Robo-Tank Reef Pi Based DIY Controller Build Thread

[Rogued_Reefer]

Hey There Reefers!!

I’m making this thread with multiple purposes. The first purpose of this thread is for me to document the evolution of my diy controller, the second purpose is to bring awareness to all the fellow DIYers out there about this awesome product, and third because I think @robsworld78 has done an incredible job making the hardware necessary to simplify the use of reef pi. Also shoutout to @Ranjib and all other contributors that have made reef pi possible and FREE.

The thread will be updated with pictures, videos and multiple write ups along the way. So far I have it up and running monitoring my temps and controlling the refugium light (yes next post will be about setting it up and having those 2 things running)

Happy Reefing.

 

[Ranjib]

Woot looking forward

 

[robsworld78]

Right on, this should be fun.

 

[Doglips56]

I’ve had mine for months but have spent more time in the hospital than at home. I’m ready to get to work here too! Can’t wait to see your updates! @robsworld78 is awesome!

 

[Weasel1960]

Definitely following. Thanks for doing this. Wish there was. Separate forum for Reef Pi and or a Reef Pi club.

 

[Doglips56]

third because I think @robsworld78 has done an incredible job making the hardware necessary to simplify the use of reef pi. Also shoutout to @Ranjib and all other contributors that have made reef pi possible and FREE.

This 100%!!!

 

[Brewski262]

Following!!! Dont know much for coding but on my last tank I had a pie running cayenne with a if then setup for temps and a water proof probe.

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

Sorry I haven’t updated this thread! I will be doing so very soon. It has been hectic and had to work out some kinks that take time to make sure they’re working properly.

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

Hello there fellow Reefers/DIYers!!!!

I hope you guys didn’t think I gave up on this build hahah. Life has been hectic and it took time to work out some kinks but now it all seems to be working just fine.

The Robo-Tank is currently performing 3 things:

1 - It’s turning On/Off my T5s 3pm-7pm.
2 - Monitoring Temperature.
3 - Monitoring PH.

so far it’s doing fantastic and I can’t thank @robsworld78 for the technical support In what seemed to be defective temp sensors.

Next step will likely be setting up the ATOs with multiple safety switches and might venture into dosing pumps.

below is pics of the temp and PH (yes I know my ph is low currently working on fixing that).

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

If anyone has any ideas for the dosing portion of the build I’d gladly listen/read them since I’m just in the thought/design process. I’ll need 1 doser for now to dose Kalkwasser but eventually will need at least 3 headers because once consumption takes off I’ll be doing kalk and 2-part like I’ve done in previous builds.

 

[robsworld78]

If anyone has any ideas for the dosing portion of the build I’d gladly listen/read them since I’m just in the thought/design process. I’ll need 1 doser for now to dose Kalkwasser but eventually will need at least 3 headers because once consumption takes off I’ll be doing kalk and 2-part like I’ve done in previous builds.

You can connect 12v pumps directly to DC ports and still be able to control the speed, it's definitely the easiest way.

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

You can connect 12v pumps directly to DC ports and still be able to control the speed, it's definitely the easiest way.

I was debating between basic 12v pumps plugged to the DC ports or doser heads for a more precise dosage.

 

[robsworld78]

I was debating between basic 12v pumps plugged to the DC ports or doser heads for a more precise dosage.

I just did some tests with cheap 12v pumps, here's the results. Going to make a 30 second clip I think so one can judge better.

Jebao doser.

Has anyone tried replacing the motors in a jebao doser with a kamoer motor? I've got a 3-head slave (3-DPS) unit I've been using with ML's adapter and it works OK, but the slowest I could get it to go without stalling out is about 0.5/sec. Found this guy on amazon: Looks like it should be...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

Would you say one like this would do it?

 

[robsworld78]

Yeah that'll work ok. The biggest complaint I hear is people want to slow it down more than it'll go, I think you need stepper type for that. Here's a video showing one running similar to that.

 

[Rogued_Reefer]

Yeah that'll work ok. The biggest complaint I hear is people want to slow it down more than it'll go, I think you need stepper type for that. Here's a video showing one running similar to that.

Yup that’s what I’m going to use