sicce line of pumps. You will trash the impellor if it doesn't pull air for a week while your away. Just a heads up on this specific case, as I'm sure everyone has their expereince.
Just My $0.02...
uncleof6
Active member
For a skimmer to work efficiently, it must be cleaned no less than every other day. Allowing to the cup to fill to the point that it may overflow is a poor maintenance practice to begin with. Adding a float switch to turn it off is pointless. A far better "mod" would be to add a hole in the bottom of the cup, and run tubing to a remote collection point. But even this encourages poor maintenance practices. I hear people trying to increase the efficiency of the skimmer a thousand times over, yet they are neglecting this most basic concept. With skimmer efficiency, this is the second biggest reason for a lack thereof. The first is an improperly sized skimmer to begin with.
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
DeathWish302
Clown Hoarder
Where did he state he wanted to go 3 weeks w/o cleaning the skimmer?
Not possible in every instance if you travel alot as I do.
Agreed!
Why the attack on maintenance practices? He asked a simple question on hooking up a float switch to a controller???
bluetang_2000
Member
thank to all for the suggestion. I didn't plan to add the float sw as a way to minimize maintenance, but as a safety feature that in case the skimmer skimmed very wet and filled up the cup too quickly, and an alarm can be sent to me by the controller.
Reefbox
New member
These ATB skimmers have float switches in the collection cup.
http://glassbox-design.com/2009/new-atb-space-saver-edition-fits-in-tight-quarter/
http://glassbox-design.com/2009/new-atb-space-saver-edition-fits-in-tight-quarter/
uncleof6
Active member
Because I usually will try to apply a concept or principle behind my objection to any particular method or practice. That principle may or may not apply in all situations. And i will generally give an alternative, unless the idea totally lacks any thought or logic. There is thought and logic behind this idea, as you have pointed out, but there is the downside that is applicable also. The next objection after the one I made, would be relying on a mechanical/electrical device that can and does fail. At least you saw it for what it was, an "attack" on a practice, rather than an individual and his idea.
Best Regards,
Jim
bluetang_2000
Member
no hard feeling, uncleof6. Should have been more clear of my intent in the original post. But thanks for the concept behind it.
bluetang_2000
Member
the skimmer collection cup for my MSX200 already has hole drilled for remote collection. So the main concern here that I am try to address is quick overflow.
driftin
New member
I can see where the OP is coming from though - I epoxied a frag in place, which triggered a crazy reaction in my skimmer - filled my 1-gallon collection bucket in about 30 minutes. I happened to have my stand doors open and saw it, but if I hadn't... a float switch for an alarm is nice peace of mind.
DeathWish302
Clown Hoarder
uncleof6 - No hard feelings if I came off a bit edgy. I just remember a thread awhile back about those that do water changes by wet skimming. A float valve would work in this application perfect for an exact pull every time. I just had a one-track mind on this type of system and know you have very logical points.
Sounds as though Bluetang you have it all figured out.
Cheers!
:rollface:
Sounds as though Bluetang you have it all figured out.
Cheers!
:rollface:
bluetang_2000
Member
now have to figure out how to drill a hole in the lid and install the float switch. Anyone have a pic of similar setup?
boatbuilder
New member
look up e-bay item# 290295712153
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...7.l1313&satitle=290295712153&category0=&fvi=1
I purchased one of these for the same reason (wet skimming over flowing collection bucket.......making auto top off run overtime lowering salinity) hooked up to an Iwaki MD70 works fann friggin tastic! and for only $6.00 INCLUDING shipping you can't go wrong. Very simple to install and wire. Rated for 10 amps. So unless you are running over 1/4hp pump it will work.
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...7.l1313&satitle=290295712153&category0=&fvi=1
I purchased one of these for the same reason (wet skimming over flowing collection bucket.......making auto top off run overtime lowering salinity) hooked up to an Iwaki MD70 works fann friggin tastic! and for only $6.00 INCLUDING shipping you can't go wrong. Very simple to install and wire. Rated for 10 amps. So unless you are running over 1/4hp pump it will work.
