You asked for it

Rick O · 02-02-2001, 02:21 PM

A few months ago there was a thread going where a few people had forgotten to turn their pumps back on after feeding their tank. That gave me an idea for a device that would do it automatically for you.

I built this device to do two things. This timer controls my sump pump and my skimmer separately. When I turn off my pump the water level in my skimmer rises several inches. I have to turn my skimmer off or it will overflow. With this timer everything is done automatically.

When the red button on the right side is pushed both the pump and the skimmer turn off. After 10 minutes the pump comes back on. One minute later the skimmer comes back on.

If anyone is interested in building one of these I can give you a list of materials and provide a schematic.

Rick

Markv · 02-02-2001, 03:16 PM

Sweet job rick!

I guess you finally finished the timer you described to me. Looks good! I'll have to come by sometime, and check it out in person.

Pik · 02-02-2001, 06:59 PM

Looks complicated! I like the DIY projects, but after building a hood for my 40, and a couple other things, I've given up.

I think the AquaController II that I have does the same thing... except... I'm not sure how to work it. hehe. Anyone use the feed time on the controller?

jegel · 02-02-2001, 08:03 PM

Looks great...
...and complicated

how much did it cost you and I'm interested in that info on building one myself.

Thanks

Rick O · 02-02-2001, 08:28 PM

It is fairly complicated to control two outlets on separate time intervals, but I had to do it this way so the skimmer would come on at least 30 seconds after the pump. If you only wanted to control a pump or have the pump and skimmer come on at the same time it would be much easier. Either way you need a fair understanding of electrical relays to do this. The components don't come with any instructions or wiring diagrams so I had to draw my own schematic. I spent more than I expected to (about $50) even though I already had some of the items such as wire, connectors, and the enclosure.

I've decided to document the entire timer on my website including a schematic, components list, sequence of events and pictures. I'll post the address here when it's finished.

Rick

Clayton · 02-03-2001, 07:57 PM

Rick,

You sure all those relays, time delays and that disconnect box housing didn't come straight out of your service van?

Clayton

Rick O · 02-03-2001, 08:25 PM

What? You think those are HVAC parts? I have receipts! Honest!

Doug1 · 02-03-2001, 08:34 PM

Clayton is that YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Dude been a long time, hows the 90(?) doing. If I'm having another frequent senior moment humor me. Between the scizy Gemini thing and the UBB repeatedly dumping me I find myself staring at my ID badge a lot

Hey *ick wouldn't a digital ala*m kitchen time* be a lot cheape*? I mean its about the same size and shape as my page* Come to think of it I could set my page* fo* 10 mins late* but then I just th*ow it in and let em g*ab and g*owl.

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I dont advocate holding marine creatures for ransom but......since you asked

Doug, plank owner
http://hellreef.homestead.com/index.html

Doug1 · 02-03-2001, 08:37 PM

Seriously that would be kewl if you put it up on your site, not like I can read a skematik but there are few who can

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I dont advocate holding marine creatures for ransom but......since you asked

Doug, plank owner
http://hellreef.homestead.com/index.html

Rick O · 02-04-2001, 06:31 AM

Hi Doug,

Actually a kitchen timer would work just as well. But this is a toy I dreamed up while sitting in a boring training class one day. With one push of a button everything is done.

My wife and I are going to Cancun later this month and we have a girl staying here with the kids that knows absolutely nothing about fish tanks, so this will be a lot easier for her. Thankfully Sally lives close by and is coming over a couple of times to check on things.

Rick

Clayton · 02-04-2001, 07:22 AM

Doug1,

Yep, it's me. Never really left, just the silent type. Had to take a poke at Rick. LOL when I saw the components used. If it didn't come off his truck, I'd better check mine.

As for my 90, I will try to keep this short. It is doing far, far better than I ever expected. Trochus snails reproducing rapidly, sps corals from Atlantis are growing far quicker than I would think sps could grow, xenia elongata growing so fast I can only give it away to keep it in control. I now have xenia in a three state area of TN. Only minor prob I have had was a two week outbreak of red slime, otherwise a perfect record and nearing my one year mark. Very proud of my accomplishment and the pleasure it gives me. Thanks for recognizing me and asking.

Clayton

bill-e · 02-04-2001, 09:01 AM

Pik

Quote:

I think the AquaController II that I have does the same thing... except... I'm not sure how to work it. hehe. Anyone use the feed time on the controller?

With the Aquacontroller 2, you just "assign" pumps to your feed cycle. then, just press the down button and those pumps turn off for the duration of the feed cycle, which is adjustable too.

------------------
Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http://cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http://cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

Doug1 · 02-04-2001, 09:28 AM

Clayton, glad to here the tank is doing so well, hope you didn't jinx it by saying so

Rick I know about those"intresting" training sessions and mental health. Automation sure makes it easier to keep up with the mundane tasks and less for the reef sitter to have to remember. Be sure and make a list and have th # of a backup reefer on it. Hve fun in Cancun

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I dont advocate holding marine creatures for ransom but......since you asked

Doug, plank owner
http://hellreef.homestead.com/index.html

Markv · 02-04-2001, 10:21 AM

Hey Richard,

When you go to Cancun, be sure to grab some live sand off the shore and bring it back with you in a Tupperware container.