fully automating a tank

mark · #1 08-01-2009, 02:01 AM

Might also consider just selling off the livestock but keeping the hardware rather placing the burden on the GF.

freezetyle · #2 08-01-2009, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Might also consider just selling off the livestock but keeping the hardware rather placing the burden on the GF.

yea. i thought about doing that. she was actually against it because she enjoys looking at it. so she offered to do everything. i just wanted to make it as easy as possible for her.

mark · #3 08-01-2009, 03:36 AM

Well if your keeping it, lights should be already on a timer and heater on a thermostat or controller. Advantage of a controller or even something as simple as a Ranco is they can control the heater and a fan for evaporation cooling.

Rather than manually dosing 2-part, can use a dual channel dosing pump, GreenSpottedPuffer has a good deal on his or consider a Ca reactor.

ATO is though one of the greatest things. Can be a simple $10 humidifier float and reservoir or live on the edge and connect directly to a ro/di unit.

kien · #4 08-01-2009, 03:42 AM

A controller is a great idea. One huge advantage is that you can monitor and control your tank remotely via the web! Get an iPhone and then you can view your tank parameters from anywhere. :-) Even being away from my tank for 8 hours during the day makes me a little nervous.. hehe. This is why I have a profilux. I just got it but I'm hoping to set it up so that it emails me when my parameters are off :-)

subman · #5 08-01-2009, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kien

A controller is a great idea. One huge advantage is that you can monitor and control your tank remotely via the web! Get an iPhone and then you can view your tank parameters from anywhere. :-) Even being away from my tank for 8 hours during the day makes me a little nervous.. hehe. This is why I have a profilux. I just got it but I'm hoping to set it up so that it emails me when my parameters are off :-)

Have you got your profilux to work with your Iphone? I tried for a while but then gave up and just use logmein.com and go through a computer at home.

whatcaneyedo · #6 08-01-2009, 04:07 AM

How involved with your tank has your girlfriend been in the past? Something that could really help is to get her to read a book on reef keeping so that she has a better understanding of what she is dealing with.

freezetyle · #7 08-01-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatcaneyedo

How involved with your tank has your girlfriend been in the past? Something that could really help is to get her to read a book on reef keeping so that she has a better understanding of what she is dealing with.

we started this hobby together then she got caught up in work. she has read quite a few books on it. im pretty sure she can handle it. But, as Kien said you worry about this stuff that you have invested so much time and money on. i just wanted to make everything as stable as possible on its own so she would only have to do basic maintenance (water change, ATO bucket refill)

BlueAbyss · #8 08-01-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Well if your keeping it, lights should be already on a timer and heater on a thermostat or controller. Advantage of a controller or even something as simple as a Ranco is they can control the heater and a fan for evaporation cooling.

OMG thank you, I've been looking for something like this!

freezetyle · #9 08-01-2009, 05:04 PM

thanks for the input. i think i am just being to cautious with everything. like drock said the less you mess with your tank the better. she knows how to do the basic stuff so everything will probably be alright. If not be prepared for a few threads in the Sale section (ha)

kien · #10 08-01-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freezetyle

thanks for the input. i think i am just being to cautious with everything. like drock said the less you mess with your tank the better. she knows how to do the basic stuff so everything will probably be alright. If not be prepared for a few threads in the Sale section (ha)

If something should occur just make a post and mobilize all your canreef buddies! We/they will all come out of the woodwork to help sort things out. It has happened :-). Many of us would even lend space in our tanks to store stuff temporarily even if it came down to that. Bottom line, don't be afraid to use your reefing support network :-)