Advice on setting up..

[soyrex]

Hi!

I'm currently looking at adding a controller to my system and I like the idea of an open source solution. I'm a programmer and the idea of being able to tinker with my system is very appealing.

My issue is: I'm not sure what to order / plan.

I'm hoping I can outline my setup and wish list here and see if anyone has any insight into what I need.

My tank is a Red Sea Max 250 with a lifereef overflow and 50L sump/fuge. it has a deltec mc500 skimmer and we have a vortech MP10 added to the DT. We also have an aqua ray blue led strip added to the existing 6bulb T5 lighting system that the RSM has in its hood - we use the leds to simulate a dusk and dawn period and as a supplement to the RSM moonlights.

Initially I would like to (ideally) do the following:
1 - automate my top off (at the moment we add RO to the sump almost daily).
2 - control/dim our lighting (if possible)
3 - control pumps / skimmer at feeding time etc (at the moment we have to turn off 2 circulation pumps and also the skimmer and Vortech manually)
4 - monitor and record PH (and other chemistry if possible later)
5 - dose supplements gradually

Things I don't understand or get:
1 - lighting and dimming: can we dim the T5s at all? if so.. what would we need?
2 - pumps: can the RA control my vortech pump speed?
3 - is there a dosing solution using the RA?

Any help / insight would be much appreciated

[rimai]

You can do almost all of what you are trying to accomplish.
1 - Yes, the RA comes with 2 float switches for you to implement ATO.
2 - Yes for control. No for dimming. In order to dim T5's, you will need a dimmable T5 ballast. If you want dimming, I would recommend going to dimmable LED fixture instead.
3 - Yes. You can set which pumps go into feed mode.
4 - Yes. RA comes with a pH probe
5 - Yes, with the addition of dosing pumps. You will need one pump for each chemical you wish to dose.

To answer your other questions:
1 - You can with a special ballast that allows for T5 dimming.
2 - Yes, you would need the RF expansion module, which you can buy it at the webstore too.
3 - Yes, simply get dosing pumps at the webstore.

[soyrex]

slow reply.. life keeps getting in the way!

looking at the plus analog product info here: http://www.reefangel.com/product_raplus.aspx

when I order, does the RA is for $289 include the float switches, relay box etc?

Basically, to start I want to order a RA plus, PH probe, rf module, 3x dosing pumps and a ATO pump. But I obviously need the relay box, float switches etc - so wanted to make sure what exactly is included in the $289.

Cheers again for the help

[soyrex]

Currently this is my planned cart:



am I insane? or have I got this more or less right?

[lnevo]

Your a bit insane but arent we all. Yes the RA comes with float switches, relay box, ph probe and temp probe. Why do you need the ph expansion if you are using dosing pumps. Also the salinity probe is included with the salinity expansion!

[soyrex]

re: ph expansion.. I don't really. just like the idea of being able to graph ph for stability. But if the RA comes with a PH probe I guess I don't need the expansion?

re: salinity probe. Cool. I'll scrap the probe then

[lnevo]

Yeah the ph expansion is if you need to monitor a second tank or most usually a calcium reactor

[soyrex]

Hey Inevo

It's taken me a long time.. but i've just put my order through for my reef angel YAY!

Just wanted to bump this thread to say thanks a million for helping me get my head around the hardware. I'm sure i'll be back in a few weeks asking questions about programming

[lnevo]

Awesome! Welcome to the club. Start out downloading the software and playing with the wizard. By the time it arrives you'll be all set to go!