APEX READY Protein Skimmers with Float Switch....Suggestions

[jphilip813]

I am looking to upgrade my current SKIMZ 161 Protein Skimmer (Had it since 2014)...It works okay; however the issue is, the collection cup overflow at times and if I am not pay attention, then it will just overflow...I am basically looking for a few suggestions of Protein Skimmers with a float switch and are HOPEFULLY Apex Ready...

 

[Dine]

I am looking to upgrade my current SKIMZ 161 Protein Skimmer (Had it since 2014)...It works okay; however the issue is, the collection cup overflow at times and if I am not pay attention, then it will just overflow...I am basically looking for a few suggestions of Protein Skimmers with a float switch and are HOPEFULLY Apex Ready...

You could easily add a breakout box, tap a small hole, insert a float valve and keep your already broken in skimmer?

 

[Thales]

Have you considered putting a drain on the skimmer cup or adding a level sensor to the cup?

 

[Scurvy]

The Reef Octopus that have a VarioS pump would be Apex ready.

depending on what size you need BRS had a couple different ones on their open box sale page Yesterday.

 

[jphilip813]

You could easily add a breakout box, tap a small hole, insert a float valve and keep your already broken in skimmer?

Hi, thanks for your response; How do I do that or can you point me to some examples....

 

[jphilip813]

Have you considered putting a drain on the skimmer cup or adding a level sensor to the cup?

I have thought of that, however...I am not sure where I would find or how to even start something like that

 

[Dine]

Hi, thanks for your response; How do I do that or can you point me to some examples....

so let me get the intention clear. you want to be able to shut the skimmer pump off in the event the lvl in the cup rises to overflow levels right?

if so add a breakout box to the apex. drill a small hole (per your desired float switchs instructions) and install it into the cup. at that point you can attach the switch to the breakout. then simply program something like "when float switch is on (outlet to) skimmer pump off and send me a push notification".

depending on the type of switch you might could avoid the hole however i find the most reliable types of switches are going to require the hole

 

[SashaM24]

I have a Reef Octopus 200SSS with float switch that I love. With that being said, you can easily modify what you have with float switched tied directly to a break out box.

 

[Williamson’s Reef]

You could also add a davey Jones skimmate locker and hook up to apex to shut off skimmer when full. Make sure to order the one with apex connection. I had that setup and it was fine. But I bought a Reel octopus Regal skimmer...has a built in float switch. I love it and bought another one for another tank. Easy to setup and skims great.

 

[Dine]

You could also add a davey Jones skimmate locker and hook up to apex to shut off skimmer when full. Make sure to order the one with apex connection. I had that setup and it was fine. But I bought a Reel octopus Regal skimmer...has a built in float switch. I love it and bought another one for another tank. Easy to setup and skims great.

thats interesting. didnt know they made one with an apex connection. thats certainly a plug and play option. prob more expensive (maybe?) then the breakout box but certainly less work

 

[Thales]

I have thought of that, however...I am not sure where I would find or how to even start something like that

The locker is an off the shelf solution - you will still have to drill the skimmer cup, and if you haven't done that before check for some tutorials. Easier to drill the flat bottom of the cup if you have space, and then put an barbed elbow the same diameter as the locker tubing.

Or, you can get a float switch (or a apex level sensor), a bob, and do it yourself.

There are lots of ways to go so when you decide, we can help with details.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I am looking to upgrade my current SKIMZ 161 Protein Skimmer (Had it since 2014)...It works okay; however the issue is, the collection cup overflow at times and if I am not pay attention, then it will just overflow...I am basically looking for a few suggestions of Protein Skimmers with a float switch and are HOPEFULLY Apex Ready...

I had a 24 gallon tank, skimmer produced 1/2 gallon wet skim, every day. Drain into 1 gallon plastic milk container.

 

[jphilip813]

Hi, if there are easier solutions like an Apex Breakout box and Float switch, then I would go that route. Now question, will this setup affect my current programming which calls for the skimmer to shutoff when the main pump (COR 20) is off with a 5 minute delayed restart to also prevent overflow, for example.

 

[Thales]

Hi, if there are easier solutions like an Apex Breakout box and Float switch, then I would go that route. Now question, will this setup affect my current programming which calls for the skimmer to shutoff when the main pump (COR 20) is off with a 5 minute delayed restart to also prevent overflow, for example.

Shouldn’t impact that programming at all. Skimmer off if effluent container Float switch is triggered

 

[jphilip813]

You could also add a davey Jones skimmate locker and hook up to apex to shut off skimmer when full. Make sure to order the one with apex connection. I had that setup and it was fine. But I bought a Reel octopus Regal skimmer...has a built in float switch. I love it and bought another one for another tank. Easy to setup and skims great.

Hi, I looked this gadget up, but wasn't too sure on what I am looking for. Are the lids universal? I did see the apex section...but still not too sure what I am looking for since there are small, medium and large settings gs on the site.

 

[Williamson’s Reef]

I used the I/o minidin-8 davey Jones skimmte locker. It plugs into the 2016 up apex main unit. Not sure about a older apex. I used the medium locker. There all the same other than how much volume of skimmate they hold. Does your skimmer cup have a drain? You would just run tubing from that drain to the skimmer locker. Honestly I would just get the reef octopus skimmer if possible. You’ll spend $175 or so on the locker.

 

[jphilip813]

I used the I/o minidin-8 davey Jones skimmte locker. It plugs into the 2016 up apex main unit. Not sure about a older apex. I used the medium locker. There all the same other than how much volume of skimmate they hold. Does your skimmer cup have a drain? You would just run tubing from that drain to the skimmer locker. Honestly I would just get the reef octopus skimmer if possible. You’ll spend $175 or so on the locker.

Oh ok...no there isn't a drain on the skimz collection cup...

 

[ca1ore]

I put a standard float switch into the head unit of my skimmer years ago. Works ok. The problem is that the foam produced by the skimmer tends to gum up the float and it sticks. Much better to plumb to a skimmate container that either has one already or you can just add one.

 

[jphilip813]

I put a standard float switch into the head unit of my skimmer years ago. Works ok. The problem is that the foam produced by the skimmer tends to gum up the float and it sticks. Much better to plumb to a skimmate container that either has one already or you can just add one.

Yes, that was my concern getting one, the foam might send the sensor crazy without actually filling the cup.