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Mchums

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Posts posted by Mchums

    Cheap wifi/cloud Temp Monitor and Power Outlet Also works with Alexa

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Just thought I'd put out there a great way to remotely monitor temp in the tank - only about $24 total!  I picked up a Sonoff TH16 and Temp Prob and they work great!

    Features

    • WIFI and Cloud
    • Remotely monitor temp
    • 16A Power outlet can be controlled by high and/or low temp thresholds
    • Set time schedules for automatic control: It has single, repeating, and countdown timers.
    • Works with Amazon alexa (i just have to say, alexa turn off "Aquarium Pumps".

    What you need.  I ordered from China (https://www.itead.cc/sonoff-th.html).  With shipping about $17.  You can also get these from amazon but you'll pay about $10 more for them.

    • Sonoff Temp Sensor-DS18B20, $3.50
    • Sonoff TH16, $8.50

    You'll also need a small 3 pronged extension cord if you want to use the power.  I bought one at fred meyer for $8.  You'll have to cut each end of the extension cord off (i did about 6" for each side) and then wire the plugs into the Sonoff 16.  It's very easy but you'll need wire cutters and strippers to do it clean.

    I currently have the pumps on my aquarium on the power outlet so I can turn them on/off via alexa when I feed the fish.  I've also set the low temp threshold to 1 degree less than my normal temp, so if I forget to turn the pumps back on (i have kids, i get distracted A LOT), then it automatically turns the pumps back on for me when it see's the 1 degree temp drop.  I plan on making a thermoelectric chiller for the summer here really soon and I'll use the sonoff to control the chiller instead vie the high and low threshold.   My goal for the chiller is less than $30, I'll post that when I'm done as well.

    • Like 5

    Clearing out a few things

    in Classified Threads

    Posted

    I've have a few things I'd like to get rid of that are just taking space and could be used.  If you don't like the prices, shoot me an offer cash or trade for coral.

    ~10lbs of live rock - $20

    CPR HOB Skimmer with Maxijet 1200 - $25

    Eheim - 2224-37 Professionel Canister filter (185gph, up to 65g Aquarium) - $50

    Koralia Nano 425 Powerhead - $15

    Sicce Nano Powerhead (only used about 4m) - $20

     

     

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    can i use some 9m old unused sand?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Mchums

    thanks everyone.  So I did go ahead and use it.  BUT, before I did - i put about a cup of it in some salt water and mixed it up then let it settle.  Tested for ammonia and nitrates and both were 0 which was great.   used about 1.5" of sand, moved about 1/2 the water over from my old tank, topped off with new water and matured live rock.  Took about a day for the fog to dissipate and the tank was good to go - it didn't even cycle.

    WTB Nano skimmer

    in Want to Buy / Trade

    Posted

    I have a Hydor Slim Skim that's only about 6m old.  I just upgraded my tank and no longer need it if you're interested.  I've also sealed it so it acts as a nice overflow.

    I also have a CPR HOB skimmer that needs a pump I'd sell super cheap if you'd rather that.

    - Matt

    Clown and Mandarin

    in Show Off / POTM

    Posted

    yes - they'll still eat pods, he's always foraging around.  But, they've been raised on Calanus and pellets so they'll eat that too.  I shut off the power heads and pumps and then spot feed  the area he always seams to return to.  Right now i'm doing pellets in the morning and Calanus in the evening, no spiking in nitrates so my tank is stable with the extra feeding.  Just wanting to make sure he's eating.

    can i use some 9m old unused sand?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    question - i'm moving to a bit bigger tank and I have some CaribSea Arag-Alive sand that I didn't originally use and still in the bag (about 9m old).  I can see through the clear parts some of the green/pink bacteria growing in there.  am i better off getting new sand or I should be good?

    Thanks!

    WTB - nice colonized rock / for a 5G tank

    in Want to Buy / Trade

    Posted · Edited by Mchums

    I have a very small tank that's been up and running for 8m with a few small coral frags doing nicely.  I have some bare LR in there but have too much in there for the tank size and really just want to pull it and put in a few nice colorful colonized rocks in there.  Let me know if you have something - THANK YOU!

    - Matt

    Fun to discover all the little things again!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Since it'd been so long since I had a tank, it never ceases to amaze me all the little things that I forgot and get to discover again...  How I can just stare at the tank and not get bored :)

    I post because my little tank has been cycled for a a number of weeks now, all numbers dialed, diatoms dieing off and then low and behold GHA started to take hold, and fast I might add.  Only have a couple fish in there right now with a small clean up crew.  Before the GHA had a change to take over everything, I took a trip down to Upscales yesterday and picked up a couple of emerald crabs....

    Only appropriate time in life to say "I love my crabs!!!!!", they had a vegetarian FEAST last night and super fun to watch them go to work :)  Daughter I couldn't take our eyes off the tank and man they mowed it all down!

    • Like 4
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