Skimmer with Apex question

I have tracked down a company who will send me a SWC Cone skimmer (frustrating finding people who ship internationally). And he says he even has a 220v version, which is the standard here.

I have a step down transformer that runs my Apex controller, so I'm thinking do I get the 110v version and run it via the Apex or get a 220v and run it from the mains. So my question is, why would I add it to my Apex, is there any benefit to doing that or am I better off saying the EB8 sockets for something else.

Just not sure if there is any value when I can switch it off at the wall, as that is all the Apex can do with a skimmer, or is there benefit to adding it to the controller.

Thanks

 

Good to see that you found a source for the skimmer. I run mine on a controller, so it can be switched off for a few hours after feeding. You could of course do this manually, but if you ever set up auto feeders, it's nice to have this automated too. I also have mine set up so that when I put my controller into stand by mode, my return, skimmer, and Vortech shut off. When it leaves standby mode, it knows to keep the skimmer and Vortech off for an additional couple of minutes while the sump level drops back to normal. Really I'd say that you can always get more controller modules, but once you order the 220 skimmer, you can never use it on the controller.

 

Thanks Mike, decision made then, I will get the 110v . Thanks for your help, and your prompt response to my previous PM regarding the skimmer. I did as you suggested and contacted SWC direct and they put me on to somebody who ships internationally, and at a good price too

 

You want to put it on the controller. Put a "power" statement in that keeps the skimmer off for two minutes after a power outage. Your skimmer will over flow when the sump is flooded and flush all the skimmate. If you have your skimmer hooked up to a external overflow it's worse. And I had mine hooked up to feed timers too like Mike said.