Hydros Skimmer Sensor - Hydros

The Hydros Skimmer Sensor addresses one of the more frustrating failure modes in a reef system: a skimmer collection cup that overflows skimmate into the sump or, worse, onto the floor. The sensor uses an optical eye to detect when liquid inside the collection cup has risen to a critical level. At that point it triggers the HYDROS system to cut power to the skimmer, stopping the overflow before it happens. The skimmer must be plugged into a HYDROS-controlled outlet — such as the Power 4 or a Smart Plug — for the automated shutoff to function.

Installation is straightforward. The sensor body sits inside the collection cup and is held in place by a magnetic coupling; the magnet side mounts on the exterior of the cup wall. The design accommodates cup walls up to ¼" thick, which covers the vast majority of skimmer collection cups on the market. Because the cord exits from the magnet side, routing the cable is clean and unobtrusive. No drilling, no aftermarket lids, and no modification to the collection cup is needed.

The sensor connects to any HYDROS Sense Port via a GX12 aviation-style plug — the same connector standard that preserves the IP65 rating on the Control 2 and Control 4. There are no moving parts inside the sensor, which eliminates the float-switch failures common to older overflow protection devices. The entire assembly is small enough to fit inside compact collection cups: 0.75" in diameter, 0.55" thick on the sensor side, and 0.25" thick on the magnet side.

The Hydros Skimmer Sensor is an official HYDROS accessory manufactured by AutoAqua, the Taiwan-based company behind the Smart ATO Micro, and has been tested by CoralVue for seamless compatibility with the HYDROS platform. It carries a one-year limited warranty from CoralVue and is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater systems.