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

[Ranjib]

Hey everyone. New to the forum and to Reef-Pi. I e encountered a lot of hurdles and the learning curve I’m still climbing. I’m having a problem that I just can’t figure out. I have been able to install and login and start ReefPi. When I go back to my project the next time, I can’t seem to get the server to open. I did everything including a purge and reinstall. When I check the status, It shows me this:

I know it has to be something simple, but I just can’t see it from where I’m standing. Maybe one if you super users can give me a hand past this hurdle? A possible related issue is that I cannot seem to get my ssh to connect. I never have been able to. It’s selected in options. Ive Double checked everything.

Don’t reset database or reinstall reef-pi. What version you are running ? Can you copy paste the reef-pi log , I can’t see the address it’s binding to. Also let us know how your trying to access reef-pi , from which device and at address in your browser you are trying ?

 

[Ranjib]

I had shared this earlier in the thread, the ph build I am running does not have voltage isolation. Though this has allowed me to develop the support for this chip in reef-pi, and helped me understand my daily cycle, the result was highly dubious. I would always get ph from 6.7 to 7.8. Here is my past 30 days pH chart
Highest pH during late afternoon,

And lowest pH during early morning (values that is just not possible)

This is the historical trend.

After some reading and double checking here in the chemistry forum, it was clear that this is unrealistic and this is also a common probelm with the ph sensors. They are very sensitive to a host of things . From calibration to temperature correction to stray voltage sensitivity in reading, there are many things that can go south. @Roberto_b also pointed out this .

Today I had the time to upgrade the ph monitor with electrically isolated ezo carrier board. I had few goodies that I ordered in past from whitebox labs (including a Tentacle t3 board for pi), and this is the same thing I have recommended in the adafruit guide as well.

The carrier board comes with its own pull up resistors, which makes the circuit required for pH monitor to nothing. The perma proto board only serves the purpose of 5V+ and GND rails. I2C pins from Pi is directly connected to the carrier board.
After upgrade, I powered up Pi, and the I noticed an immediate jump in pH. Last night during this time this reef-pi logged 6.8 , now its 7.7. I am excited, let's see how the data looks after 7 days of operation. The build itself is running fairly well for several months now. No significant stress for pi zero with less than 1% CPU usage,.

 

[Ranjib]

In other news Pi 3A+ was just announced. Its more compact than Pi 3B+, same CPU power, less memory, and cheaper (25$)
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/new-product-raspberry-pi-3-model-a/

 

[janos]

Hi to all Q to Ranjib would like to know this is enough or i need to buy more something:https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/components/tentacle-t3.html
Thank you.That is for PH

 

[pickupman66]

No updates on my system so here is a much needed hotness break.

 

[Erica-Renee]

In other news Pi 3A+ was just announced. Its more compact than Pi 3B+, same CPU power, less memory, and cheaper (25$)
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/new-product-raspberry-pi-3-model-a/

Just had a look at this. For 10.00 unless you really need smaller form . not sure its worth it.. More cpu is good but less ram makes me thing its not a good trade off for a smaller package..
I do need another pi 3 ..

Thoughts ?

 

[Diamond1]

Just had a look at this. For 10.00 unless you really need smaller form . not sure its worth it.. More cpu is good but less ram makes me thing its not a good trade off for a smaller package..
I do need another pi 3 ..

Thoughts ?

Looks like a step up from a pi0. I would think it would be good for a small form factor module like a stand alone ph module but the smaller amount of RAM would keep me from using it for an AIO.
A big plus for me is it's ability to run raspbian and GUI.
I might have given it a try but I just bought another PI3 yesterday before this one came out.:confused:

 

[LionHeart2017]

I think if it was £20 it would be correct, pi3b+ I paid £32

 

[Kampo]

is there an alternate way to build the ATO circuit with a more traditional float switch instead of an optical?

 

[Diamond1]

is there an alternate way to build the ATO circuit with a more traditional float switch instead of an optical?

This is the circuit for a mechanical switch.

 

[Kampo]

This is the circuit for a mechanical switch.

thanks. trying to keep the order cheaper. I notice there are no 1k ohm resistors from adafruit. would a 2.2k work?

 

[Diamond1]

thanks. trying to keep the order cheaper. I notice there are no 1k ohm resistors from adafruit. would a 2.2k work?

I'm not sure if the 2.2k would work or not.
I got one of these from amazon. I don't think I'll be running out of resistors any time soon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792M83JH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Ranjib]

Is there a reason to use 12v supplies when you can get 5v supplies?

Context? I use 12V supply only when I need 12V power as well for some component (like peristaltic pump). Go with the highest required voltage, and then use LM2596 to step down and generate any other low voltage required.

 

[Ranjib]

Just had a look at this. For 10.00 unless you really need smaller form . not sure its worth it.. More cpu is good but less ram makes me thing its not a good trade off for a smaller package..
I do need another pi 3 ..

Thoughts ?

you are right, its only relevant if space or form factor is an issue. I am yet to hit the memory limit with my builds, but thats mostly because I dont run GUI. More than that, theres fewer USB ports, so users wont be able to to plug both keyboard and mouse at the same time, directly to pi. It's just more option for us, so if you are not using GUI and want some more CPU for pi zero builds, or could really use some real estate on pi 3 builds, may go for this.

 

[Ranjib]

I'm not sure if the 2.2k would work or not.
I got one of these from amazon. I don't think I'll be running out of resistors any time soon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792M83JH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Strongly recommend this. I also got one of this type of resistor pack (I think mine one is from elgoo), and that pretty much covered my resistor needs for all project till now (like in 2 years).

 

[Ranjib]

Hi to all Q to Ranjib would like to know this is enough or i need to buy more something:https://www.atlas-scientific.com/product_pages/components/tentacle-t3.html
Thank you.That is for PH

You need an additional EZO ph circuit as well. Probe and calibration medium is separate . Unless you plan to add other Ezo circuit (like EC and /or ORP) go for just single electrically isolated EZO carrier board , the one linked in the adafruit guide.

 

[Diamond1]

thanks. trying to keep the order cheaper. I notice there are no 1k ohm resistors from adafruit. would a 2.2k work?

If you are looking for parts for your reef pi build that are a bit cheaper than adafruit or amazon this place has good prices and free overnight shipping. The optical water sensor is about 1/2 the rice of amazon.
https://www.arrow.com/en/products/sen0205/dfrobot

 

[Kampo]

If you are looking for parts for your reef pi build that are a bit cheaper than adafruit or amazon this place has good prices and free overnight shipping. The optical water sensor is about 1/2 the rice of amazon.
https://www.arrow.com/en/products/sen0205/dfrobot

Nice thanks


How are you guys mounting your ato sensors in the sump?

 

[Diamond1]

here's how I did mine.

 

[janos]

Thank you Ranjib,looking that adafruit guide