The "brains" of the tank is a Neptune Aquacontroller III . This unit acts as a controller as well as a sensor, and is setup to send me a email (to my cellphone) if there is a problem.

The table located on the left side of each web page shows the status of each device connected to the controller. This status is updated from my aquacontroller to the web site every 2 minutes. The links in the table explain each device and how it fits into the system. The current tank parameters up at the top right hand corner of the page are updated every minute.

Besides alarm notification, the controller also responds to unsafe tank conditions automatically. For example, if the temperature exceeds a set point, the controller will automatically start turning on or off equipment and lights to attempt to maintain the temperature set point (heater off-->fan on-->fuge light off-->halide off-->skimmer off-->alarm on(send email)-->pc lights off).

To facilitate communication I also have a wired connection between the router and the controller. I could connect the controller wirelessly as well, but decided to locate the router and cable modem close to the tank so that I can use the Tripp Lite battery UPS (APC-500) to power the internet connection in the event of a power failure. More on this on page 2 of automation.

Continue To Page 2 of Automation