The 2nd version of our motor controller has a ton of new features along with improvements from the initial version. We have replaced the float sensor with optical sensor that are more accurate where we have tuned the sensitivity to match the design. Also, they plug into the back of the motor housing, making it super easy to change out if needed. We also throw in a spare just in case. One of the biggest updates is including a screen. The screen was needed to configure all of the options available. On this design, we did try and make every setting configurable. But have set the defaults to what we feel are ideal setting right out of the box. But if you ever get overwhelmed, there is an option to restore to the defaults and start over.
There are 2 main modes for the controller: Sensor or Timer. In sensor mode, the optical water level sensors are used to turn the motor on or off. In timer mode, there is a built in timer that will turn the motor on for a set time and then turn it off for a set time. Timer mode is great for when you don’t want to rely on the sensors and just have the motor turn regularly to ensure new fleece is brought in. This also lets you keep a constant water level if desired.
There is also an indicator on the screen that will let you know how much of the fleece roll is left. We put in a feature where you can wire our controller up to your aquarium controller to get a notification when the fleece is running low so you know to go in and change it out before it runs completely out.
There are 3 optical sensors: main, sensor2 and sensor3. The main sensor has only one function, when it gets wet, the motor turns. But the other 2 sensors are fully configurable. You can have them set the same as the main sensor to act as back ups in case the main sensor fails. Or you can configure them similar to the original design where when they get wet they shut down the motor. Or you can disable them and not use them at all.
Lastly, we built in a few alarms that when connected to your main aquarium controller can send you notification when the alarm goes off. One alarm option is when the motor continuously runs too long. And the other alarm is when sensor2 or sensor3 gets wet. There is no alarm siren built into our controller.
The Platinum upgrade kit is compatible to upgrade on any PLATINUM sump model. The Obsidian upgrade kit is compatible with any OBSIDIAN sump model. Both of these kits include our new fleece area cross brace that helps keep the supports in place. The Titanium Fleece Kit converts the Titanium sump into a fleece sump.