Diy: Temp/ATO/Main pump controller

[WaterbugJenn]

Ok I finally got around to typing all of this in.
I made this about 6 months ago. It has been controlling my tank ever since. I just figured I would test it before I told everyone how great I thought it was.

Let me know what you guys think. I like feedback even the crappy kind. LOL
http://home.comcast.net/~jennyleep/Diycontroller.htm

I may need to get more detailed on the instruction if anyone thought it was cool enough to try to build themselves.

After 6 months in use it still works perfect and would not change a thing. Except a thermostat that switched between heat and cool by itself.

[WaterbugJenn]

Well either my link does not work or apparently this was not as cool as I once thought.
Whatever it works sweet for me

[MeuserReef]

I really like how clean your design is.

I have been wanting to consolidat 2 ATO systems (one for the sump and one for making RO water) into one housing with LED's such as this. I also want to be able to see when my tank is cooling and when its heating. Ideally, I want to put all of my relays, solenoids, and LEDs into one sleek housing like yours.

Not quite the same as what you have done, but similar.

I have my RO connected so that it automatically re-fills the sump. I like the extra "overflow" protection that your design adds and will look at adding this to my pseudo-controller.

I bookmarked the link.

[MeuserReef]

ps.. everyone could just be upset that you guys (NE Patriots) keep winning all of the football games... LOL

[Namyar]

I like it a lot never thought of using a regular thermostate to keep temp and shut on and off the heating and pumps. Very nice.

[funman1]

Yeah that idea blew past me too somehow!!
Very nice!!

[WaterbugJenn]

Thanks for the kind words. Always good to know your hard work is appreciated. Plus I just wanted to hopefully add to all of the cool DIY projects out there.

MeuserReef ps.. everyone could just be upset that you guys (NE Patriots) keep winning all of the football games... LOL

You might be onto something there. LOL
Yea the Pats have been giving us some good years lately.
The Sox have been good too.

Thanks - Jenn

[megaspoot]

WOW, awesome! I've always though about using a regular thermostat, just never gave much effort into researching ways for low voltage to switch high voltage on/off. I will definitely be bookmarking this!

[slandis3]

What do you think about encaseing the thermister in epoxy instead of using heat shrink?

[WaterbugJenn]

Originally posted by megaspoot
WOW, awesome! I've always though about using a regular thermostat, just never gave much effort into researching ways for low voltage to switch high voltage on/off. I will definitely be bookmarking this!

Thanks.

slandis3 What do you think about encaseing the thermister in epoxy instead of using heat shrink?

The thermister and the small gauge wires coming off of it are kind of flimsy. Thats why I heat shrinked mine, I figured it would add a little strength and stability to the assembly. But I imagine a couple of dips into some kind of aquarium safe epoxy might do the trick. There are 2 wires on the thermister, you will prob need to heat shrink those just to prevent a short.

[MeuserReef]

I use a Ranco temp controller to run my heaters/chiller and I encased its temp sensor in epoxy and it still works fine. It might slow the reading a bit, but not enough to cause any trouble.

[Pbrown3701]

epoxy coating should provide better water protection and actually will add more strength than heatshrinking. You can epoxy the thermistor and exposed wires (up to the wire insulation). Should work great.

Good idea by the way.

[Pbrown3701]

I also use Ranco dual stage but i have the titanium probe which is just sealed with silicone where the wires enter the probe.

BTW - I'm a 100% supporter of the Ranco controllers. They're great, bulletproof, and will last decades without problems

[MeuserReef]

Originally posted by Pbrown3701
I also use Ranco dual stage but i have the titanium probe which is just sealed with silicone where the wires enter the probe.

BTW - I'm a 100% supporter of the Ranco controllers. They're great, bulletproof, and will last decades without problems

I too agree with this. Ive recently been looking into an ACjr or ACII controller and quite frankly, with an ATO and my Ranco, I really dont have a use for one (nor can I justify the $$).

[slandis3]

i would be intersted in a detialed wiring diagram for the temp controller. I have the exact same thermostat in my house.

[WaterbugJenn]

I do like the idea of using epoxy around the thermister. I might redo if the availability presents itself.
I have also been thinking about an AC3, I will prob get 1 when I have the extra $. I have 6 salt water tanks the AC3 would control the reef and my diy controller would control 1 of the others. I like the AC3 for many reasons like controlling light (no more timers), seasonal lighting and temp cycles (spawning event ooaaahhhhhh), and of course the ethernet connection.

Originally posted by slandis3
i would be intersted in a detialed wiring diagram for the temp controller. I have the exact same thermostat in my house.

I have not yet drawn up a wiring diagram for the temp controller. I plan on it soon and will post here as soon as possible. Will also be on the web page. I just finished the diagram for the ATO system, will be on the website by this weekend. The system pump disconnect diagram is at the bottom of the web page.

[MeuserReef]

Originally posted by WaterbugJenn
I have also been thinking about an AC3, I will prob get 1 when I have the extra $.

LOL .. I think you mean when you have the extra $$$


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sorry... got carried away.

Whoops.. forgot about the probes...


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[WaterbugJenn]

and the DC8's.....

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and the Lunar simm....

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LOL

I will still prob get 1 I dont see my tanks getting any smaller.
The thought of the ethernet connection is what really does it. I go away a lot and to think I can check on my tank from anywhere in the world is pretty cool.

OOPs forgot about the network camera.....

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[Myrddraal]

Very cool! That's gone into the projects-to-do folder. Can you post part numbers for everything?

[WaterbugJenn]

I am hoping to have the full parts list including model #s posted this weekend. A member on my club forum asked for the same thing.

Thanks - Jenn

[slandis3]

I bought the thermostat today. im pretty sure i got it figured out. i will need to do some more testing in the moring though.

[slandis3]

Any update on the diagram?

[slandis3]

I think she forgot about us.

[argo]

Jenn, any updates on the wiring diagram and parts' list? Thanks.