Skimmer overflow protection
- Thread starter JOKER
- Start date
- Tagged users None
TheEngineer
Formerly icecool2
Easiest thing I can think of is to repurpose an ATO float valve. You would need to be good about cleaning it to make sure it doesn't stick. Run the skimmer off of the ATO switched outlet and you should be all set.
mcarroll
10K Club member
I've never seen a really good system....and an external skimmate bucket overflow is definitely a potentially nasty accident waiting to happen. They get far nastier than a normal skimmer cup because they tend to be neglected.
The best I've seen was in the old air-tight skimmers like ETSS. In those (thanks to the air-tightness) they would just have a large, mechanical float in the lid of the collection bucket that would cut off the exit for air, effectively shutting down skimming.
Even these weren't bullet-proof.
The best solution is to either let the skimmer overflow into the tank/sump (probably the best overall option) or to have a large enough collection container so that it will never fill all the way before you have time to come back and check on it.
Well, the best solution is to have a skimmer that's easy enough to clean that you do it every time it gets dirty.....usually every few days at most. I try to do this.....AquaC and Tunze skimmers are both extremely easy to clean. (Less easy if you hook up an external container.)
The best I've seen was in the old air-tight skimmers like ETSS. In those (thanks to the air-tightness) they would just have a large, mechanical float in the lid of the collection bucket that would cut off the exit for air, effectively shutting down skimming.
Even these weren't bullet-proof.
The best solution is to either let the skimmer overflow into the tank/sump (probably the best overall option) or to have a large enough collection container so that it will never fill all the way before you have time to come back and check on it.
Well, the best solution is to have a skimmer that's easy enough to clean that you do it every time it gets dirty.....usually every few days at most. I try to do this.....AquaC and Tunze skimmers are both extremely easy to clean. (Less easy if you hook up an external container.)
Ty Hamatake
Hi, my name is Ty and I'm a Reefer...
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2016
- Messages
- 1,938
- Reaction score
- 1,903
I'd say using a combination of the ATO float switch and an external collection bucket would be a decently safe solution. Rigging the float switch inside the bucket should help reduce the chance of it sticking since it won't be exposed to as much of the foam that happens in the cup. Just a guess though, not 100% sure that my logic is sound.
OP
OP
JOKER
2500 Club Member
I am planning at least 1 gallon container with a switch to shut off skimmer if it fills before I notice it. Sometimes skimmers go crazy. I know it just happened to me last night, and it has been running flawless for many months.
Ty Hamatake
Hi, my name is Ty and I'm a Reefer...
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2016
- Messages
- 1,938
- Reaction score
- 1,903
Sounds like a solid plan! I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with!
ps2cho
Well-Known Member
The way I do it is running a line into a gallon milk jug -- run the line through the cap of the jug and use silicone to seal it. If it overflows the milk jug will fill up but once it's full it's sealed off so it has nowhere to go but over the top of the skimmer.
mcarroll
10K Club member
QUOTE="ps2cho, post: 3309620, member: 39888"]The way I do it is running a line into a gallon milk jug -- run the line through the cap of the jug and use silicone to seal it. If it overflows the milk jug will fill up but once it's full it's sealed off so it has nowhere to go but over the top of the skimmer.[/QUOTE]
I like it, but...
Still subject to drainage problems over time as the tubing clogs up – it has to accommodate drain water from the skimmer cup as well as air escaping from the jug that gets displaced by the drain water.
As usual, take account of the exceptions and it's not a problem.....the problem is when one of those exceptions surprises you.
I would use nothing smaller than 1/2" tubing to drain a skimmer cup.....I've even had that clog over time.
Unless it's an installation where I'm just not around a lot of the time, I prefer to use an in-sump skimmer and just let it overflow "naturally" if it needs to. Otherwise I try to tune it so that it just fills the cup in time for me to show up and clean it. (Careful adjustments only based on the skimmate produced can get you there....but you'll still have the occasional exception unless you skim pretty dry, which I hate.)
I like it, but...
Still subject to drainage problems over time as the tubing clogs up – it has to accommodate drain water from the skimmer cup as well as air escaping from the jug that gets displaced by the drain water.
As usual, take account of the exceptions and it's not a problem.....the problem is when one of those exceptions surprises you.
I would use nothing smaller than 1/2" tubing to drain a skimmer cup.....I've even had that clog over time.
Unless it's an installation where I'm just not around a lot of the time, I prefer to use an in-sump skimmer and just let it overflow "naturally" if it needs to. Otherwise I try to tune it so that it just fills the cup in time for me to show up and clean it. (Careful adjustments only based on the skimmate produced can get you there....but you'll still have the occasional exception unless you skim pretty dry, which I hate.)
OP
OP
JOKER
2500 Club Member
I really want to shut my skimmer off if the problem happens. My skimmer had been running flawless for several months before it decided to go crazy. I have found one I think would work. What you think? http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrB...-vi.html/RK=0/RS=uGq2QL2I6vXAT2P3vxwxZf0jtu8-
Ty Hamatake
Hi, my name is Ty and I'm a Reefer...
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2016
- Messages
- 1,938
- Reaction score
- 1,903
Looks like a smart choice. Will you be adding an external collection bucket or just trying to rig this inside the collection cup?
Waterjockey
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2016
- Messages
- 646
- Reaction score
- 561
I have a home made collection container (some people call the skimmate "lockers") made out of a pasta storage container. It has two ato-type switches wired in parallel (normally open switch) as a redundant safety. If either switch is activated the skimmer shuts down and I get an alarm. Every week when I clean the skimmer and "locker", each switch gets tested to make sure it works.
