Skimmer question

[Wildman]

I have a vertex in-100. After a power failure it sometimes will not draw air causing it to overflow. I am thinking this is due to the increased water level. System running it is a little over 8". If I raise it up another inch I will be cutting the outflow to almost nothing. How will this affect skimmer performance with less flow through skimmer?

 

[seased]

I have a IN180 - take the Venturi off of the intake to the pump and make sure there is nothing blocking it. It's a little hard to get it loosen, just be careful and don't force it off. Soak it in vinegar and then use some type of rod to make sure nothing is lodged up in the hole. Mine sits in 8-9 inches of water.

 

[Wildman]

It's clear and runs well at that depth. The problem is only after a power outage. The water level rises in the sump over two inches. So on restart the skimmer is in close to 11" of water. If there was some way to delay start the skimmer until the water level fell back to normal everything would be good.

 

[jmann124]

Float switch for skimmer would be a first for me.

 

[cee]

Now it is clearer. I suspect the skimmer can't pull enough of a vacuum to overcome the water head pressure at the added depth so you get only water pumped. If the return pump were able to drop the water level before the skimmer could fill you'd be OK. Other option is a switch so skimmer can't turn on until water is at or below a certain depth or a bigger sump (=less change in water depth during outage).

 

[Rob.D]

CoralVue- Reef Octopus Auto Delay Timer for Protein Skimmers

 

[Wildman]

I suspect the skimmer can't pull enough of a vacuum to overcome the water head pressure at the added depth so you get only water pumped.

Exactly my thoughts.
Thanks rob. That's what I was thinking.
Now I am tryin to decide which way would be better. I've seen float switches to stop the skimmer when the cup was full. I would just use it for when the sump was too full. Might be safer than just a delay.
Anyone know what makes the delay so I could make my own?
What is the cheapest option for a float switch?

 

[cee]

Many ways to do a delay. Not hard but difficult to explain if you don't know electronics. Certainly not worth $50 though.

 

[Rob.D]

For electrically challenged people like myself, an item like that is worth the money, but with guys around like Dave, they are a total waste of money.....this is why local clubs are awesome.