Just a shoutout that I found this smart power strip to be quite useful

[fixingstill]

Just a shoutout that I found this smart power strip to be quite useful:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07923DLSH

In addition to a tripp lite 8 powerstrip that has individual switch for each outlet (for my light, heater, cooling fan, etc), it runs my new 110G tank smoothly without Apex (I know, Apex could do even more).

I have 1st outlet controlling return pump, turning off during feeding time by an auto feeder. 2nd outlet controlling skimmer, turning off during feeding time + 3 more minutes. 3rd outlet controlling ATO pump, turning on 6 times a day each 2 mins. 4th controlling Refugium light. USB port controlling a USB LED night light.

And I can say "Ok google, turn off skimmer" to my smartthings.

Looks like I can use another one for BRS 1.1ml dosing pumps.

I know Apex is more powerful but I can't afford that yet.

 

[mcgyvr]

Nice.. (Did I recommend that one in another post to you?.. If so glad its working well)
It seems that the reasons to get a full "reef controller" are getting smaller and smaller by the day..
I certainly don't see how one could justify the price for the Apex stuff today..

Smartthings user here too and have found it to be very reliable/very powerful.. Now I just need to start playing around with writing custom device handlers to add some more functionality to it..
Oh but I am on the "Amazon Echo" side vs Google.. To date Google has a lot of catching up to do still..

I've been thinking about creating some low cost "reef specific" sensors like float switches/waterproof temp sensors,etc... that would be "Alexa/Smartthings Compatible"
If only the days were 50 hours long and I never needed to sleep.. I think Sonoff might have some stuff there already anyways...

 

[fixingstill]

Yep, use this smart power strip to replace EB8. Then we need to interface all those on/off inputs, probes, 24VDC, etc... Then we don't have to pay the rip-off prices for those APEX stuff.

 

[mcgyvr]

Temp/humidity sensor..
http://sonoff.itead.cc/en/products/sonoff/sonoff-th
And looks like all the Sonoff devices have a GPIO pins exposed/usable so you just need to have a float switch pull to ground to trigger ATO pump functions,etc...

 

[fixingstill]

We need competition so that Apex can be kept in check. They can't just charge whatever they want. I think this open source smart control idea is the way to go and should be explored more.

 

[Thornbreaker]

Well that's awesome. I've got Mars Aqua lights which don't have a built in timer so I've been looking for a solution. Just ordered one of these. Not sure I needed the usb plugs, but this was less expensive and lower weight than just a 4 plug strip version.

If it works, I'll have to get a 2nd for Christmas lights