DracoDrum Minima Instruction Manual

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™
Minima User Guide
and Installation
Manual

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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................3
Product Information ...............................................................................................................................4
Getting to know your DracoDrum Minima.............................................................................................5
Installation ..............................................................................................................................................8
Attaining Correct Water Level ............................................................................................................8
Float Switch.........................................................................................................................................8
Control Unit.........................................................................................................................................9
Using Your DracoDrum Minima ..............................................................................................................9
Starting your Drum for the First Time.................................................................................................9
Operation............................................................................................................................................9
Making Adjustments...........................................................................................................................9
Rotations per wash .........................................................................................................................9
Adjusting the height of the sensor................................................................................................10
Configuring the Biological Chamber. ................................................................................................10
LED Lights on the Control Box...........................................................................................................11
Day to Day usage...............................................................................................................................11
Maintenance.........................................................................................................................................12
Cleaning the Screen ..........................................................................................................................12
Waste Tray ........................................................................................................................................12
General..............................................................................................................................................12
Tips....................................................................................................................................................12
Breakages..........................................................................................................................................14
DracoDrum Guarantee..........................................................................................................................15

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Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your DracoDrum Minima Combi
The unit is designed for simplicity of installation and use.
On the following pages we will show you the different components of your combi, how to install it
and how to perform fault finding if something should stop working as it should.

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Product Information
Incoming Power Rating
100 –230V, 50-60hz
Stepped down to 12V DC via the control box
Motor
12V DC Brushless , 4 step planetary gear, digital stepper drive, output 22RPM
Valve
12V DC Solenoid actuation
Dimensions Minima
Width –350mm
Overall height –488mm
Length –1215mm
Height above water level (gravity fed) –175mcm
Height above water level (pump fed) –185mm
Mesh Screen
58 Micron Stainless Steel
Maximum flow Rate 8000LPH Gravity,
Minimum Tap Water Pressure 1.5 bar

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Getting to know your DracoDrum Minima
A –Bio area lid
B –Drum area lid
C –Junction box
D –Waste Water Outlet
E –Water Inlet
F –Waste Tray Access
G –Water Valve
H -- Outlet
I –Filter Water Drain

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A –Spray Bar
B –Drive motor on swing mount
C –Water level sensor
D –Water Valve
E –Junction Box

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A –Air Line
B –Fluid Media Baffle
C –Rear Plate for Fluid Media Baffle
Bypass Plate
If you need to bypass the drum, for instance if you are treating for flukes, there is a bypass plate that
can be removed from inside the drum itself and is secured by 2 self tapping screws. This is accessed
by removal of the waste tray.

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Installation
Make sure that the Minima is placed onto a flat surface . The unit is not designed to be moved once
it contains water.
When you receive your Minima the spray bar will be in ‘transit position’. Once unpacked, lift the
spray bar enough to turn the valve clockwise half a turn, until tight and then gently place the spray
bar back down into its holder. The water valve should then look as in the picture below under
‘Connecting the Water’.
Attaining Correct Water Level
When fitted,
Gravity fed mode, running water level should be about 25mm below the lip of the bio chamber.
Pump fed mode, this is automatically governed by the standpipe.
Connecting the Water
Water valve operated spray bar. connect your incoming water supply to the valve. In the UK this
should be via a standard 15mm pipe. For international, an adaptor will be required and the valve
body uses a standard 3/4" BSP female thread.
Float Switch
Gravity fed, adjust the internal (Clean side) float switch so that when fully floating, the sensor is just
below running water level (see Attaining correct water level). Tighten screw to secure.
Pump fed, this is governed by the standpipe.

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Control Unit
Using Your DracoDrum Minima
Starting your Drum for the First Time
Turn on controller by twisting and unlocking the stop button. You should see a green light and a red
zero. The drum is now ready to go.
Operation
When running, the drum should show a green light to confirm power is on. Initially you will see a red
zero to the right of the unit. This will change as it displays the minutes between the last 2 washes.
When triggered, the red sensor led will flash. This flashing will only occur whilst the sensor is actually
triggering or whilst you are pressing the green button in. Once triggered this initiates a wash "cycle"
and 2 blue leds will light. One for the wash pump and one for the drive motor.
A wash cycle is approximately 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds is up, the blue leds will extinguish
and the drum will stop. If the red led continues to flash, the drum will continue to wash until the red
led stops flashing. If this situation lasts for more than 4 minutes, the drum will auto stop, wait for 2
minutes and then continuously monitor the sensor. Once the sensor is no longer active, it will auto
restart. Whilst it is monitoring, the red led will come on solidly (failsafe mode).
You can select up to 2 wash cycles for your wash duration, so you can set the drum to wash for up to
1 minute each time. If you need to manually trigger a wash, for example maintenance, you can press
the green button on the controller to start the drum. If there is an issue with the drum, pushing the
emergency stop will shut off all power within the controller as a safety feature.
Making Adjustments
Your DracoDrum allows you to make 2 adjustments to it, the length of the wash and the height of
the water sensor in gravity mode.
Rotations per wash
You can select between 1 and 2 periods per wash. A period is not a full rotation but rather lasts for
approximately 30 seconds. This is to ensure the same part of the screen is not constantly
underwater and all parts of the drum are used equally.
To adjust the number of periods, simply flick the switch on the control box to either 1 or 2
NB: The system will over ride and continue to wash for more durations if the water level should not
have reached the required minimum height that you have set with the internal water sensor after a
wash.

