IceCap AC Skimmer Controller
SKU: IC-SKS10A
MSRP: $ 57,75
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Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Automated Overflow Prevention: Microprocessor-driven monitoring unit designed to instantly kill power lines to your skimmer pump the moment a high liquid condition is registered.
- Universal Float Switch Integration: Native plug-and-play 3.5mm mono jack port built to accept the low-voltage safety float switches from compatible skimmate collectors.
- Heavy-Duty 10A Relay Contact: Rated to handle up to 10 amps of continuous electrical draw (10A contact thresholds), easily managing oversized AC pinwheel fractionating motors.
- Integrated 5-Minute Startup Delay: Built-in automated 5-minute restart window holds the pump offline post-power outage, allowing raw sump depths to stabilize first.
- Calibrated Touch-Button Feed Timer: Outfitted with an on-board manual membrane keypad featuring 10, 30, and 60-minute quick-pause windows for targeted coral feeding.
- Inline Grounded Control Socket: Features a short, heavy-gauge integrated 3-prong female outlet cable to easily secure grounded AC motor leads.
IceCap
Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap AC Skimmer Controller & Overflow Protector (IC-SKS10A)
The IceCap AC Skimmer Controller (SKU: IC-SKS10A) is an essential, high-reliability safety module distributed by CoralVue to act as an automated emergency circuit breaker for your protein skimmer's electrical grid. Anyone operating an intensive marine filtration setup has likely experienced a localized skimmer boil-over. Sudden shifts in surface tension from raw epoxy glues, heavy coral feeding blocks, or changing sump depths can cause a stable pinwheel pump to unexpectedly overflow. This floods your under-cabinet floor with foul organic wastewater and strips vital elements from your display tank. The IC-SKS10A prevents this completely by routing your skimmer pump's main power lines through a smart digital switch tied to a remote float line.
Designed to pair perfectly with structural line waste containment reservoirs (such as the IceCap WCT series), this module uses a simple low-voltage connection to monitor fluid heights. You simply mount the controller on your equipment board, route the 3.5mm safety cord from your waste collector lid into the bottom jack, and plug your skimmer pump directly into the controller's grounded receptacle. If the waste chamber fills to maximum capacity, the internal relay drops the circuit within milliseconds, stopping the pump before a spill can occur. Beyond basic overflow protection, the unit adds a helpful 5-minute startup delay. This holds the skimmer offline when main power returns after an outage, giving your return pump time to lower the high sump level and preventing a restart overflow.
Key Features
Active Status Diagnostic LEDs: High-visibility faceplate includes a red power indicator alongside a dedicated blue indicator that shows when live output current is passing down the pump line.
Flexible Running Interval Adjustability: Front-facing control pads allow you to modify active runtime windows between 1 and 24 hours to execute specialized skimming schedules.
Universal AC Pump Adaptability: Functions seamlessly with any standard alternating current protein skimmer brand on the market up to the 10-amp power tier threshold.
(Note: This listing covers the standalone mountable electronic digital control module and its power loop lines. Sealed clear acrylic skimmate collector towers and loose replacement float assemblies are sold separately).
Verified Waste Collector System Integration
IceCap WCT Compatibility: Plugs natively into the mechanical float lines of the IceCap 1.5L Waste Collector (IC-WCT15), the upsized 4.5L Waste Collector (IC-WCT45), and the space-saving over-rim IceCap 2.5L HOB Waste Collector (IC-WCTHOB) assembly.
Controller Specifications
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap AC Skimmer Controller Unit with Integrated Grounded 3-Prong Female Output Cord
(Note: Clear acrylic collector columns, replacement carbon filter blocks, and mechanical low-voltage float triggers are sold under separate item lines).
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap AC Skimmer Controller
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-SKS10A
Main Circuit Relay Contact Capacity: Supports up to 10 Amps Max Electrical Load
Operating Input Power Grid: 100-240V AC Adaptive (50/60Hz System Frequency Tracking)
Digital Sensor Input Terminal: 3.5mm Mono Jack Female Receiving Track
Fixed Automatic Startup Delay Window: 5 Minutes Post Power-Interruption
Manual Feed Pause Presets: 10 Minutes, 30 Minutes, & 60 Minutes Customizable Steps
Physical Housing Shell Dimensions: 3.125 Inches x 5.375 Inches x 1.125 Inches (L x W x H)
Grounded Pump Lead Tail Length: 7 Inches Integrated Cord Line
Float Switch Probe Hole Size: 3/8in
Controller Only - Requires protein skimmer and/or waste collection container.
NOTE: For Indoor household use only
Warranty
CoralVue, Inc. hereby guarantees this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- 1 Year
Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
Red <POWER> LED indicates power ON
Blue <ON/OFF> LED indicates heater power is ON
Button Functions
Hold and press the <POWER> button for 5 sec. to switch the Controller ON or OFF.
Press the <F> button to activate the feed mode, which increases the intervals by 10, 30, and 60 minutes.
Press the <+> or <-> buttons to adjust the running interval for the skimmer pump. Users can modify the interval length (0-24 hours) during which the skimmer will remain powered. The interval starts when the controller is set.
- Screw your IceCap AC Skimmer Controller flat onto a dry wood equipment board or an external dry closet panel using the molded top mounting eyelets.
- Plug your AC-powered protein skimmer's 3-prong grounded wall plug directly into the short 7-inch female outlet cord extending from the base of the controller housing.
- Take the low-voltage 3.5mm mono male plug extending from your waste collector lid assembly and push it firmly into the bottom matching sensor input port.
- Plug the controller's primary heavy-gauge input power cord into a nearby grounded GFCI household wall outlet or an approved aquarium system surge protector.
- Press and hold the front power button for 5 continuous seconds to initialize the circuitry; the red indicator light will illuminate to show the system is live.
- Verify operational functionality by physically tilting the remote container's float switch upward; the controller should click audibly and instantly drop output power to your skimmer pump.
Pro Tips:
- Never Mount the Controller Box Inside a Humid Under-Cabinet Sump Space. Even though the front face features an integrated plastic membrane keypad built to handle everyday maintenance touches, this controller contains sensitive digital micro-relays that are highly vulnerable to moisture. Installing the driver box inside an unventilated sump stand right above open, bubbling saltwater will lead to salt creep tracking into the shell and causing early component failure. Always place the unit on an external dry equipment panel or a nearby wall shelf where air can freely circulate.
- Test the Mechanical Float Switch Functionality Monthly to Stop Calcification Seizing. Because protein skimmate fluid is dense with highly concentrated calcium carbonate, organic proteins, and evaporated marine minerals, fine grit will steadily deposit around the remote float switch track over time. If a thick mineral crust builds up unnoticed, it can physically glue the float ring in the lower "safe" position, keeping the controller from reading a full container. Make it a habit to quickly lift the float assembly by hand once a month during routine water changes to ensure it moves smoothly.
- Do Not Panic Over the 5-Minute Delayed Restart Sequence. If you briefly unplug the controller to feed your fish or clean your filter pads, your skimmer pump will not spin back up the exact second you plug the power cord back in. This is an intentional safety feature, not a component failure. The status light will flash to note that the 5-minute anti-overflow delay loop is active. This window allows your main return pump to lower the temporary high water level inside your sump compartment, ensuring the skimmer does not overflow when power returns.