Apex to close skimmer if return pump < 10 watts?

[Miami Reef]

I have 2 return pumps for my tank. If one of them is off, the level in the sump rises.

I have my controller set to close my skimmer when either of my return pump are off to prevent overflowing.

Well today, one of my return pumps had a problem. Despite being “on” with apex, it was completely non functioning. It caused my skimmer to overflow and dump skimmate back into the tank.

Is there a way to program the skimmer to close if either the return pump’s watt output reads near 0 watts?

 

[JGT]

Probably, but not one for putting all my eggs in 1 basket like an Apex so I use AutoAqua Smart Skimmer overflow security. Optical eye on skimmer cup and a smart plug you plug you skimmer into. Skimmer overflows, eye senses it, shuts off skimmer activates alarm. Works like a charm.

 

[Tamberav]

Agree with above, I use apex but also don't put all my eggs in one basket :)

That being said... I believe this has what you are looking for:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/neptune-apex-programming-tutorials-part-4-power-monitoring.698/

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I have 2 return pumps for my tank. If one of them is off, the level in the sump rises.

I have my controller set to close my skimmer when either of my return pump are off to prevent overflowing.

Well today, one of my return pumps had a problem. Despite being “on” with apex, it was completely non functioning. It caused my skimmer to overflow and dump skimmate back into the tank.

Is there a way to program the skimmer to close if either the return pump’s watt output reads near 0 watts?

I believe so, but I’ll let someone more adept at the coding answer. I will add that I like the I/o module and good old cheap float sensors. I drilled a hole in the lid of my skimmer and have a dual float that sends me a notification when it’s about 3/4 full and shuts it off once full. Plus a float in the return chamber as an overfill. If the return pump is on in the apex and the return chamber overflows I have a check return pump notification (that’s assuming no check valves in the return though) that also shuts off the skimmer.

 

[Dburr1014]

I have an apex too.
I have a DIY 1 gallon skimmer locker with a float valve that shuts off the skimmer when it fills.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

@Miami Reef ,

As long as you have your return pumps plugged into an EB832, yes you can have your skimmer shut off if the wattage of a return pump drops below a certain threshold. In your skimmer outlet add:

If Output ReturnPump Watts < 10 Then OFF

The bold parts are for you to fill in your specifics. You'll have to add a line for both return pumps.

Another failsafe you can do is have a float switch in your return section, when a pump slows down or shuts down the water in that section will rise and the float will close. You can simply put a line like:

If FloatSw CLOSED Then OFF

 

[Miami Reef]

I use AutoAqua Smart Skimmer overflow security. Optical eye on skimmer cup and a smart plug you plug you skimmer into. Skimmer overflows, eye senses it, shuts off skimmer activates alarm. Works like a charm.

Thank you! I went ahead and purchased that just now. Awesome suggestion. I needed something like this, but I wasn’t sure exactly which product would fit the job.

@Miami Reef ,

As long as you have your return pumps plugged into an EB832, yes you can have your skimmer shut off if the wattage of a return pump drops below a certain threshold. In your skimmer outlet add:

If Output ReturnPump Watts < 10 Then OFF

The bold parts are for you to fill in your specifics. You'll have to add a line for both return pumps.

Another failsafe you can do is have a float switch in your return section, when a pump slows down or shuts down the water in that section will rise and the float will close. You can simply put a line like:

If FloatSw CLOSED Then OFF

Great. Thank you! I will use those codes into my return pumps right now. I really appreciate it!

Thank you for the other failsafe suggestion.


Thanks everyone who participated in this thread! You guys were quick!

 

[Garf]

Dang it sounds very complicated. I'm a simpleton.