grassi Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 So skimmer overflowing has always been one of my fears. I've seen a few amazing tanks crash for a skimmer. I used to have some sort of control with the Apex, but I decided to go to the next level with some I/O programming on the Arduino board. I set up 2 float switches: one in the sump: if the level raise for whatever reason the skimmer power is cut off one on the bucket that collect the skimmer production: when it is empty the power is cut off as well. I also put a carbon filter for the smell on the lid. I know you can do the bucket thing mechanically, but programming I/O boards if somehow fun Here is the code for who is interested or has a ReefAngel running. Just use the 2 ato switches as single and add this code in the "loop": if ( ReefAngel.HighATO.IsActive() && ReefAngel.LowATO.IsActive() ) { ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port1); } else ReefAngel.Relay.Off(Port1); Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerald525 Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Great idea Alex,(clap) where were you 2 days ago when our skimmer overflowed?(laugh) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Sorry to hear that Kim. When the giga clam spawned I found 10 gallons of skimmate and clam's eggs on the floor! If you want we can setup the same thing I have for you. I think the cost of the parts is about $50 Next think I'm gonna add is an alarm when I'm low with ca, alk or Mg in the reservoirs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Sorry to hear that Kim. When the giga clam spawned I found 10 gallons of skimmate and clam's eggs on the floor! If you want we can setup the same thing I have for you. I think the cost of the parts is about $50 Next think I'm gonna add is an alarm when I'm low with ca, alk or Mg in the reservoirs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obijuan Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Neat hack. I guess you're using something else to handle top-offs? These kinds of mods are the reason I'm looking forward to getting my Reef Angel. (hopefully tomorrow) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Yes I have another controller for top offs. But you can add more float switches to the ReefAngel too. I'm sure there are some free pins on the board. Or you can use an expansion shield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerald525 Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Sorry to hear that Kim. When the giga clam spawned I found 10 gallons of skimmate and clam's eggs on the floor! If you want we can setup the same thing I have for you. I think the cost of the parts is about $50 Next think I'm gonna add is an alarm when I'm low with ca, alk or Mg in the reservoirs I would love that. Not sure what happened. The skimmer just went nuts 2 days ago and we don't know why (no dead fish) and Beth found the acrylic tray filled with lovely skimmate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I would love that. Not sure what happened. The skimmer just went nuts 2 days ago and we don't know why (no dead fish) and Beth found the acrylic tray filled with lovely skimmate. Thank God you guys went with the tray, yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerald525 Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Thank God you guys went with the tray' date=' yes? [/quote'] Well, that carpet has long been fried from the multiple floods but I much prefer saltwater to skimmate and yes I am thankful for the tray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Alex that has got to be the nastiest 7 gallons of **** to empty (it does look ike a kent bucket) -OMG Interesting program you have there-I would be as concerned in salinity if your skimmer went crazy enough to fill that bucket, that would be 7 gallons ot RO/DI you just "dosed" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share Posted March 23, 2011 Kim, I'll put one together for you when I come back from the old world Brad, with my water volume, if I did the math well, my salinity would go down from 1.026 to 1.025 if I pour 12.5 gallons of freshwater and I take off the same amount of saltwater. So 7 gallons aren't an issue. And it will take some time to mix up because the freshwater is a few degrees lower than the one in the tank. So it will stay in the bottom of the sump for a while. But I have to double check the math.. not sure if I did it well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share Posted March 23, 2011 This is the "analog" version of it lol http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9381 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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