Electrical: delay ON timer

[Mrramsey]

The issue: after a power outage and my system restarts my skimmer overfills. I didn't anticipate this happening.

The solution: I do not own a reef controller nor do I want to drop the money on one. I need a delay start timer and I think I found the component. I built my own power center for the tank and can wier this into the specific outlet for the skimmer. The unit timer is rated for 18-240v 1.5a 15a surge. My skimmer is only .5a so I believe this will work but need some confirmation.

Here is the component- http://www.icmcontrols.com/DelayonM...-wire-leads-universal-18240-VAC-Prodview.html

http://www.icmcontrols.com/ProdImages/ICM102F_zm.jpg

 

[Mrramsey]

The idea is to delay the start of the skimmer for 5 minutes so that the sump has time to equalize back to the original operation levels.

 

[Pife]

Idk if it will delay when the power goes out. I can not find what triggers the timer to start.

 

[Mrramsey]

Idk if it will delay when the power goes out. I can not find what triggers the timer to start.

The timer is triggered when the power is applied to it. This is an ON Make timer used specifically for offsetting start up delays on hi draw motors. They are common in HVAC systems delaying the blower motor or compressor motors so that everything is not starting at once.

I actually found another thread from a local reefer here that used a similar module.

 

[sleepydoc]

Coralvue actually sells them as well (http://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-auto-time-delay) more expensive, but pre-wired and ready to go. Haven't seen any others that are already set up.

 

[Mrramsey]

Coralvue actually sells them as well (http://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-auto-time-delay) more expensive, but pre-wired and ready to go. Haven't seen any others that are already set up.

I saw those and the only other option I saw was for grow lighting. I ordered the ICM delay timer for $13 shipped since my control panel is DIY it will go inside of the case. I am surprised that there are not many other options out there except for a controller.

 

[Webmanny]

Mike,

This is a really good idea. I use a similar module for my LED reef lights with a built in dimmer. The goal is to turn on the lights over a period of 15 minutes and turn them off in the same way.

I know that I could have solved this with an APEX controller, but I just can't talk myself into spending that kind of money when I can do the same things with DIY modules like this for a fraction of the price.

Good luck man!!!

 

[Mrramsey]

Mike,

This is a really good idea. I use a similar module for my LED reef lights with a built in dimmer. The goal is to turn on the lights over a period of 15 minutes and turn them off in the same way.

I know that I could have solved this with an APEX controller, but I just can't talk myself into spending that kind of money when I can do the same things with DIY modules like this for a fraction of the price.

Good luck man!!!

Thanks Webmanny! It should work great. I agree I just don't want to spend the dough for a controller when my lights already have a built in programmable control, my ato only requires that I manually open a valve to fill the reservoir, my heaters are on an stc1000 controller, etc. Apex and RK controllers do some really cool things no question about it. I am going to be building a diy monitoring system next for $100ish bucks. It will allow me to push text notifications and web based info for stats on my tank.

I plan to have it monitor 4 water levels, temp, and sense my lighting to start. I hope to expand it to pH and salinity.

 

[Mrramsey]

Update:

Just installed the on make delay timer and it works great! My protein skimmer now starts 2 minutes after a power outage or when I manually turn it on. I left it mounted externally for easy adjustments if required.

Total cost $13 and 10 minutes.

 

[d0ughb0y]

sorry this post does not add to the delay ON thread, but I would just like to suggest an alternative.

I understand the problem of overflowing skimmer when powered on. I had this problem when I first started reefing, until I realized I configured my sump incorrectly.
I've always wondered what that "water level" sticker arrow in Eshopps sump is for, and then realized it is where the water level should be so the skimmer section water level remains the same when return pump is turned off.
If you configure you sump such that when return pump is turned off, water will fill up only the return section of your sump, and the skimmer section level remains the same (this will be the baffle from skimmer to return section level), then the skimmer can stay on 24x7 and will not overflow. I don't even turn the skimmer off anymore with this configuration when I turn off the return pump to feed the fish.

 

[Mrramsey]

sorry this post does not add to the delay ON thread, but I would just like to suggest an alternative.

I understand the problem of overflowing skimmer when powered on. I had this problem when I first started reefing, until I realized I configured my sump incorrectly.
I've always wondered what that "water level" sticker arrow in Eshopps sump is for, and then realized it is where the water level should be so the skimmer section water level remains the same when return pump is turned off.
If you configure you sump such that when return pump is turned off, water will fill up only the return section of your sump, and the skimmer section level remains the same (this will be the baffle from skimmer to return section level), then the skimmer can stay on 24x7 and will not overflow. I don't even turn the skimmer off anymore with this configuration when I turn off the return pump to feed the fish.

I see what you are saying but I don't see how one can make that work especially with an internal return pump. I also have about 6 gallons of drain back into the sump.