I know some brands of skimmers have feeding modes so that the skimmer shuts off for a few minutes then turns back on when your done feeding. Is there a product that with a push of a button the timer starts and turns off the power for 10 minutes or so, then turns back on?
Feeding mode
- Thread starter Jmas4
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jsker
Reefing is all about the adventure
Your best bet is a controller for your needs.
I don't think a controller will work. My skimmer doesn't have a feeding mode so everytime I feed i turn off the power so the water level rises over the skimmer. And when I turn the power back on my skimmer will overflow because of the water level is different and it takes a minute to lower the water to the correct level. I need a timer that has an outlet.
p7willm
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If you have something like an Apex you can, in a program, turn the skimmer off whenever the return is off and keep it off for a while after the return starts up. However the Apex costs hundreds. You can get a cheaper timer that will let you turn off your skimmer for 10 minutes. The problem is that if you start adding a lot of timers the cost starts to add up and the Apex does not look that expensive.
redfishbluefish
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I have an old school ReefKeeper II and with the push of one button I turn off all my powerheads and return pump to feed. I could just as easily plugged the skimmer into this, but no need since the return pump is off. I currently have it set to automatically turn back on in 15 minutes if I forget to turn it back on manually. I also use this feature for water changes as well.....makes you do it fast and not dilly-dally around, knowing you only have 15 minutes.
You could use Amazon Alexa to and use IFTTT statements in the Alexa app to create a routine. Eg. 'Alexa, feeding time' = Turn off Skimmer, Return, Powerheads (Or whatever you want) on a 10 min timer. Then it would all start back up!
You can buy 4 smart plugs for 30/40 GBP and use Alexa routines for everything.
That's what I plan to do. Apex is too expensive for me so will try using this method for thermostats/temp probes and maybe a cheaper way to automate water changes too!
You can buy 4 smart plugs for 30/40 GBP and use Alexa routines for everything.
That's what I plan to do. Apex is too expensive for me so will try using this method for thermostats/temp probes and maybe a cheaper way to automate water changes too!
