Question re: New ClariSea SK5000G2 Controller

NotoriousDMC · Oct 24, 2021

Hello. I decided to get into the auto roller filter game and purchased the ClariSea SK5000. I have the unit assembled and before reaaranging my sump (I am going to pump feed it), I plugged the unit in to make sure it works. I got what I think is an odd result. The solid blue “normal operation” LED is on, but in the “alarm” indicator spot and the “power” LED is off. When I press the “play” (manual advance) button nothing happens. When I press the alarm button, however, the roll advances just as I would expect would happen when the the play button is pressed. I thought this might all be because the unit has never been triggered by the float switch and so I manually triggered the float switch and it worked.
Any ClariSea owners out there have any feedback? I’d like to make sure I don’t have any wiring or other issues before I reaarange my sump and get the CS wet.

NotoriousDMC · Oct 25, 2021

Received an answer (in less than 24 hours and on a Sunday no less) from customer support. Impressive. Turns out the controller cover was upside down.

Passing along in case any new ClariSea owners run into a similar issue.

Spartan1218 · Oct 29, 2021

Looks like I will be headed this route. Thanks for the info!

NotoriousDMC · Oct 29, 2021

NP. On the advice of LFS where I purchased the unit, I went the pump feeding route rather than modifying my RSR XL300 sump and plumbing directly to the overflow. I don’t regret it (yet!). I am using an extra DC pump rated at up to 1000gph and running that at 50% or less. I like being able to control flow through the ClariSea based on needs and that I am not catching ALL of the “junk” and running my tank too clean (NO3 and PO4 already near zero). I run it high out of the water and hear the roll advance for a second or less every 15 mins or so. Crystal clear water and consistently dirty roll not being wasted.

I’ve attached pics in case they help others. It’s by no means an expert install.

For me, customer service has been fantastic. In addition to the controller response noted above, I hairline cracked a panel during install (HINT: don’t do that!) and they (Ecotech) are sending me a new one free of charge.