Skimmer overflow problem

[(B)reef Encounter]

I have an ETSS 800 protein skimmer.The problem is when the power goes out the skimmer starts back at 100% water flow, causing it to overflow until it can catch up. Is there any type of devise that when the power goes out will stay off until manually started back up.

[tdwyatt]

any power relay with a position set for normally off will do, wire it so that you must use a momentary contact switch to power a small transformer to energize the relay to the "on" position. By doing this, the power going off will allow the relay to return to the "off" position, and when the power comes back on, you'll have to press the button to get the relay to power the pump again. Only problem will be small power brownouts, etc that may cause the relay to cut off. You can wire the relay so that when it is in the off position it will energize a 9 volt piezeo buzzer to warn you when the power to the pump is off. Just wire it up in a waterproff project box and grommet and caulk the seals for the exit wires.

...Or you could just put the skimmer in a rubbermaid tub.

HTH

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thanks for the reply Tom. You confused the H**L out of me I will do some research on the key words, and should be able to figure it out. thanks again.

On a side note:I just bought a signal bridge for my Neptune controller, it's rated at 15amp but my breakers are 20amp. I don't have over 15 amps on either circuit, can I wire this in or should I send it back for a 20 amp bridge(if they even make them)

[tdwyatt]

should not be an issue unless your total load exceeds the 15 amp limit for an extended time, usually not an issue for small short term spikes above 15 amp load, but may fry the neptune if it has to endure an extended run of slowly ramped up load of 15 to 20 amps (20 amp breaker would not trip before cooking the 15 amp rating for the neptune bridge )

Radio shack has a little handbook on relays that will explain how they work and the use of a low voltage circuit to control a high voltage switch/relay, an interesting read, and it will explain the details of whawt I've posted. Might want to check out a couple of hobbyinst IC or electronics sites, I am sure there is a ton of stuff out there.

[(B)reef Encounter]

Thaks Tom, much appreciated.