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Skimmer cup sensor (1 Viewer)

reef junkie

reef junkie

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Other then a breakout box and homemade sensor is there a better mouse trap? I had my skimmer over flow last night. I have a fmm module but no breakout box. Is there a reliable plug and play option to do what I want to do. Skimmer Cup fills up and the float switch or sensor tells apex to shuts the skimmer off. See lots of info online but all seem to use breakout box. Trying to not have another apex add on if I can avoid it.
 
Breakout box it what I have for that. I have one that shuts the skimmer off of sump water level rises too much.
 
I also want the notification from my apex. I was hoping for a float switch that plugs directly into the FMM Since I have that and open plugs in it And seems like this is sort of what this is for??
 
reef junkie said:
I also want the notification from my apex. I was hoping for a float switch that plugs directly into the FMM Since I have that and open plugs in it And seems like this is sort of what this is for??
Click to expand...

Ah, sorry… I thought you wanted a completely separate thing.

I have limited experience with the fmm sensors but am using their liquid level sensor(lls) in my sump and it “works” albeit not 100% accurate readings.

I have some the sensors from my ATK kit that I think may work with the fmm ports. I’ll try and let you know.
Chris
 
What I just did was put an optical leak sensor on top of the lid. Shuts off the skimmer if there is an overflow. 20240329_141558.jpg
 
Ben Nicholls said:
What I just did was put an optical leak sensor on top of the lid. Shuts off the skimmer if there is an overflow. View attachment 67190
Click to expand...
I saw this. Thats sort of what got me looking into this. Since I use a recirculating co2 scrubber the holes in my skimmer cup are capped. So a leak coming through that would probably not work. Maybe I can rig up another option or set the sensor near the cup where it would get splashed on.
 
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Chris Goetz said:
How the https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mos-magnetic-optical-sensor-neptune-systems.html?queryID=8aca4922f020bda36621f594844ffd83&objectID=14775&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

I had an extra MOS and added to my skimmer cup and it works as expected. Only issue is wire needs to be inside cup so your recirculating skimmer may need some sealing.

I added this to my skimmer outlet config to turn off the skimmer if the MOS is closed.

If Swx1_2 CLOSED Then Off
Click to expand...
Yea that would work I think. I can run that cord out one of the holes in the skimmer cup and maybe seal it with a gasket or silicone.
So do you have the eye facing down so it sees moisture first? Or suppose could even magnet to the side of the cup as well.
 
BRS says out of stock - but NWA shows them as in stock.

I have an extra I’m in no rush to use. If you’re going to expo tomorrow - I can bring it.
Chris
 
Chris Goetz said:
BRS says out of stock - but NWA shows them as in stock.

I have an extra I’m in no rush to use. If you’re going to expo tomorrow - I can bring it.
Chris
Click to expand...
Yea I saw the brs and nwa stock. Not planning to go to the expo but i really appreciate the offer. Maybe I can find one online, hate the cross country drive to NWA lol.
 
So im thinking the idea of the MOS may not work. Or a float switch for that matter. I dont think I have enough room in my small collection cup. The cup on RO 110 is really small and the add on of the recirculation Co2 scrubber takes up what very little room is left. I have a collection cup for the co2 scrubber I could maybe add it to that location since it fills up with water if skimmer over fills but I worry that if it failed I could get leaking out off the container if I dont get it sealed properly and make a big mess. So i have to come up with another idea on how to get the skimmer to shut off if it overflows.
 
Is your cup drilled for a drain and do you have room for an external skimmate collector?
You could put the mos sensor on that if you did.
 
Chris Goetz said:
I have limited experience with the fmm sensors but am using their liquid level sensor(lls) in my sump and it “works” albeit not 100% accurate readings.
Click to expand...
Which one are you using? I had/have the 15 in my sump. I have had to replace it a few times already. I have the 4th one sitting in mfg packaging on the shelf because I just cannot trust it. The two I have monitoring my RO and fresh saltwater tank have worked great though. But those are the 23 inch version. Last time the 15 failed it said my sump had 16 inches of water in it.... sump is only 14.5" tall, AND OF COURSE I WAS IN TEXAS.

I had it in my return chamber to make sure my pump never ran dry.
 
Chris Goetz said:
Is your cup drilled for a drain and do you have room for an external skimmate collector?
You could put the mos sensor on that if you did.
Click to expand...
This is an idea. I have a 3L trigger system container sitting around and yes my skimmer cup does have a drain. this route I could collect a larger vat of that good smelling skimmate 🤮 🤣
 
Now Im thinking the separate vat may not work?? The recirculating scrubber is a closed loop. By adding in the collection cup I dont know if I could seal the new container off in a way to be airtight and not allow outside air into the system. If it leaks in air i think I would burn through my media quicker. Back to the drawing board.
 
Good point. I’d think you’d need to make sure whatever vent is on the external is also hooked up to your recirculating loop.

That may not be as easy/clean as having a recirculating lid on the skimmer.
 
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