 // Blinks LCD thrice
 void initLCD(int columns, int rows){
   lcd.begin(columns, rows);   // initialize the lcd for 16 chars 2 lines, turn on backlight
+  lcd.clear();
   // ------- Quick 3 blinks of backlight  -------------
   for(int i = 0; i< 3; i++)
   {

#include "autorium.h"
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
#include <NewPing.h>
#include <NewTone.h>

  attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(INWARD_FLOW_SENSOR_PIN), inwardFlowSensor, RISING);
  attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(OUTWARD_FLOW_SENSOR_PIN), outwardFlowSensor, RISING);

  Wire.begin();   // Initialize the I2C wire protocol

  initLCD(16, 2);             // LCD test
  
  #if defined(DEV_MODE)
    Serial.begin(9600);  // Initialise the serial port. This would be the same serial port used for programming the board.
    Serial.print("Starting Autorium version ");
    Serial.println(AUTORIUM_VERSION);
    Serial.println("Debug Mode is ON");
    
    i2cScanner();         // Run the I2C scanner to check for peripherals
  #endif

  initRelayBoard(31, 5);      // Led blink test on all active ports
      
  // Max water level should be 5 cm less than Aquarium height
  if(maxWaterLevel > aquariumHeight - 5){
    lcd.clear();
