Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking at putting timers on the tanks I'm working on. Each tank would need a timer for the fogger, air pump, and lights. And the ones I have seen look like they controll only one thing. Do they make timers that have more then one outlit, and controll more then one object? If so where is a good place to look? Or any info on how to manage this would be great.. thanks, ~SoBeK~

Neptune Systems makes an environmental control system designed to run saltwater reef tanks from a PC. I've been after them to adapt it to other environments (Dart frogs vivs in my case). Maybe if everyone droped them a line expressing interest they'd see just how big of a market there is in vivarium controls. Here's a link for them. There is an email address in the top right corner and the control system is on the products page.
Neptune Systems

Any reason why that system will not work as is? I have looked into using a home automation system to monitor my tanks, but have yet to find a good way to do it. There are small temp sensors, but I have been unable to find one for humidity.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Any reason why that system will not work as is? I have looked into using a home automation system to monitor my tanks, but have yet to find a good way to do it. There are small temp sensors, but I have been unable to find one for humidity.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Yea could the Aqua Controller II, and the Direct Connect 4 not run a few systems? Down side being the almost $400 you spend. My pockets are not that deep..lol

The software and probes of their current system are set to measure and control the things important to reef tanks; saltinity, oxygen content, etc. We need one to control the things important to the frogs; humidity, temp, lights, etc.

For now look into Big Apple Herp. Although their customer service could use some work, their dual probe temp/humidity gauge is a good product.

Thats is already what I use. Though you can get them cheaper on Ebay at times.

As for the computer monitored tanks I think it is possible, but still trying to find a way.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I use X-10 controllers to control my fans lights and humidifier and i love it there is a small temp probe out there that works with x-10 but i don't know of any humidity ones i do know of any ready made but i did find some plans to make your own temp humidity sensor if you are electronically inclined. Either way i like it because i love gadgets and could justify this purchase to the "boss aka GF" by saying the frogs needed it

>>I'm looking at putting timers on the tanks I'm working on. Each tank would need a timer for the fogger, air pump, and lights. And the ones I have seen look like they controll only one thing. Do they make timers that have more then one outlit, and controll more then one object? If so where is a good place to look? Or any info on how to manage this would be great.. thanks, ~SoBeK~
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Thanks

How much did the system run you? And where is a good place to find one on the net?

I bought this system

http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_ck11a_c.htm

the one at the bottom for $49.99 and than i bought a a few appliance modules to control my lights/humidifiers/fans you need to get the appliance modules to control the lights because the lamp module will not control florescent lights.

Here are the appliance modules
http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_am466.htm

Than you can setup macros so at 8AM I'm my case the humidifier turns on than 2 minutes later the First lights and than in 30 minutes the rest of the lights and than reverse for the end of the day it is really nice i tell you man.

take a look there is so much more you can do it is crazy I have motion sesnors around the house tht turns on the lights when someone walks in the room.
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Thanks

I've about ordered that same thing 2-3 times, but I think I will have to here soon. They are soo cool. You run it all off the PC software?
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Whats the link to the humidity sensor? I'm sure I could make it.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Have you tried the temp controler? Do you have a link to it? I have only found the larger one.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Yes i use the pc software to control it all and i will need to look for the link for the temp and humidity sensor i have it somewhere but it took along while to find so let me get back to you on those.

>>Have you tried the temp controler? Do you have a link to it? I have only found the larger one.
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>>Kyle
>>www.kylesphotos.com
>>D. leucomelas
>>D. azureus
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Thanks

The only problem I've had with this system is that it does not always appear to work well across multiple circuits.

My PC (and the X10 Controller module) reside on the same circuit as about half of my tank lights. They work fine.

The other half of my lights are on another circuit... they do not work fine. I have not been able to get them to work with the system. I'm told they make 'repeaters' that will pick up the signal and pass it on to another circuit... but that is getting to be a pain in the butt.

I'd love to do temp/humidity monitoring also. When I find the appropriate controllers, I will likely write my own monitoring software as I am a Software Engineer.

s

That seems odd, most houses are broken up so how do they work?

Would suck to have to get a Transceiver Module for each room or circuit.

My current tanks are on separate circuits.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Take a look at the link it explains it better than i could.

http://www.smarthome.com/4815.html
Signal Bridge

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Thanks