MP40W w. Battery Backup and Spot Feeding

[rroselavy]

Hello

I have a single Vortech, upgraded to the MP40W driver, with the Battery Backup module, and it has been working well for the past few months.

However, I cannot fully shut off the pump when it is in "Feed Mode". The pump spins at a slower speed, but does not stop.

I need the Vortech to stop spinning, because even the slowest speed will prevent me from effectively spot feeding my Red Scooter Blenny or specific corals. Currently I have to manually pull the plug, and remember to replug it after feeding.

I am going to install a feeding timer (or aquarium controller) soon, and I would like to have the controller handle the feed mode. I am wondering if there are any known solutions to this problem (like a low voltage switch that temporarily cuts battery power to the driver).

Thanks for any help...

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Hello rroselavy-

The pump's feed mode actually just slows it down to the minimum setting when engaged. Also, if you use the battery backup and cut power to the motor, as you know it will just go into battery backup mode which is about the same speed as our feed mode, although some of the time it will also run it higher.

In this situation the only option is to unplug the two power cords to the motor in order to shut the pump off completely.

-Tim

 

[intenseimage]

Is this something that could be changed in a software update ... feed mode actually turning the pump OFF for 10 mins?

 

[EcoTech Marine]

We believe that turning the pumps off during feed mode is risky because of the possibility of animals entering the pump while it is off.

-Tim

 

[rroselavy]

The pump's feed mode actually just slows it down to the minimum setting when engaged. Also, if you use the battery backup and cut power to the motor, as you know it will just go into battery backup mode which is about the same speed as our feed mode, although some of the time it will also run it higher.

In this situation the only option is to unplug the two power cords to the motor in order to shut the pump off completely.

Thanks for the reply Tim.

Text from the Ecotech MP40W Upgrade Kit Page:

Feed Mode
When any one pump is entered into feed mode, all pumps shut down for 10 minutes to allow you to feed your aquarium.

As you can see, I was misled into thinking that the words "shut down" means that the pumps actually, er... well - shut down (not slow down) . This is one of the two reasons I bought the upgrade kit.

Is there a reason the Vortech does not stop spinning? If not, I certainly would request that the Feed Mode fully stop the Vortech and defeat the Battery Backup for the duration of the mode. I would even suggest that the duration of the Feed Mode be user adjustable.

Thanks, even if I am not happy with the answer...

 

[rroselavy]

Originally posted by EcoTech Marine
We believe that turning the pumps off during feed mode is risky because of the possibility of animals entering the pump while it is off.

True, this could happen. My sixline curled up inside the pump for nearly 20 seconds shortly after being acclimated. Has not done it since, and none of my other fish seem to be so curious. I was thinking of adding a course black mesh to the front to prevent such an occurrence.

 

[intenseimage]

Ok maybe not turn it completely off but slow it down even further -- to the point that it still spins ... just VERY slowly to deter anyone from swimming on in

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Upon further reflection I have determined that there is one possible solution for this situation. If you press and hold both buttons you will enter the pump into configuration mode. This will turn the pump off and bypass the battery backup. However, the pump will not turn back on its own. You will need to press and hold both buttons again to exit back to the prior mode. If you have multiple pumps this will only shut down one pump at a time.

-Tim

 

[rroselavy]

Originally posted by EcoTech Marine
Upon further reflection I have determined that there is one possible solution for this situation. If you press and hold both buttons you will enter the pump into configuration mode. This will turn the pump off and bypass the battery backup. However, the pump will not turn back on its own. You will need to press and hold both buttons again to exit back to the prior mode. If you have multiple pumps this will only shut down one pump at a time.

Interesting. That would be a slightly easier than to fumble with the cords when plugging them back in. It also allows me to keep a constant eye on the pump to make sure nothing has entered the pump. Ultimately, I would like a controllable solution, but this works for now. Thanks.

 

[lunner]

Is there any problem using the Voctechs in Neptune AquaController's feed mode? They just cut the power off I think.

 

[rroselavy]

No problem that I know of, but I have the Battery Backup Module, which will kick in when the main Vortech power supply gets cut...