Hydor Smart Level Control is the auto top-off system presented by Hydor at the Nuremberg InterZoo in 2012, and ever since that day it has been appreciated worldwide (versione italiana).
Hydor Smart Level Control is a fully electronic controller.
It supports any pump with a power consumption up to 50 watt, a very acceptable power limit as mostly used return pumps usually don’t even reach those values.
The controller today displays a much smaller probe than the originally designed one, and it is the best that technology has to offer, as it works with a temperature controlling system.
Smart Level Controller Parts
The controller is made up of a control unit fitted with LED indicators to signal its functioning. Three cords originate from the unit: one is for power, one ends with a female (in our case Italian) plug to which the top-off pump will be connected, and the last one ends in the unusual water sensor.
The water sensor, with a shape that can remotely remind us of a small hand, can be fixed to the glass through a magnetic suction cup: a suction cup with an internal magnetic component. A simple, smart and well functioning system.
Actually, the suction cup needs to attach to a thin plastic layer on the “hand”. It is fundamental that the “hand” is installed and maintained in a horizontal position in order for the system to function properly.
The system has four LED indicators, min, max, alarm and power.
Power stands for power supply, and it should be always on when the probe is plugged in.
Min at the same time indicates the minimum water level of the system and is always on, unless there is an alarm.
Max switches on when the water level increases to the maximum after topping off.
Alarm switches on when a issue is occurring, and is linked to an annoying acoustic signal which is repeated until the problem is solved.
On the top of the controller unit there is a on/off switch, which I find extremely useful for turning off the system when I do water changes. Just remember to switch it back on!
