A power outage doesn't just stop your skimmer — water drains from the display into the sump while the return pump is off, and when power comes back, that skimmer can restart into a sump that's temporarily overfull. The Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer Auto Time Delay solves exactly that problem.
Why Restart Timing Matters
During an outage, water drains from the display into the sump, raising the sump's water level. If a skimmer restarts immediately when power returns — before the return pump has caught up and drained the sump back to normal — it can pull in far more water than intended and flood the collection cup or overflow entirely.
What the Auto Time Delay Offers
- Delays skimmer restart after power returns, giving the return pump time to bring sump water level back to normal first.
- Simple inline installation between your skimmer pump and its power source.
- Inexpensive insurance against a common and entirely avoidable overflow mess.
Who Needs One
- Anyone in an area with occasional power outages or unreliable utility power.
- Larger systems where a skimmer overflow means a genuinely large mess rather than a minor annoyance.
- Keepers who travel or aren't always home to manually manage equipment after an outage.
The Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer Auto Time Delay is available at Marine Concept Supply — order online or pick up at our shop in Wheeling, IL. Shop the Auto Time Delay, and browse more protein skimmers & accessories.
