MorseReef Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Hello Reefers, I just had my protein skimmer overflow suddenly the other day. I am looking to add a float valve to a breakout box to my apex to control the skimmer. I looked at the below uxcell one on amazon but it has mixed reviews about reliability. Does anyone have any recommendations on reliable float valves? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 The problem with float switches inside a skimmer is that they can easily get gummed up with skimmate. While this is more expensive, I absolutely love my Avast Marine skimmate locker. It has a built in pressure switch that shuts off the skimmer when full, and a large enough volume that it only needs to be emptied every couple weeks. https://avastmarine.com/products/djsl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeardUp Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 I am/have used those floats before. They work great till they dont and there is no warning. Luckily, I use them for ATO only so when they fail, its off and then my return lets me know by sucking air. I have started moving to the optical ones by DF Robot https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0795QJML2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I dont have an apex so I am not sure how to connect them but if you can wire a float I bet you can wire this. There are no mechanical parts to fail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gumby Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 9 hours ago, SuncrestReef said: The problem with float switches inside a skimmer is that they can easily get gummed up with skimmate. While this is more expensive, I absolutely love my Avast Marine skimmate locker. It has a built in pressure switch that shuts off the skimmer when full, and a large enough volume that it only needs to be emptied every couple weeks. https://avastmarine.com/products/djsl I love my skimmate locker also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 Autotopoff.com. They make a complete kit; float switch, relay, box your skimmer plugs into, and plug. I’ve got a couple of these in my system, one for my skimmer and one for my auto top off. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 (edited) Bicycle bill points out a good website for those. You however don't need the realys and what not because your apex will control it. My only recommendation is to crimp a pair of bullet connectors on the float switch wires, that way when you take your lid off to wash it in the sink you can just easily disconnect and reconnect the float switch. If you buy a break out box you can make DIY leak detectors as well. Just run two wires to floor, strip of an inch or so of the wire insulation off and tape them to the floor about 1/2" apart. You can also make a simple button switch to start feed mode with a break out box. Edited October 4, 2019 by pdxmonkeyboy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorseReef Posted October 4, 2019 Author Share Posted October 4, 2019 43 minutes ago, pdxmonkeyboy said: Bicycle bill points out a good website for those. You however don't need the realys and what not because your apex will control it. My only recommendation is to crimp a pair of bullet connectors on the float switch wires, that way when you take your lid off to wash it in the sink you can just easily disconnect and reconnect the float switch. If you buy a break out box you can make DIY leak detectors as well. Just run two wires to floor, strip of an inch or so of the wire insulation off and tape them to the floor about 1/2" apart. You can also make a simple button switch to start feed mode with a break out box. Very nice suggestions. I was thinking about the lid and how to make it removable. I did not want to leave it in there and not wash it. I do have a breakout box in the garage I just need to get in under the tank and hooked up. The switch for feed mode would also be great for the wife so she does not have to open fusion to feed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 these are bullit connectors FWI.. you can get them at any auto parts store. https://www.amazon.com/AIRIC-100pcs-Female-Connector-Insulated/dp/B06XCTVHST/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_60_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KDRC95Q1ED00NM5YHCFB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 22 hours ago, Gumby said: I love my skimmate locker also. Me too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted October 5, 2019 Share Posted October 5, 2019 these are bullit connectors FWI.. you can get them at any auto parts store. https://www.amazon.com/AIRIC-100pcs-Female-Connector-Insulated/dp/B06XCTVHST/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_60_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KDRC95Q1ED00NM5YHCFB These are awesome btw! I happen to have my setup from Brian already wired up, and didn’t realize how important the ability unplug the cap was until I used it. Brilliant!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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