New Build ~ 600 Gallon
- Thread starter JK47
- Start date
And no rats nest of cords. Yeah that would be quite the project, a bit much for my skills..
Thank you! I have cameras in the room but am going to replace them after the dehumidifier goes in. I want the ability to pan, tilt and zoom. The samsung cameras I have now go offline often. The cameras are a stand alone application so not integrated with the Apex system. I wouldn't use the apex for the cameras unless I could see the video stream from the apex app.
Nice build man. Figured you were going the controller route with that cabinet. I use an Archon on my system, I've never understood why more FW people especially with high end fish don't use controllers. I know they are marketed at reef people but they are seriously awesome. By the time I'm done it'll be monitoring temp, pH, ORP, have a leak detector, controlling pumps, heaters, ozone, my UV, lights, all sorts of stuff. Plus I can see all the readings from anywhere in the world as well as make changes.
Can't wait to see it all together!
I also forgot to ask, have you settled on a camera? I'm on the search for an IP camera with PTZ with an ethernet connection, it is hard to find all my requirements lol
Can't wait to see it all together!
I also forgot to ask, have you settled on a camera? I'm on the search for an IP camera with PTZ with an ethernet connection, it is hard to find all my requirements lol
Thanks! I think it's the initial cost that turns most freshwater keepers off to controllers. Salty guys are used to spending. I get that but for what you gain/the return it is a fair investment. I got the leak detection module as well (think I'll avoid plugging that in for a few days lol). So far I have:
-temp
-pH
-ORP
-leak detection
-pumps and heaters controlled
-Normal operating lights (feed lights, under stand lights and quick access lights are on a switch elsewhere so I don't have to access the cabinet for items not on a schedule)
I am considering getting the dissolved o2 module as well by the probe is $699 by itself. That seems excessive for something I know won't be an issue. Since this is a closed loop set up it hasn't stopped crossing my mind though. I'll keep expanding on the system over time.
I have not settled on a brand of camera yet. I have the Samsung smartcams currently and am not a super fan. Apex kicked me right in the wallet so I have to catch up before the wife see's more "fancy boxes" show up
I am jealous of some of the modules the Apex has, like the leak detector one. I have to use a watchdog and wire it up to the switch inputs. Not a big deal but I like how the Apex has it without any extra work. Also found the new flow meter pretty dang cool. Not sure if it would really be worth the money but it is a neat option. And I hear you on the o2 module, that is some crazy money just for a probe.
I was eyeing a Samsung smartcam so I'm glad you mentioned that, I think I'll keep looking.
I was eyeing a Samsung smartcam so I'm glad you mentioned that, I think I'll keep looking.
This model has the build in WiFi and user interface so it's supposedly much easier to set up and change. We shall see. I may use the ATO module but modify it's intent. I have some large water containers and an extra hammerhead pump. Sure would be nice to automate the fill after a backwash. Right now the design is analog and will take the drips system overnight to fill back up. With this I now have options to keep building upon which is great.
The cameras may be struggling because of weak WiFi and humidity to be fair. I just upgraded the WiFi for the house and will add a repeater in the garage if needed. I want to give these cameras on more shot before I am done with them. Nevertheless I'm still getting a different style for a PTZ network. The samsung ones will be moved under the stands of the largest tanks to keep an eye on sumps.
fishguy306
beautiful P14's in your avatar by the way. I have a pair as well and a female will be going in this tank.
I've heard good things about it. I know Apex was having some issues when they first released this model but it seems that it has all been resolved. As for the refilling, what about using the Apex to control a solenoid? Put a float valve at the low water line and the high water line, sensor goes off on the low float to open the solenoid, it closes it at the high water line. I'd do a pair of floats just in case one fails, as well as a couple of solenoids just to avoid potential issues. Also not sure if you have to deal with chlorine, that would make this solution a bit more difficult but with a carbon filter it could still work.
This is the Samsung cam I had been looking at-
https://smile.amazon.com/Samsung-SNH-V6410PN-SmartCam-1080p-Camera/dp/B01IDM5TZC?sa-no-redirect=1
So it has the pan and tilt, but no zoom. It has mostly good reviews but I'm not sure it'll quite get the job done for what I want. I'll let you know if I find something with zoom as well. I have ethernet run to where my pond is, so I'd prefer to just plug it in as it'll be sitting down under the water in a box. Top will be open but I'm not sure the signal would be strong enough without it plugged in.
And thank you! P14s are my favorite. I'm up to a couple of pairs now, just moved them all into my pond a couple weeks ago. I should really do a thread for that. How big are yours? I'm hoping to see pups from mine by the end of the year but we'll see.
I may go a similar route but want to try the analog approach first. There is a modified ATO approach already going into the sump. The way I designed the system it should work without having to use solenoids or pumps as the drip fills the tank back up. The sump goes offline one evening per week after a backwash. I can turn it back on once the tank is full. You know how it goes. I'll likely go the automated route when I run out of things to build and over complicate.
I like that one a lot. I really want the zoom portion though. More so than the pan and tilt options. That makes sense how you describe yours. I saw bulk reef supply also has under water cameras by design,. Take a peek and see if that might work better for you?
Here >>> http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/underwater-reef-cam-icecap.html
I am hoping for the same. I only have one pair but the female has not been very receptive. They get another crack at it the first week of May. The male is mature and has tagged a couple other females. They are roughly 16"-18".
