Looking for your input

[ghoover]

I've only been an aquarist for a relatively short time (~2 years) and have only kept small tanks (<30 gallons), but I quickly came to realize that certain maintenance tasks become very difficult to keep up with. I'm referring specifically to lighting and water top-off, though there are others.

After upgrading my lighting system a while back, I realized that there are no "simple", "all-in-one" timer/control solutions for setting up the type of lighting schedule that most aquarists desire for their tanks. I've heard solutions like chaining power-strips with multiple, single-outlet timers (your know the ones with the big dial on the front). This is an ugly solution to a rather simple problem.

After adding a sump to my tank, I also realized that I could use a better way of doing water top-offs. Daily manual fill ups is a real pain. I've heard of very elaborate solutions for this very simple problem as well.

So why do I want your 2 cents? A few months back I designed a small controller system that could easily take care of these problems, with a single "simple" solution. The system is still in development, but I'm looking for input on features that you, as users, would like to have. And to know whether or not a system such as this would be useful to you - worth buying for around $100. Currently it is capable of switching power for 5, 120V outlets based on timers or two auxiliary inputs. All timers are independent and can be used with any number of on/off/interval timings. The auxiliary inputs are currently designed for water level sensors to allow for on/off conditions on low/high water levels. Setup is currently done via a 2 button interface and an LCD screen. Using this as a wave maker is another possibility.

Please let me know what you think. And if there does exist a product that takes care of these things, please let me know. Thank you for taking the time to give me some feedback.

[Poseidon]

Hi ghoover! Welcome to Reefland!

What you describe sounds pretty cool, so it is a top off device AND a lighting timer all in one? The $100 tag sounds good too, depending on ease of use, and how COOL it looks, some of us are pretty vain...

[scubadude]

Hi ghoover! Welcome to Reefland!

What you describe sounds pretty cool, so it is a top off device AND a lighting timer all in one? The $100 tag sounds good too, depending on ease of use, and how COOL it looks, some of us are pretty vain...

Well said Mike

I would look for dimming lighting option as well as on/off switching capabilities. Naturally caseing to be sound and well sealed. Digital display readout I would guess w/your LCD right? Backlit? I take it where not talking about the capability of hooking up some test probes, like PH, temp, ORP? Cmon give us a little more peek on what your talking about for a 100bux. I agree that the timers are bulky and ugly but hey, ya cant beat 4 bux Would this run off of X-10 controllers?

[pavesi]

http://www.smarthome.com/c0312.html

If it has the same functionality as the above, you really can't beat that
price.. Unless there is alot more fuctions that will be added.
Like the idea though.

[ghoover]

Ok, details...

Size: Ideally - only slightly larger than a standard 6 outlet power strip.
Outlets: Currently designed for 6, just like your standard strip.
Display: Single line, 16 character LCD (backlit is not a problem).
Control: 2 Buttons used for cycling through menus on the LCD screen and changing settings.
Inputs: Currently designed to have 2 input probe sensors that are level-sensitive (ie. used for float-switch, electronic switch, etc.)
Features: Could be used to trigger auto top-offs. Could be used on interval timing to control wave maker pumps. Control lighting, anything really. All timers are independent (ie. each outlet gets it's own timer, not like existing solutions that alternate - one on, one off). Could use it for most anything you can think of.
Triggering: Outlets can be triggered (switched on/off) based on time of day schedule, interval time schedule, or inputs.
Price: I'd like it to be as close to $100 as possible. That will be subject to the final price of fabrication. And of course if a distributor has to get involved, then that will run up the price. But comparatively, you can buy wave maker controllers for $100 and they only do a fraction of what this device would do.

This project is in prototyping stages and is subject to my busy schedule. The biggest hurdle is finding a place that can make a case for it at a good price.

I'm constantly trying to find ways to design this to make it optimal for as many people, so any added input would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.