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Adjusting the height of the sensor
For gravity fed units the sensor is on the clean side of the drum. This sensor is triggered when the
micron screen becomes dirty and blocked and the water level starts to drop as not enough water is
able to get through.
With the system running, and the drum has just washed, you will have behind the drum what is
referred to as “running water level”. This can and usually is lower than if the main circulation pump
is turned off. To maximise the area of filter screen under water, the waste tray should be half
submerged at this running water level. The float switch should then be set so that the floating tip of
it is approximately 5mm below that.
Gravity Fed
The unit will continue to wash for as many rotations as necessary until the water level reaches the
required height to re-cover this sensor. E.g. if you have your unit set to only 1 rotation but a single
rotational cycle is not enough to clear the debris attached to the micron screen then it will continue
to rotate and clean until the sensor is re-submerged in water. If however you have the system set to
two rotational cycles even if one rotation clears the screen and allows the water to return to the
normal running height the unit will continue for the specified number of cycle rotations.
Configuring the Biological Chamber.
The Biological chamber can be set for fluid or solid media.
If using solid media, an alternative baffle is available from your dealer to maximise the efficiency of
the chamber.

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LED Lights on the Control Box
There are 4 LED lights on your control box which tells you what the drum is doing
Green –There is power going to the controller
Red –When lit and flashing, the sensor is active and detecting low water level to trigger a wash, or
you are pressing the manual wash button.
Blue –When lit they indicate if the motor is currently active (rotating the drum) and if the wash bar
is currently active
Day to Day usage
Once you are initially satisfied with the settings of your sensor and number of rotations per wash
cycle, simply ensure that the green “on”LED is lit, the lid is down and you can walk away and leave it
to do its thing.
Initially the drum will wash more frequently as it is removing all the particulates from your water
down to 58 microns.
You can adjust the sensors and wash duration as many times as you want to until you get to the
optimum setting for your particular filter set-up.
All drums produce some noise whilst they are going through a wash cycle and the DracoDrum
Minima is no different. However with the lid down and, in our own system, the decking covers down
, it is very much just a background noise, it does not sound like someone is trying to excavate your
back garden and in fact we have found it allows you a smile knowing that your Drum is doing its
thing whilst you can enjoy the serenity of your koi and garden.
DracoDrum Minima will automatically restart without any external intervention upon any power
failure

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Maintenance
All drums at some point will either suffer from biofilm build-up or limescale deposits. This is easy to
see on a Dracodrum Minima as the "time between washes" display will start to decrease.
Cleaning the Screen
Set the wash duration to 2, press the manual button and jetwash the screen with a standard nozzle,
not a pulsating one. The nozzle should be about 3 to 4inches from the screen to gain maximum
benefit. Once done, set the wash duration back to how it was.
Waste Tray
Every fortnight or so (or more if there is a blanketweed/heavy leaf issue), power off the drum,
unscrew the 4 bolts holding the waste tray on, disconnect the drain pipe and withdraw the waste
tray. Make sure it is clean and then replace. All 4 bolts on the front of the drum holding the plate
should be finger tight only. We actually use a socket without the ratchet to tighten them up in the
factory.
General
Periodically to is wise to purge your filter. Although DracoDrum filters down to 58 micron, there are
still particles smaller than this in the waste column. These can congregate within a filter and on our
own heavily stocked system, a bi-monthly cleanout is usually carried out. You will get a feeling for
how often you need to do this as every system is different.
Tips
All drum filtered systems should have a trickle in. This is crucial on a pressure pump wash system as
the drum extracts water from the pond to wash itself. It is highly important in any event as you will
now no longer be doing water changes by cleaning your filter. Failure to do so will likely result in a
build up of nitrate (and increased algae and blanketweed issues) and a drop in Carbonate hardness
(KH) and buffering capacity of the pond.
There may be a slight nitrite level increase after fitting any drum. This is down to a switchover in the
type of nitrobacter inhabiting your system to a "clean loving" variety. This usually lasts no more than
a couple of weeks and has not been seen to be detrimental to fish stocks.
Gravity fed systems, you can do a partial bottom drain purge by switching off your drum but not the
circulation system. Allow the water level within the filter to drop as low as it can, then turn the drum
back on. The backfilling water should increase flow down the bottom drain pipe and clean the pipe
run. If using the optional pressure pump, allow the water level to drop to nearly the bottom of the
inlet tube. You will not damage the wash pump by running it dry as it is self-priming.
If the pond is not entirely clear, it may be that the float switch is too low in the water for gravity fed
systems or the drum is too high up for pump fed. If that is the case, the water pressure “differential”

