reef-pi :: An opensource reef tank controller based on Raspberry Pi.

[ScottBrew]

Looks like a very interesting and fun projects. Although quite a bit of thought and time involved it looks like, so I'm not sure I would actually do it myself. Having said that I'm really glad you guys are having fun with it, and I really do like the idea. I am curious though in the end of things about how much are you guys spending to complete this?

I'm right about $300 so far, but that included a big enough 24vdc power supply so I could rid of the row of power bricks. There are 8 controlled outlets and 4 (3 used) relays for the lights. Still have the pH circuit to do... and dimmers for the lights... and DC pump control... and, and... Nice thing is that you can expand the capabilities as your needs change.

 

[ScottBrew]

@theatrus @Ranjib or anyone that has some experience. I had another idea regarding the Current Eflux DC pump controller. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/#post-5327026 The speed control knob is an analog signal to the BLDC controller. I metered it out and it is a 5vdc circuit, with a 0-5v output. With a 5vdc PWM circuit, could I just lift the center leg on the pot and feed it that way? Certainly easier than trying to analyze the logic side.

 

[theatrus]

@theatrus @Ranjib or anyone that has some experience. I had another idea regarding the Current Eflux DC pump controller. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/current-pump-controller-to-reef-pi.497618/#post-5327026 The speed control knob is an analog signal to the BLDC controller. I metered it out and it is a 5vdc circuit, with a 0-5v output. With a 5vdc PWM circuit, could I just lift the center leg on the pot and feed it that way? Certainly easier than trying to analyze the logic side.

Most likely yes

 

[pshootr]

I'm right about $300 so far, but that included a big enough 24vdc power supply so I could rid of the row of power bricks. There are 8 controlled outlets and 4 (3 used) relays for the lights. Still have the pH circuit to do... and dimmers for the lights... and DC pump control... and, and... Nice thing is that you can expand the capabilities as your needs change.

What was the reasoning for using a power supply rather than the power bricks? I'm assuming the power supply uped your cost, but was considered an upgrade due to convenience or luxury? If so, how much would you have saved going with the power bricks?

 

[Ranjib]

Most likely yes

+1

 

[Diamond1]

Question for @Ranjib
When you release the dosing pump module are you doing it as part of the AIO build or as a stand alone module? I ask because I'm thinking of building a stand alone unit.
I'm also assuming that this is a viable Fritzing diagram for the dosing pumps as a stand alone unit.

 

[ScottBrew]

What was the reasoning for using a power supply rather than the power bricks? I'm assuming the power supply uped your cost, but was considered an upgrade due to convenience or luxury? If so, how much would you have saved going with the power bricks?

I was really trying to reduce clutter and the spaghetti wiring. Looks a whole lot cleaner!

 

[Ranjib]

Question for @Ranjib
When you release the dosing pump module are you doing it as part of the AIO build or as a stand alone module? I ask because I'm thinking of building a stand alone unit.
I'm also assuming that this is a viable Fritzing diagram for the dosing pumps as a stand alone unit.

Standalone build, like the lighting or pH monitor. For doser in particular I think we want to be located very close to sump (for me its the back chamber in my biocube ). The fritzing breadboard diagram looks perfect to me

 

[Ranjib]

Question for @Ranjib
When you release the dosing pump module are you doing it as part of the AIO build or as a stand alone module? I ask because I'm thinking of building a stand alone unit.
I'm also assuming that this is a viable Fritzing diagram for the dosing pumps as a stand alone unit.

Dang, I noticed a missing wire. The left pump's green wire should be connected to the 6th pin of L293D, currently its connected with a blue wire (must be a mistake, since the blue wire here are on/off/polarity control).

 

[Diamond1]

So there needs to be a green jumper between the yellow and turquoise wire to the left of the L293d?

 

[ScottBrew]

Most likely yes

+1

Something like this work? https://www.adafruit.com/product/1083 or is there a simpler solution? Pi PWM runs at 3.3vdc, right? Pull the 5v and ground from the Current pump controller, A0 back to center pin, scl and sda from the pi.

 

[speedstar]

For those that built their own power outlet strips. I’m having a hard time finding a box to house the outlets. I can find 4 gang outlet boxes for interior walls for cheap all day but they are ugly lol. I was thinking to get a project box but cutting clean square holes would be a challenge and I don’t think it would hold the outlets very sturdy. I found some external mount 4 gang boxes but at $70 I don’t want to drop the coin. Any ideas?

have you considered just using cords as whips?

 

[ScottBrew]

have you considered just using cords as whips?

Great idea, especially if you needed more cord length anyways!

 

[Erica-Renee]

I used reef-pi during last Christmas as well. Now I have one installed in each room for temperature sensing and controlling all the equipment. The one in hallroom also uses timer to turn on/off TV/Xfinity that my son uses to watch cartoon , I find it easier to let reef-pi switch off the TV instead of us, that way he is not so angry on us LOL

OMG I LOL at this. Kids our son is now 26 and has a kid of his own. this brings back memories of wifi control ..

 

[Ranjib]

So there needs to be a green jumper between the yellow and turquoise wire to the left of the L293d?

Does this make sense? I just went ahead and created a new doser diagram in fritzing. I'll use this for the upcoming guide as well

 

[Ranjib]

Something like this work? https://www.adafruit.com/product/1083 or is there a simpler solution? Pi PWM runs at 3.3vdc, right? Pull the 5v and ground from the Current pump controller, A0 back to center pin, scl and sda from the pi.

I think you mean the opposite: https://www.adafruit.com/product/935
You should try 5V pwm first (use a simple npn transistor to convert 3.3V pwm to 5V pwm) and if that does not work use an RC circuit or a full blown DAC (like the one I linked) to convert the 5v pwm to 0-5V analog.

 

[ScottBrew]

I think you mean the opposite: https://www.adafruit.com/product/935
You should try 5V pwm first (use a simple npn transistor to convert 3.3V pwm to 5V pwm) and if that does not work use an RC circuit or a full blown DAC (like the one I linked) to convert the 5v pwm to 0-5V analog.

Yes, I need a DAC, duh! Thank you... again!

 

[Diamond1]

Does this make sense? I just went ahead and created a new doser diagram in fritzing. I'll use this for the upcoming guide as well

Perfect sense thank you for the updated diagram. Now I just need to combine this with the ph module and I'll be golden.

 

[Ranjib]

Perfect sense thank you for the updated diagram. Now I just need to combine this with the ph module and I'll be golden.

Nice
I am really looking forward to add the support for @Roberto_b 's pH board, it will significantly reduce the cost of building pH monitors, https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-pi-ph-orp-adapter.478158/

 

[Diamond1]

One more thing. What do I need to set the output voltage of the LM2596 at for the dosing pump module?