Project1: Auto-shutoff for skimmer
Project1: Auto-shutoff for skimmer
Over the past few years I have had a number of times when my skimmer decided to go crazy and overflow all over my floors. A few months back it happened again and that was the last straw. Here is a recap of the mishap:
So I finally got smart and purchased a few float level sensors to hook up to my Profilux. I figure I spent a few thousand on the thing so I might as well take advantage of all the features. The nice thing about the Profilux is that it can support multiple float level sensors. I installed two different kinds of sensors in the sump to control the water level. They will shut off my topoff and trigger an alarm and notification. This is pretty standard stuff so I didn't bother shooting photos.
What I am more excited about is the auto-shutoff for the skimmer. This has been the cause of many a sleepless night for me and I am glad I found the solution! Basically I fabricated a bracket which will hold a float level sensor inside the skimmate collection container. When the skimmate level gets too high, the sensor trips and the Profilix shuts power to the skimmer preventing a major mess.
Here are some shots I took.
Skimmate collection container modified with float level sensor:
You will notice that I cut the 9' cord for the float level sensor short and spliced the male cat6 plug on the end. I purchased a cat6 (male to female) extension cable from Fry's which is what runs from the Profilux down to the container. having the ability to disconnect at the collection container makes emptying much quicker. It also prevents ware and tare on the Profilux as I am not constantly unplugging and plugging the cable into the unit.
Here is a shot showing the modified lid next to an unmodified one. As a side note it took MarineDepot 3 tries to get me a skimmate collection container undamaged. Spare parts!
A little closer....
Real close... Here you can see how I did it. I purchased an acrylic cube from Tap plastic and tapped out some threads to insert plastic screws. Got rid of the ping pong ball (which doesnt work anyway). Works pretty well!