Float switch/Sensor for Skimmer

[The_Lazy_Reefer]

Hey so with the success of my co2 scrubber I’m trying to find ways to make it last longer and connecting the intake to the skimmer cup lid seems to be the best approach. If the skimmer overflows though it’s tank crash city so I have the line ran outside to help out for now. Question is what’s the best/cheapest/easiest way to install a shut off for my skimmer if the collection cup fills up too much. I have an apex and I’m hoping I don’t need to buy the whole FFM module to connect a tiny magnetic sensor.

 

[RandyC]

If you have the space for it on the lid and in the cup, use a float switch and an Apex I/O breakout box.

Anndason 6 Pieces Plastic PP Float Switch Fish Tank Liquid Water Level Sensor,Model: DP3500 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211T6Y6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_e.IWDbAP8GB8K

 

[The_Lazy_Reefer]

If you have the space for it on the lid and in the cup, use a float switch and an Apex I/O breakout box.

Anndason 6 Pieces Plastic PP Float Switch Fish Tank Liquid Water Level Sensor,Model: DP3500 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211T6Y6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_e.IWDbAP8GB8K

Sweet didn’t know about the breakout box. Do the ends of the float switch connect directly to that box or is anything else needed to set it up

 

[RandyC]

Sweet didn’t know about the breakout box. Do the ends of the float switch connect directly to that box or is anything else needed to set it up

Yeah, they just plug right into the breakout box. The wires are usually pretty short on the float switch so you may need some extra wire, but that’s it. You might also want to consider the avast marine breakout box instead of the apex one.

The apex one has a shared common and if you plug in six I/O devices, it can be kind of a pain. The Avast marine one has six separate ones plus spring loaded connectors versus screws.

Break out Box for Neptune Controllers

This robust terminal box allows up to six digital devices to be easily connected to the I/O port of the Neptune Apex aquarium controller. Unlike similar input boxes from Neptune, ours features heavy duty spring terminals, with a separate common terminal for each input. This is very important...

www.avastmarine.com

 

[sfsuphysics]

If you don't have an Apex (or a Breakout Box) here's an interesting solution, can't speak from experience on how well it works.

Smart Skimmer Security

Simple Security for your Protein Skimmer! Keep your skimmer from overflowing with the AutoAqua Smart Skimmer Security sensor and outlet. The easy to clean optical sensor will magnetically couple to any skimmer collection cup (up to 1/4" thick), and when the cup gets full it will shut down your...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Some caveats about this, is once it trips you have to reset it manually, it's not an off/on thing like a ATO switch. And there's an audible alarm when it goes off (not sure how loud/annoying it is) which all things considered might be something you'd want. Not something I would use to let you know when to empty the skimmer, maybe for a skimmer collection container full level, but for just shutting things off in the case of overflow it'll do the job. $60 online.

 

[Coral reefer]

Reef octopus has one as well I believe for non apex people.

 

[ashburn2k]

If you don't have an Apex (or a Breakout Box) here's an interesting solution, can't speak from experience on how well it works.

Smart Skimmer Security

Simple Security for your Protein Skimmer! Keep your skimmer from overflowing with the AutoAqua Smart Skimmer Security sensor and outlet. The easy to clean optical sensor will magnetically couple to any skimmer collection cup (up to 1/4" thick), and when the cup gets full it will shut down your...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Some caveats about this, is once it trips you have to reset it manually, it's not an off/on thing like a ATO switch. And there's an audible alarm when it goes off (not sure how loud/annoying it is) which all things considered might be something you'd want. Not something I would use to let you know when to empty the skimmer, maybe for a skimmer collection container full level, but for just shutting things off in the case of overflow it'll do the job. $60 online.

I had one and it’s terrible, optical sensor is shit. Goes off for no reason, and won’t turn off once it’s filled.


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[Oakland Evan]

I have an extra Neptune breakout box with float switch that I'm not going to use. You can have it if you want for free, payback for letting me use the generator.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Reef octopus has one as well I believe for non apex people.

Yup, theirs is integrated into the skimmer pumps controller so it can be directly throttled. Nice idea, however it is limited to that model of pump they use.

 

[The_Lazy_Reefer]

I have an extra Neptune breakout box with float switch that I'm not going to use. You can have it if you want for free, payback for letting me use the generator.

Awesome! I’ll text ya and see when I can swing by. Still gotta have that reefing “session”

 

[MarAquatic]

Reviving ...so after the bob is connected to apex and sensor is also. What code is needed for it to function as it should?

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