External reservoir for skimmer collection

[vanceny]

I'vs been having a problem with my skimmer going crazy only to find a puddle of water on the floor the next morning. I've heard that there is a way to setup the resevoir to stop the production of bubbles after the water level in gets to high. Something about backpressure. I know it has something to do with the air vent in the resevoir.
Does anyone have an diy plans for this?

[jules77]

I think only applies to beckett skimmers, see waste containers ala MRC

[vanceny]

Thanks. Does anyone know how they work? Looks easy enough to DIY.

[jules77]

the entire skimmer must be perfectly sealed (air), including the collection cup. It uses a ping pon ball that rises when the water is high in the container to shut off the air against a piece of PVC. The concept will probably not work on the coralife super skimmer, or any needlewheel for that matter.

[marino420td]

I have had this happen to me a few times too. I think you could drill a hole in your collection cup and tap it for a fitting. Plumb some vinyl hose from this barb to a collection resevoir fitted with a float valve. When the resevoir fills the float valve cuts the power to the skimmer.

Seems logical to me. Am I missing something? Anyone have theirs set up this way?

[vanceny]

Yep that's an idea by using a float valve that would work but I was thinking of doing something like this:

http://ozreef.org/index.php?full=1&set_albumName=diy&id=waste_collection&option=com_gallery&Itemid=46&include=view_photo.php

[vanceny]

Anyone know if that will work?

[oldsaltman]

FWIW I use a gal jug for my skimmer overflow. I have a drain line form the skimmer cup to the gal jug. About 2" from the top of the gal jug I put a small fitting and ran tubing from this to my sump. If the gal jug gets over 3/4 full then that goes back into the sump. Just keeps me from flooding my floor.
;)

[vanceny]

Is your jug higher than the sump?

[oldsaltman]

Yes, I have it setting right on top of the sump.;)

[vanceny]

Thanks. I'll try that.