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

ScottBrew · Dec 18, 2018

stefanm said:
A couple of questions,

Which pi do I need to run the following;
1) chiller and heater (2 no. Ds18b20)
2) 8 power outlets including the chiller and heater
3) 4 no. Dosing pumps

Running headless via a smartphone.

A pi zero W would easily run those items and more as many here will attest. Don't really need the power or USB ports of the 3b or 3b+ for any functionality but those give you a wired ethernet port. Main thing is the gpio (input/output) pins, all the latest pi's have 40 pins, while the earlier ones had 26, more pins, more things can be hooked up. There are a number of boards being designed specifically for the reef-pi, search around R2R for reef-pi if a pre-made board fits your needs or you wish to build your own with a proto board.

b4tn · Dec 18, 2018

All, I figured I would share my CPU usage and current status. My reef-pi is still running next to my tank in simulation mode. I configured all the lights, dosers, and timers exactly how I would configure them if it was running my tank. The lights are connected to small LED's so I can watch them come on and off and the dosers are connected to 12 volt computer fans. As of now I get no interference with the lights when the fans kick on to simulate dosing. I have the following on my pi

2 dosers, one runs 4 times a day the other runs 5 times a day
Dual ATO with float switches (The timer is set to 30 second check intervals but I dont really have a way to simulate it)
dual temp probes set to 30 second check intervals
8 110 volt relays that have 3 timers. One timer flip flops pumps on the hour and the other is my sump light.
2 relays to switch 12 volts to turn lights on and off. These relays have 2 on timers and 2 off timers.
3 PWM light channels Blue, White, and Sunrise/Sunset

I am running this off a pi 3B+

Ignore the beginning of the light cycle yesterday. I was adjusting values. The moon/sunrise light is going to be 10 20mA 450nm standard hobby LED's. I did the math and they are .6 watts with all 10 lit at 100% I will most likely be running them much lower.

Bigtrout · Dec 18, 2018

Im getting a pi zero w to start my build, but the new pi 3 A+ is looking sweet as a reef pi candidate with the 5ghz wifi and the same processor as the B+, but still having a slim form factor.

theatrus · Dec 18, 2018

Bigtrout said:
Im getting a pi zero w to start my build, but the new pi 3 A+ is looking sweet as a reef pi candidate with the 5ghz wifi and the same processor as the B+, but still having a slim form factor.

If someone sees one in stock let me know

Bigtrout · Dec 18, 2018

theatrus said:
If someone sees one in stock let me know

They are in stock at adafruit!

ScottBrew · Dec 18, 2018

theatrus said:
If someone sees one in stock let me know

Bigtrout said:
They are in stock at adafruit!

...and Amazon from a couple sellers, one that one could have tomorrow, at least in my neighborhood.

edit: that was the A+ 2016 model, not the 3A+ 2018 model...

Erica-Renee · Dec 19, 2018

theatrus said:
If someone sees one in stock let me know

The odd part. the First few Shipped batches are usually Out of stock before anyone gets to buy one.. Go figure

crusso1993 · Dec 20, 2018

theatrus said:
If someone sees one in stock let me know

@theatrus - if you're still looking...

https://chicagodist.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-a?variant=15386068320335

theatrus · Dec 20, 2018

crusso1993 said:
@theatrus - if you're still looking...

https://chicagodist.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-a?variant=15386068320335

Grabbed, thanks!

theatrus · Dec 20, 2018

What have people been using to coat the “stainless” “steel” DS18B20 probes? Silicone? PlastiDip?

I was going to give some acrylic conformal coating a shot to see how it holds up (plus super easy to deal with a quick dip) but unsure it’s going to hold up.

Bigtrout · Dec 20, 2018

theatrus said:
What have people been using to coat the “stainless” “steel” DS18B20 probes? Silicone? PlastiDip?

I was going to give some acrylic conformal coating a shot to see how it holds up (plus super easy to deal with a quick dip) but unsure it’s going to hold up.

I just built my sump baffles a few weeks ago and have silicone left, so a very light coating of silicone is how I am going to coat mine. As long as whatever you use can completely seal off the stainless, is reasonably durable and is aquarium safe, I think it will be fine.

Ryan115 · Dec 20, 2018

theatrus said:
What have people been using to coat the “stainless” “steel” DS18B20 probes? Silicone? PlastiDip?

I was going to give some acrylic conformal coating a shot to see how it holds up (plus super easy to deal with a quick dip) but unsure it’s going to hold up.

I had used silicone on a previous one. I thought it had worked OK, until a tiny spot rusted through and it shorted out my GFCI. I am now using the epoxy/plastic coated one.
Though I was still strongly considering epoxy coating one of the stainless ones.

DirtDiggler2823 · Dec 20, 2018

Ryan115 said:
I had used silicone on a previous one. I thought it had worked OK, until a tiny spot rusted through and it shorted out my GFCI. I am now using the epoxy/plastic coated one.
Though I was still strongly considering epoxy coating one of the stainless ones.

What epoxy are you using?

Ryan115 · Dec 20, 2018

I havent used any yet. The ones I was thinking about are Loctite Marine Epoxy, or DEVCON 5 Minute, clear.
Not sure if they are reef safe, or how long I would need to soak them after, which is the main reason I havent done them yet.

money88 · Dec 20, 2018

Try: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11050

crusso1993 · Dec 20, 2018

money88 said:
Try: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11050

This is the same one that @Ranjib has been using successfully for a few years now and recommends. I realize one can pick up the other sensors on eBay for like $2 each. However, why create more work and worry about something when it's not necessary?

money88 · Dec 20, 2018

crusso1993 said:
This is the same one that @Ranjib has been using successfully for a few years now and recommends. I realize one can pick up the other sensors on eBay for like $2 each. However, why create more work and worry about something when it's not necessary?

exactly, I tried the others first rusted out in no time. At that point I decided for $11 it was worth it

stefanm · Dec 20, 2018

theatrus said:
What have people been using to coat the “stainless” “steel” DS18B20 probes? Silicone? PlastiDip?

I was going to give some acrylic conformal coating a shot to see how it holds up (plus super easy to deal with a quick dip) but unsure it’s going to hold up.

Most just dip in silicone, I coated mine in fast setting epoxy glue, silicone is probably better only the curing time sucks.

The sparkfun one looks sweet, but if running multiple sensors it can get a little pricey.

speedstar · Dec 20, 2018

well my tank is getting up top 15ml a day of 2 part. So time to add some dosing pumps.. This weekends project!

Dropping in for the reads and to say hello

rushbattle · Dec 20, 2018

speedstar said:
well my tank is getting up top 15ml a day of 2 part. So time to add some dosing pumps.. This weekends project!

Dropping in for the reads and to say hello

What pumps are you using? I think the Kamoer pumps for dairy that theatrus linked earlier are pretty dang nice.