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between the inside and the outside of the drum screen is too great and waste can extrude itself
through the screen and cause the water quality to become turbid. Readjust the float switch higher in
the water (gravity) or drop the drum lower in the water (pump) to resolve this.
Diagnostics
The DracoDrum should be virtually problem free, but like any electro mechanical device, it may
occasionally need help. The 4 LED’s on the control panel can help to diagnose issues.
RED sensor led goes solid (stops flashing) And drum stops washing after 4 minutes (drum
failsafe mode –see paragraph 2 in “operation”)
Water sensor is too high (gravity) too low (pump fed). Reset height.
Waste Tray is full of dirt and is not expelling water - clean waste tray.
Screen is blocked but tray is empty (will be accompanied by low "time between washes"
display), jetwash screen.
If screen is clean, maximum flow rate of the drum has been exceeded, so water level cannot
return to running level. Reduce flow.
Tap fed systems –Water supply has been turned off/pressure reduced substantially. Check
incoming water supply.
Failed / disconnected water valve –disconnect incoming water supply and visually check ball
valve operation when pressing the “manual wash” button.
Drum does not trigger, manual wash button has no effect
Green led is off - no power to controller.
Green led is on - umbilical is not correctly plugged into drum.
NB for pump fed, drum still refuses to trigger but above points are ok, remove waste tray
and clean out float switch.
BLUE LED’s continuously on, drum always washing and also no red flashing LED
Only one blue LED comes on
Faulty control board in both cases - Contact dealer
BLUE LED’s come on when triggered, drum rotates but no wash
Faulty or disconnected pressure pump or water valve. Check connections in the drum
terminal box (there is a diagram within the box to make this easier).
BLUE LED’s come on when triggered, drum washes but does not rotate
Faulty or disconnected drive motor - again check the drum terminal box.

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In wash cycle, motor rotates but drum does not
Drum is jammed. Turn drum off, remove waste tray and clear obstruction. Restart drum. If
drum still does not rotate but motor shaft does, contact dealer.
Weird display digits / “elements” missing in display numbers
This is caused by the time between washes exceeding 99 minutes. To resolve, adjust float
switch higher to bring wash time back below 99 minutes. This should also stop waste sitting
in the drum for long periods of time.
Water not coming through all jets in wash cycle
Undo blue holding cap on blocked jet by quarter turn and remove jet assembly. "blow
backwards" into the jet with your mouth and this should clear the obstruction. Check the
inside of the jet to see if the obstruction is now visible and remove. Replace jet.
In hard water areas, an old toothbrush applied to the jet should clean it. If this is
unsuccessful, spare jets are available from your dealer.
Breakages
The DracoDrum is completely modular meaning that if you should have an accident, all parts are
replaceable without having to buy a new drum.
We are able to supply your local dealer with all replacement parts, up to and including the chassis
and drum itself, so that your drum can be fixed and up and running again in a short period of time.

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DracoDrum Guarantee
This product comes with a 1 year ‘Return to Base’ guarantee for manufacturer faults, including the
screen and all seals, which is valid from date of purchase.
In the first instance the consumer should contact the DracoDrum agent from which the unit was
purchased. Proof of purchase will be required along with a serial number.
Any unauthorised repairs, modifications or alterations to this unit will invalidate the guarantee.
Liability is limited to replacement of the defective parts. This guarantee is not transferable. It does
not affect your statutory rights. DracoDrum Ltd and its agents shall not be held liable for any
consequential loss caused by or arising from the use of any DracoDrum products including loss of
fish, plants or any other livestock as a result of any failure or defect of this product.
The guarantee undertaking consists at the option of DracoDrum the elimination free of charge of
material and manufacturing defects through repair, exchange of parts or replacement of the entire
product. If DracoDrum repairs the product, exchanges parts or replaces the product, then the
guarantee claim for the defect in question or the replaced product is valid for the remaining duration
of the original guarantee period.
In cases where, upon inspection, the fault is not covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee,
DracoDrum reserves the right to recover from the customer the costs of handling the guarantee
claim.
DracoDrum reserves the right to alter product specifications without notification.
What isn’t covered by the DracoDrum guarantee
There are some circumstances in which a DracoDrum guarantee doesn't cover the repair or
replacement of a machine. These aren't hidden in the small print. Here's what isn't covered:
Fair use wear and tear
Accidental damage
Damage caused by not carrying out the recommended maintenance.
Damage from external sources such as transit, weather, electrical outages or power surges.
Failures caused by circumstances outside of DracoDrum’s control.
Faults caused by:
oNegligent use, misuse, neglect or careless operation of the unit;
oUse of the unit which is not in accordance with the DracoDrum’s User/Install Guide;
oUse of parts not assembled or installed in accordance with the instructions of
DracoDrum.

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oUse of parts and accessories which are not DracoDrum Genuine Components.
oRepairs or alterations carried out by parties other than DracoDrum or its authorised
agents.
Any dispute arising from the provisions of the manufacturer’s guarantee will be dealt with under the
laws of England and Wales.