Octo VarioS Skimmer Pump Float Switch 6.7ft
SKU: ROP-VAR-FSS
- Genuine OEM Direct Replacement: Authentic factory-spec electronic high-water safety cutoff sensor configured specifically for Reef Octopus VarioS and VarioS+ controllable skimmer pumps.
- Standard 6.7-Foot Line Length: Factory-matching 6.7ft cord profile mirrors the original configuration shipped with your skimmer system for an uncluttered cabinet footprint.
- Dedicated Skimmer Firmware Configuration: Wired in a native configuration that tells the 24V/36V pump driver to instantly cease operation when a full collection cup pushes the float upward.
- Saltwater-Inert Polypropylene Core: Sealed magnetic reed-switch rod and buoyant collar array completely resist salt crusting, biological slime tracking, and continuous ozone exposure.
- Toolless Plug-and-Play Integration: Features a low-voltage plug connector that inserts directly into the side accessory jack terminal of any standalone or WiFi-enabled VarioS driver.
- Stops Waste Cup Flooding Disasters: Provides an automated electronic barrier that cuts pump energy lines during collection cup foam surges before waste pollutes your cabinet.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus VarioS Standard 6.7ft Skimmer Pump Controller Float Switch (ROP-VAR-FSS)
The Reef Octopus VarioS Standard 6.7ft Skimmer Pump Float Switch (SKU: ROP-VARIOS-FSS) is an authentic original factory safety sensor distributed by CoralVue to provide physical overflow protection and immediate electronic shutdown capabilities to your primary fractionating loop. Serving as a direct replacement for the default sensor bundled with all VarioS and VarioS+ skimmer packages, this component provides a crucial layer of defense for your aquarium cabinetry. Measuring exactly 6.7 feet, this continuous, un-spliced line is perfectly scaled to route neatly inside standard-sized under-cabinet filter compartments, avoiding excessive cable clutter while maintaining a lightning-fast, drop-free data connection to your central pump driver.
Mechanically, the ROP-VARIOS-FSS is optimized strictly for the volatile, high-organics environment found inside protein skimmer lids and waste collection wells. Utilizing a highly buoyant, non-reactive polypropylene ring tracking over a fully enclosed magnetic reed core, the switch reads subtle physical water line movements instantly. The moment your skimmer over-activates—whether triggered by heavy coral feeding, epoxy use, water changes, or a blocked drain valve—the rising skimmate lifts the collar, prompting the VarioS controller to kill the pump's power within milliseconds. This rapid safeguard layout isolates the dirty organic waste inside the cup, preventing toxic, highly concentrated skimmate from spilling back into your clean sump reservoir.
Key Features
Continuous Insulated Shielding: Heavy-duty rubberized wire jacket protects the inner signal lines from salt spray deterioration, pinching wear, and moisture wicking.
Direct Software Override Pass: Communicates natively with your pump's onboard logic board, immediately triggering an error state and an illuminated warning light on your control module.
Reversible Sensor Switching Direction: The internal float ring can be slid off the main shaft and flipped 180 degrees, allowing you to configure the unit as a normally closed or normally open sensor to match your specific layout.
(Note: This replacement accessory includes the single 6.7-foot skimmer float switch loop only. Physical acrylic mounting brackets, collection cup lids, and main pump controllers are sold separately).
Verified Hardware Compatibility
Reef Octopus Skimmer Driver Infrastructure: Designed natively to plug into all standard small, medium, and large-frame pump drivers, including the VarioS-2S, VarioS-4S, and VarioS-6S control panels.
Modern WiFi+ Series Smart Systems: Fully certified to integrate with cloud-managed VarioS 2S+, VarioS 4S+, and VarioS 6S+ controllers, automatically enabling smartphone app warning updates when triggered.
(Note: This is an "FSS" designated sensor, which features a wiring pattern optimized for waste cup containment. For water reservoir level monitoring on circulation systems, look for the alternative "FSW" water pump line under SKU: ROP-VAR-FSW).
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Octopus Replacement VarioS / VarioS+ Skimmer Pump Safety Float Switch Sensor with Integrated 6.7-Foot Connection Line
(Note: Physical acrylic mounting brackets, adjustment retaining screws, and main pump assemblies are sold separately).
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: Reef Octopus VarioS Skimmer Float Switch 6.7ft
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: ROP-VAR-FSS
Total Deployment Cable Length: 6.7 Feet (2.04 Meters) Continuous Run
Sensor Type Profile: Magnetic Reed Switch with Floating Buoyant Collar Array
Material Matrix Composition: Saltwater-Inert Premium Grade Polypropylene & Sealed Polymer Coating
Primary Function: Skimmate High-Water Level Monitoring & Automated Pump Shutdown Failsafe
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.
- Disconnect your primary VarioS power supply transformer block from the wall socket to completely eliminate live electricity before handling your controller cables.
- Route the 6.7-foot line from your dry controller mounting spot down through your cabinetry, ensuring the wire does not wrap around high-heat lighting fixtures or pinch in stand hinges.
- Pass the sensor end through your skimmer collection cup lid port, or secure it inside your external waste collection chamber using an acrylic mounting bracket clip.
- Adjust the locking lock-nuts along the switch neck so that the moving float ring sits roughly 0.5 to 1 inch below the ultimate overflow line of your cup rim.
- Take the low-voltage plug jack at the end of the 6.7ft line and push it straight into the matching float switch port on the bottom or side of your VarioS controller block.
- Plug the main power supply back into the wall outlet, press the physical "FS" button on your controller faceplate to activate active monitoring, and confirm that the green indicator light stays lit.
Pro TIps:
- Wipe Down the Float Ring with Fresh Water During Every Cup Emptying Routine. Because this sensor lives directly inside the high-waste environment of a protein skimmer collection cup, it is constantly exposed to thick organic oils, proteins, and salt spray. Over time, these thick organics can bake onto the vertical track rod, forming a sticky, gummy film that can trap the floating ring in the down position. To keep the failsafe working perfectly, make it a habit to quickly rinse the float ring under warm fresh water and slide it up and down by hand every time you pull the cup to clean it.
- Never Wrap Extra Cord Next to AC Power Cables. Even though this is a shorter 6.7-foot line, you will often end up with minor excess cord bundled underneath your stand. When tying this line off, use plastic zip-ties to secure it well away from heavy high-voltage AC cables, such as your main aquarium heater lines or lighting ballasts. Running unshielded, low-voltage DC data lines parallel to heavy AC power loops can introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can trigger annoying false overflow alarms and stop your skimmer randomly.
- Test the Cutoff Switch Manually at Least Once a Month. Never wait for a real skimmer overflow to find out if your safety switch is functioning correctly. Once a month, with the VarioS pump running normally at its baseline speed, look into your collection cup and gently lift the small float ring upward with a clean finger. If your 6.7-foot line is hooked up right and the controller's safety mode is active, the pump will stop spinning instantly. If it doesn't shut down right away, double-check your connection jack and make sure the "FS" toggle indicator on the touchpad is switched on.