Power outage help!

[Deiblerj]

So I need some help...

I have an HOB skimmer with a separate pump (both plug into an outlet). Every time the power goes out it takes a few seconds for the skimmer to catch-up to the skimmer pump and the skimmer overflows.

Is there an outlet plug that when the power goes out and comes back on keeps the items plugged into it turned off?

I’m trying to prevent HOB skimmer overflows which have happened every single time!

 

[LaraLouM]

You need a battery backup. It is a large battery brick that keeps your electronics powered on for a period of time, depending on how large of a battery you get.

 

[LesPoissons]

+1

 

[LaraLouM]

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/surge-protectors-power-cords/battery-backup/abcat0515043.c?id=abcat0515043

Just some examples. You can also search “uninterruptible power supply” and get them to come up.

Just make sure you read how long it lasts. We have ones that will run for 30-45 minutes.

 

[JasonK84]

Yes there is.


I believe these stay off an additional 5 or 10 minutes after power is restored allowing tank levels to stabilize before the skimmer kicks on.

 

[lolmatt]

The protein skimmer delay is the right answer for this imo. The same can be done with a used Apex Jr for not much more than the $50 delay timer.

 

[Deiblerj]

I was hoping for something that needs manually reset, so I could just reset it when I’m home to check it. Maybe the delayed restart would work if I had one pump start before the other though. Battery backup would be ideal but wasn’t trying to dish out that kind of money right now lol

 

[JasonK84]

I was hoping for something that needs manually reset, so I could just reset it when I’m home to check it. Maybe the delayed restart would work if I had one pump start before the other though. Battery backup would be ideal but wasn’t trying to dish out that kind of money right now lol

Only the skimmer gets plugged into the delay. The rest stays plugged as it is currently.

 

[Deiblerj]

Only the skimmer gets plugged into the delay. The rest stays plugged as it is currently.

I’ll have to play around with that...might be a good idea. I just don’t want the skimmer pump to run dry. But that might also not matter...hmm

 

[JasonK84]

I’ll have to play around with that...might be a good idea. I just don’t want the skimmer pump to run dry. But that might also not matter...hmm

Very easy to replicate manually. Unplug entire system and let everything settle. Plug everything back in except the skimmer. Wait 5 minutes then plug in skimmer. Easy test before spending the $50.

 

[Deiblerj]

Very easy to replicate manually. Unplug entire system and let everything settle. Plug everything back in except the skimmer. Wait 5 minutes then plug in skimmer. Easy test before spending the $50.

Definitely going to try this. Thanks!

 

[Hitman]

The delay timer works great. I have one on our small tank as there’s no need for a controller on it, my other two tanks are controlled by Apex setups.

 

[Deiblerj]

The delay timer works great. I have one on our small tank as there’s no need for a controller on it, my other two tanks are controlled by Apex setups.

Are you using the one from BRS or a different model?

 

[Hitman]

Yea the one from BRS made by Reef Octopus

Protein Skimmer Delay Timer

Protein Skimmer Delay Timer Cheap Insurance from Skimmer Overflows Necessity on recirculating external skimmers Recommended for all skimmers of any type Installation Place the Delay timer box in a dry location away from water Plug skimmer Pump(s) plug into the Delay Timer socket Insert the...

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