Skimmer overflows when the power go out ??

[cracker]

So my power went out for about 45 mins when the power came back on this reef octopus skimmer overflowed bad ! This is the 2nd time. No I don't have the drain hose but need one for sure. I may get an inch or 2 of water from the tank so I don't think it's extra high water level in the skimmer section.
So why is this thing over flowing?? :mad::mad:

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

It's likely due to the sump level fluctuation. It will take a period of time (generally within a couple minutes) for sump to return to normal working level once return pump kicks back on. During this period the sump level is higher and can cause overflows.

 

[cracker]

I get 2 inches max back flow into the sump when the return is off . These new skimmer designs are touchy ! Also I now see the skimmer thread should have posted there. Thanks

 

[davejep]

You can use one of these to delay the restart of your skimmer.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmer-delay-timer-reef-octopus.html

 

[Salty1962]

I use a CoralVue delayed timer mentioned above on mine to eliminate skimmer overflow until water level gets where it should be It delays the pump restart by 2 mins. If you have a controller, you could tell the controller not to restart pump until the float valve is in the right position.

 

[Downbeach]

I also had to do a time delay for the skimmer after adding a DC return pump, due to the fact that the skimmer restarted(AC pump) at full speed, and the DC return pump has a very slow restart.

 

[mcarroll]

:mad::mad:

Don't be too mad BTW....it's shouldn't hurt the tank as long as the skimmer is being maintained/isn't too foul. Corals probably appreciate it!

It's inconvenient since you have to empty the cup, but that's about it. (A cup drain sets up the much-worse possibility of a flood outside the tank, so keep that in mind if you do set one up someday.)

If you don't already have a controller, I'd really recommend at least a $120 Reefkeeper Lite.

It's as cheap as a reef-sized pile of power-strips and timers, but can do a lot more (and it's expandable).

 

[twilliard]

My nac5e does the same thing when power goes out.
This happens when the skimmer outflow has to catch up with the inflow from the pump
During that catchup time it will fill the cup for a second or two

 

[cracker]

The cup will fill up real quick on mine also ! There was a bunch of foam in the sump. Probably right the coral;s liked it. And no real harm was done.
Mcarroll I will look into the controller Youspeak of I do have a too many powerstrips and timers ! Thanks ,

 

[mcarroll]

I do have a too many powerstrips and timers !

In that case, you'll love it - no question in my mind.

My experience with timers was not great. If I counted the cost of all the dead timers it took to find the 6 I ended up using full-time back then, the Reefkeeper was WAY cheaper.

I did end up adding one extra DigitalAquatics power strip to the Lite system, but you can do A LOT with the four outlets it comes with. Plug your old power strips into the Reefkeeper outlets so where possible you're controlling a whole group of devices or multiple tanks vs just one.

Just one example for setup:

• Outlet 1 is rip tide(3 hours ON/3 hours OFF)
• Outlet 2 is ebb tide(3 hours OFF/3 hours ON)
• Outlet 3 is anything that needs a delay after startup (Skimmer, could be heaters too).
• Outlet 4 can be heat. I've always done ATO separately. For a long time I kept lighting separate.

Just an example...do what makes sense!

 

[cracker]

sounds like exactly what I'm looking for, except for lighting . I have an older rapid led fixture it has multiple power chords. it's over a 75 so I'm not putting a lot of $$ into it. I need the $$ for the soon to come 220. Lots of it ! I ask about skimmers and learn of a way to handle my lighting as well. I love this forum ! LOL