Semi High Tech Nano Tank

[ervinelin]

Hi,
How did you submerge the probe in the water? From the picture, it seems that you placed the probe in a rubber tube, sealed at the end by something which looks like a cap. How was it done?

Thanks in advance

That's exactly what it is, a rubber tube sealed at one end by a cap. It's spares that came with the Eden 501 filter.

However this isn't ideal. I doubt the silicone and the air between the tube and the probe itself are good thermal conductors. As such it takes a while for the probe to register the actual temperature.

The probe itself is also just a thermistor, it should actually be some other electrical component which is more accurate.

If I have the time I'll need to re-do the electronics in this device.

[ervinelin]

I've added another device to the tank... It's a webcam that automatically takes a photograph every 5mins and uploads it onto my server.

http://www.studiov.com.sg/FishCam/ (might be offline when you view it as I might have turned off the computer). The image quality is pathetic, but it's meant to just give a visual indication of what's happening rather than a nice pretty photo.



I'll use it only on occasions when I need to leave the tank for extended periods of time as it requires the computer to be left on. There are cameras that can connect directly with a router for such a purpose but at $20 bucks this is the best option.

The software I used is Fwink, which is free.

So the idea is I'll check in every day to see how the tank is doing. My main concern is that the power trips (has happened before) when I'm not around. If that happens the camera won't update and I'll need to call in the calvary (someone who's around to help fix things should such an emergency arise).

Another possibility is the auto-top up fails, resulting in a visible change in the level of the water in the tank. At which point the calvary will be activated again.

Yups!

[vhdl288]

[teowws]

Mind giving us info on the DIY timer and sunrise/sunset controller...really want to make something like that, can u point to the relevant info for this controller? Thanks!

[RoyEight]

Wow!! you're good in DIY, your planted tank is very beautiful!!! Respect your effort for DIY

[ervinelin]

Mind giving us info on the DIY timer and sunrise/sunset controller...really want to make something like that, can u point to the relevant info for this controller? Thanks!

Unfortunately there's no one place to find the info, I built it myself from scratch and programmed the microchip with my own script. I learnt this from books and internet sites.

You'll need to research on basic electronics as well as with pic basic programming. Specifically check out PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation) which is what makes the LEDs dim/brighten.

Yups!
Erv.

[rick]

Salute your spirit!

[RoyEight]

Flood the tank with Cardinal Tetras will be great!!

[cottonball]

Well done, its interesting to see someone using basic automation on fishkeeping...

[[email protected]]

this is absolute nano-technology! LOL.