DIY Nyos 220 float switch

Jonesyg · Dec 20, 2020

I have been trying to find a solution for a float switch on the NYOS 220, due to the cup shape and the dish on the lid fitment is difficult. I have made a diy float switch which is connected to my apex breakout box to alert me when the skimmer cup is full. I have no room for a skimmate locker so this is the best temporary solution I could come up with. I thought I would share if anyone else is trying to make the same modification.

1. Drilled a 10mm hole through the lid and also the dish. Inserted the float switch and glued in place.

2. Test fit in cup, I have clearance both sides for the float to rise without hitting the sides, I have switched the magnet round so now the float switch is normally open and triggers to closed much higher up the shaft.

3. Connected to Apex breakout box and programmed to turn skimmer off when it is full. I have used quick connects for the wiring for now to test the system and see if it works. If all is well ill add more substantial connectors and tidy the wiring.

SuncrestReef · Dec 23, 2020

Nice job. But my concern about using a float switch is that the skimmate can be thick and gooey enough to quickly foul up the float movement and not trigger the Apex properly. I have a Nyos Quantum 160 connected to a skimmate locker (thankfully I have the space for one), and the skimmer lid is literally covered in a mud-like layer while the liquid drains away. You will likely need to clean the float switch frequently.

Another option is to use a pressure switch like the one that's in my skimmate locker. It's just a plastic tube that extends down into the vessel, connected to an air tube and a switch box that connects to the breakout box. Since it only works on air pressure as the cup fills, there are no moving parts that can get fouled up. You could just drill a slightly larger hole through the lid and dome to glue the tube into place.

Custom Pressure Switch Builder

This is the pressure switch portion of our Legacy ATO, new Parrot ATO & Davy Jones' Skimmate Locker products. Includes the switch box with along with the pressure sensor tube(s) and tubing. We have seen a lot of creative uses for these over the years, from water storage tanks to overflow...

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Jonesyg · Dec 24, 2020

Yeah I did think of the pressure switch route, but i had a float switch lying around so thought I'd try that first. I check it physically everyday also so not trusting it fully yet! I have set it to skim super thick and nasty so time will tell if it gets clogged. It's a stop gap before I engineer a solution to have a locker in the sump...i hope!

Sold4jc7 · Dec 24, 2020

I just started messing with 3d printing and made a clip with a float switch that attaches to the skimmer lid.

USA - Skimmer Shutoff Float

Prevent your skimmer from overflowing without modifying your skimmer. The float switch clips onto the skimmer lid and the wired feed out the skimmer air holes. Simply hook the float up to an Apex breakout box. There is about 1/4" adjustment in the float height by unscrewing the float. I believe...

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