Webcams

[scherzo]

I went away a few weeks ago and just used my old 640x480 Logitech webcam.

No pan and tilt... Just a fixed picture. I set it up pointing to one of my anemones where there is always alot of action. That way I could just watch the fish during feeding time (automated)

I also just used Skype and set it to auto answer. That way my webcam isn't always broadcasting.

As for glare issues, I don't know what your room setup is like so you'll have to try it once you get your camera. I didn't have any room lights on and minimal sunlight so I did not have any glare (plus my lights are on from 4pm-12am).

You'll just have to test your camera once you get it.

[Lampshade]

I still use my logitec webcam with www.yawcam.com software. It's free, and works. I have live pictures on my fish tank's website, and a stream set up for when I need. The software will host it's own websites even, works great.

Also for glare, i took my webcam lengthways down my tank, with the camera close to the glass. This way the glare is on the front/back panes, which is nice, because then if i show someone at work my tank, i don't need to worry if my house is a mess :P.

The skype idea is very good as well, seems perfect for going on vacation.

[Enigma]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The Skype thing is a great idea. We'll employ that for the sump.

The camera set up lengthways down the glass appears to be the way to go to beat glare. I'm not able to see the sump when I do that, though.

The bonus is that I can pan it to see the front door from that location, and then call up my #1 son and give him heck when he neglects to lock it. He's been mumbling something about "1984."

I'm able to see the waterlevel in the display, and determine how clear the water is. I'm also able to see a lot of the activity, and whether or not corals are open. With the "night" feature, I'm able to make out everything I can when the lights are on . . . It's just darker.

The biggest source of glare actually seems to be the T5s, so the camera needs to be close enought to the tank that they don't come into view.