Reef Discussion

[holly]

The float switches can be mounted on a bit of acrylic or plastic bent to shape. Unless you already have something (a skimmer bracket or something) that you can use.If you need help with your particular setup, let me know - I can always design and print up a suitable bracket on the 3D printer :)

we're waiting on a 3d printing pen from a kickstarter we bought into, that'll be interesting to use.

 

[Sam Parker]

Ah yes, the 3Doodler! I was tempted on one of those too, but quickly realised I couldn't draw for shit.... hahahaI got another kickstarter unit on the way instead: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1650950769/rigidbot-3d-printer?ref=activity

As for brackets, check out this joint: http://autotopoff.com/products/
Could easily make the stuff they have there
Sam

 

[Nicksy23]

loving these website addresses Sam keep them coming.
I search google for hours trying to find ideas and then you post the thing I'm looking for and it takes 1 second

 

[Sam Parker]

haha all good mate, happy to share. I learn on here every day, so feels good to contribute back :rolleyes

 

[leodb89]

That's what cheap Foscam's are for :) Pan/Tilt, night vision and even two way audio!
View attachment 20473

Got a link to these cams you used? They look decent.

Guys I will start the group buy EOI tomorrow :)

 

[Sam Parker]

Sure man - these are the ones I used (they are cheap now, HD versions out now!)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/original...sonal_Security&var&hash=item27d28758b5&_uhb=1
And here are the new HD versions:http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Foscam-WIFI-H-264-HP-720P-IR-CUT-Wireless-IP-Camera-FI9821W-SUPPORT-SD-card-6905-/181141069447?pt=AU_Home_Personal_Security&var&hash=item2a2cd95e87&_uhb=1sam

 

[leodb89]

GB EOI - http://www.thereefuge.com.au/threads/gb-eoi-ninja-block-tank-monitor-control-kits.8834/

 

[Sam Parker]

Will add a float switch to the lid of my skimmer cup tonight. It will tell the skimmer to power off if it reaches about 85% capacity and send me a text telling me to empty it. (haven't flooded it yet, but have gone close!)

For those that are really lazy, you could power up a small little pond pump that drained the cup for you :P

 

[Chunks]

Awesome use of the ninja block.

I was thinking of using one to built an automatic water change unit. It could be done with the float switches and power sockets for pumps. Then just program it using the online app. You could then login in while away and activate a water change. Or it could be triggered by a water parameter (PH/TDS) or regular time cycle?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sam Parker]

yep you bet, very easy to do and is how I have setup my new tank. Ninjablock turns on the pump to evacuate sump, then turns on the pump all the way out in my back shed (which is connected to 2 IBC's) and pumps into the tank. Easy to do :)

 

[Joele]

Thanks for the heads up, looks like I missed the group buy as I saw it after buying one, ohh well.. can't wait to try it out..

 

[macca_75]

@leodb89 are you doing a group buy on the Foscam's as well or just the ninja blocks? I having been eyeing the Foscam's for a while just waiting....

 

[Sam Parker]

@Joele Don't worry mate, just means you'll have yours to play with sooner and can help me with some more ideas on it!

I'd be interested in a group by for the new HD foscams. The have sellers on ebay who sell them less per piece the more you buy???

 

[hoangii]

hey @Sam Parker, how did you automate the pumps? via the remote control socket?

 

[Sam Parker]

Correct.
Float switches connecting to 433mhz senders tell the "base" what the water level is.
The "base" then switches pumps on and off via remote control sockets based on what the float switches say.

Simples!

 

[hoangii]

I got a 2 foot tank, you think that an ATO using dosing pumps be better suited or would you still recommend actual pumps for top off. Im asking because im thinking of building a dosing type unit.

 

[Sam Parker]

In a small setup, I'd got the normal tunze ato

 

[leodb89]

I can vouch for that nano osmolator it's really good...

Hey Sam if you send me the model of the Foscam I'll add it to the GB I don't want it to be too many products so if we can choose the most effective one

 

[Sam Parker]

Maybe a separate group buy? They are self supporting (no need for ninja block) Ninja block can use any basic USB web can too, I should grabbed the 100's work were throwing out...

 

[Joele]

Ninja block can use any basic USB web can too

I assume the Ninja block also integrate with any IP based webcams, I already have a foscam FI8907W, no idea how good or bad it is, never got around to hooking it up as was going to use with Neptune Apex, but not willing to pay their prices..