AQII skimmer delay ?

[Joeldb]

I just recently bought a used AQII and was trying to set up the feed hold option. I got it set up but when everything shuts down the sump level rises causing the skimmer to overflow when all pumps come back on after the feed hold is over. The question is: Is there a way to add a 1-2 minute delay to the skimmer after pump 1 and pump 2 turn on. This would be extremely helpful after a power outage also.
pm1-return pump
pm2-closed loop
pm3-skimmer pump

[FishProf]

I think so.
Use the Max Change Off for the pumps you want to come on later.

FP

[Joeldb]

I tried that but can't get it to work. Do you have the programming code to do this.

[FishProf]

One thing that may have affected it is the order of the commands.
As Curt mentioned [somewhere] the commands are processes sequentially, top to bottom [all except If Time ...]. And the last one takes precedence. So the "Max Change" command needs to come after the "If Feed" command. You can check it by going to Setup > Timer program > Modify and scrolling: top = #1 command.

FP

[Joeldb]

Curt can you shed any light on this? If this is not possible is it in the works for future upgrades?

[clp]

It is currently not possible due to the way the internal feed state is interpretted. In the next release of firmware for the Jr and 3Pro, doing something like this will be supported. The syntax for doing it is something like this:

If Time > 00:00 Then PM1 ON
If Feed Cycle Then PM1 OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then SKM ON
If Timer PM1 = OFF Then SKM OFF
Max Change 010 M Then SKM OFF

If the feed cycle is 5 minutes, then the skimmer would shut off at the same time as the skimmer and remain off for 10 minutes.

Curt

[Joeldb]

I'm guessing there will be no upgrade for the AQII since you didn't mention it?

[clp]

A firmware update for the Aqua2 is not on the immediate horizon. It is likely that there will be a firmware update; I just can't commit to it yet.

Curt

[JAANDGC]

I don't know about the rest of the ACII owners but I would love to have that update. It would open up so many more programing options.
Jerry

[bowfront]

Joeldb since it doesn't look possible with AC II programing what I would suggest is hooking your skimmer to a float switch that will shut it off when the sump level rises above normal operating level and not turn it back on until the level drops to near the normal operating level. I've had my skimmer hooked up this way for years and it works great. You can find a decent float switch for around $50 on the net.

[Joeldb]

thanks bowfront. I guess I'll have to do that. I'm always trying to limit the number of extra wires under the tank, thats why I was trying to do it through the AQII.