$20 automation

BigMack · Jan 16, 2019

My setup is a Red Sea MaxS-650... it has a built in control for power/lights, but I wanted a bit of automation. Here's my down and dirty $20 automation for feeding time:

I bought a 4 pack of wifi smart plugs from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Vol...5556&sr=8-4&keywords=etekcity+wifi+smart+plug

The 4 pack makes each plug cost $9.25. I plugged one into my return pump, and the other into my protein skimmer. Once these were paired with my home wifi, Alexa does the rest!

I just created 3 routines:

1) Alexa... feeding time
turns on the phillips strip light under the tank (been using that for a while)
turns off protein skimmer
turns off return pump
wait 15 minutes
turn on return pump
wait 5 minutes
turn on protein skimmer
wait 5 minutes
turn off sump light

overall I have to say i'm very happy with the results!!!

I also created 2 routines - one for pumps on, one for pumps off

tankstudy · Jan 16, 2019

I use the smart power strips as well. I think they were cheaper than purchasing an individual smart outlet. I plan to order two more units.

jgvergo · Jan 16, 2019

Wow, that is a very interesting and cost effective approach! If Alexa can be linked to sensors, this could be a game changer.

Coastie Reefer · Jan 16, 2019

I used these for my lights. Just as cheap as a timer, and work the same. I can turn on my t5s, my blue leds, and my white leds just by saying; Hey Alexa...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F58N32V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Adamantium · Jan 16, 2019

I do the same, with a nearly identical product. It's fantastic.

A lot of people commented that they'd be worried about reliability, but one bright side is that they would fail on, if they were already on, so I feel comfortable using them with my filters.

I used to have to crawl under a tab, and deal with a mess of wires. Now I just say, "Alexa, turn off all pumps (or powerheads, or filters)." It's like magic. I love it.

Philipgonzales3 · Jan 16, 2019

BigMack said:
My setup is a Red Sea MaxS-650... it has a built in control for power/lights, but I wanted a bit of automation. Here's my down and dirty $20 automation for feeding time:

I bought a 4 pack of wifi smart plugs from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Vol...5556&sr=8-4&keywords=etekcity+wifi+smart+plug

The 4 pack makes each plug cost $9.25. I plugged one into my return pump, and the other into my protein skimmer. Once these were paired with my home wifi, Alexa does the rest!

I just created 3 routines:

1) Alexa... feeding time
turns on the phillips strip light under the tank (been using that for a while)
turns off protein skimmer
turns off return pump
wait 15 minutes
turn on return pump
wait 5 minutes
turn on protein skimmer
wait 5 minutes
turn off sump light

overall I have to say i'm very happy with the results!!!

I also created 2 routines - one for pumps on, one for pumps off

How do you create a routine? I'd be interested in getting this. My thermostat has Alexa built in. I wonder if I could use that to control my tank. It is about 8 feet from the tank so not too far.

Webslinger · Jan 16, 2019

Looks like reefkeeper is going to go out of business soon.

Webslinger · Jan 16, 2019

Once the killer app comes out

BigMack · Jan 16, 2019

jgvergo said:
Wow, that is a very interesting and cost effective approach! If Alexa can be linked to sensors, this could be a game changer.

currently you can control via timer, geofence, or voice... there is also an option to use an echo button to initiate a routine - so you could probably hack the button somehow... the ecosystem is growing - just a matter of time before we get more utility...

jgvergo · Jan 16, 2019

BigMack said:
currently you can control via timer, geofence, or voice... there is also an option to use an echo button to initiate a routine - so you could probably hack the button somehow... the ecosystem is growing - just a matter of time before we get more utility...

This could be quite disruptive to the aquarium controller companies.