Best Way to Remotely Control a Pump

[layer3switchguy]

Folks,

My display tank is in my home office on the first floor of my house. My sump is downstairs in the basement. Any ideas on how best to remotely turn off my return pump and skimmer while feeding?

Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks!
L3

 

[snulma1]

I would look into a controller, like a reef keeper. You could run the controller panel upstairs, while the DC8 (outlet strip) would be downstairs, there is a button for a feed mode.

 

[James77]

As ^^ said a controller would be my first choice. IDK if you are ok with working with electricity, but you could always wire a switched outlet to the basement. You could just put the switch next to the tank, the wiring would be easy enough going up from the basement. You could even use a timed light switch .

 

[sedor]

Timed switch would be the way to go...I realized at one point that my main power strip was hooked to an outlet on a switch, but the switch just never gets used so it was never a problem. Then I started thinking that an accident such as your wife, or kids, or even you accidentally flipping that switch off and going to work could do some serious damage to your tank. Needless to say I moved the power strip.

 

[sjm817]

Good excuse to buy a controller. I have a basement sump and can control return, skimmer, fuge lights, heaters from the display or right here from my PC, or even my Blackberry.

 

[layer3switchguy]

Folks,

Does the controller work remotely, or do I need to have wire run from the basement up to my office? Control via my PC would be cool too... What do you recommend?

Thanks!
L3

 

[rick s]

I would use a standard wall timer that has "Reverse Action" Contacts. When you turn the knob it turns the pump off for that period of time. The beauty in that is that you cannot forget to turn it back on. It will do it for you. I have 2 of them. One for my skimmer and one on my main pump. I can tell you more about them if you like. I have a detailed thread on here somewhere.

 

[rick s]

"PC controlled" and "wireless" for a main pump and skimmer would really cut down on my "comfort factor."

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15561410#post15561410 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by layer3switchguy
... Does the controller work remotely, or do I need to have wire run from the basement up to my office? Control via my PC would be cool too... What do you recommend?

I assume you meant wireless - some controllers can be used without a direct connection. You will have to utilize a wireless network to use a PC. That would entail connection of a device, such as a game adapter, to your controller. Might sound complex, but it isn't, really.

 

[kuyatwo]

might look into x10 outlets .... you can either use a aquacontroller or use a remote

 

[sjm817]

People are mixing up a lot of different things here. A aquarium controller is not PC controlled. It can optionally be web accessed via a wired or wireless network connection, but that is not a requirement.

Here is my setup:

Main level where the aquarium is located had a Neptune ACIII. There is a DC4 (4 ac outlets) in the display. The lights, Vortecs and canopy fans are connected there. I can use buttons on the controller to perform any function.

The basement has a DC8 (8 ac outlets). The DC8 is connected to the ACIII via a phone wire type connection. The return, skimmer, dosing pumps, heaters, fuge lighting is connected to the DC8. All functions of the DC8 are controllable via the ACIII front panel.

I also have a hard wired Ethernet connection to the ACIII. This allows me to access the system from a web interface on the local network or remotely.

None of this has any requirement for a PC or wireless anything.

 

[Rockfish]

X-10

X-10

I second Kuyatwo on using X-10, very versatile, don't need to run any additional wiring and computer software is available to control remotely.

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15561410#post15561410 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by layer3switchguy
... Does the controller work remotely, or do I need to have wire run from the basement up to my office? Control via my PC would be cool too ...

Scott, I was just addressing the OP's direct queries.

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15562551#post15562551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Scott, I was just addressing the OP's direct queries.

My post was not in response to what you posted.

 

[Mike31154]

Here's a link to wireless remote switch capable of handling 1500 watts. Says it's for lights, but don't see why it wouldn't run your pump as well. Plug & play for less than $30.

Wireless Switch

 

[sedor]

Nice find Mike!

 

[das75]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15566718#post15566718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryandlf
Nice find Mike!

agree there, but why shut of the return for feeding?

 

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15566958#post15566958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by das75
agree there, but why shut of the return for feeding?

So the food doesn't go through the overflow and into your sump before the fish eat it.

 

[addicted2reefin]

i was gonna say, at homedepot they make remote controlled outlets for fans and lights. u could definately use one. i think thats what mike posted

 

[sedor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15566958#post15566958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by das75
agree there, but why shut of the return for feeding?

Some people do, some people don't. I personally don't at the moment, but I go back and forth.