Out of town and happy!

[Djbetterly]

I have to say, between having a webcam, and modding my eheim autofeeder to my apex, I am completely secure with my tank while out of town. Since I added my jawfish, I want to make sure he's eating, so I trigger the feeder and wait and watch. Sure enough, he's very happy and eating well. Right now I'm feeding the tank twice a day, typically I feed once, but I want to make sure he's happy. Later on I'll probably spot feed him but its nice to see him feed while I'm away.

 

[Mrruiz]

Just a thought. It's probably not a good idea to tell the world that your out of town.

 

[Djbetterly]

Well it doesn't mean my apartment isn't unoccupied, it just means I'm not there and I trust my webcam / feeder combo over any human who enjoys watching fish eat.

 

[Josh]

Hey you know you can put your webcam image into the signature image you are using and it will be updated automatically.

 

[smoq]

Can I ask you what camera are you using?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Hey you know you can put your webcam image into the signature image you are using and it will be updated automatically.

How do you do that?

 

[Djbetterly]

Can I ask you what camera are you using?

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams/hd-webcam-c525

 

[KathyC]

Perhaps when you return from vacation (have fun!) you can start a DIY thread on what equpiment is required for the webcam and how it all gets set up (including pics) so others who are interested can do the same..even if just to keep an eye on their tanks while at work?

 

[masterswimmer]

Hey Dustin, sounds like a great system you've got set up. Nice peace of mind.

My suggestion, don't change your feeding pattern while out of town, especially double what you normally feed. Fish can actually go for days without being fed. The only 'good' that can come from overfeeding is excess nutrients and more unwanted algae growth. I'd limit the feedings to one per day...ESPECIALLY when out of town.

Enjoy your time away,
Russ

 

[Djbetterly]

Hey Russ,

Thank you for the note, that's good to know. I was concerned about that so I actually cut down the amount delivered by the feeder. I did run a series of tests before I left and will do a comparison when I return this evening.

My bigger concern is, I did a water change right before I left and for some reason the pH dropped a bit. Its still within range, at night drops to around 7.85 but only rises to about 7.97 during the day. Prior to the water change, my pH swing was from 8.15 (day) to 7.97(night). I'm confident it will return back to what it was, but it would be nice to know why this happened.

On that note, its wonderful having a controller to monitor my tank while out of town, but very unnerving to know I cannot be there to figure out what the heck happened.

 

[smoq]

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams/hd-webcam-c525

Thanks. This has to be connected to a PC, right? IU'm looking for an ip camera recommendation that I can hook up directly to the network

 

[Djbetterly]

Yes, I read in another post that this is a great camera, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046710G6/?tag=reefs04-20

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Thanks. This has to be connected to a PC, right? IU'm looking for an ip camera recommendation that I can hook up directly to the network

IP camera does not need to be connected to a PC, it can direct connected to your network hub or router. Most IP camera has a web server built in. What that means is you can view the web page from the IP Camera just by point your browser to the IP. There variety of installation you can do such such using a DNS, webserver in the internet to redirect the video and allow your browser to use a web name. To protect from unwanted access usually the web page in the camera has a user/password feature.

 

[jcdeng]

some security systems that are stand alone can let you view the camcera via your smartphone, and I think this tech has been out for a few years already. My friend has 4 in his house that he uses to watch his dogs and his kid while away at work.

 

[Koyfam16]

You have an auto top off as well?
I am trying to make my own so I can also have piece of mind while away.

 

[smoq]

some security systems that are stand alone can let you view the camcera via your smartphone, and I think this tech has been out for a few years already. My friend has 4 in his house that he uses to watch his dogs and his kid while away at work.

That would be perfect. I heard Panasonic ip cameras have an android app, how about those recommended in prrvious posts?

Sent from my MB860 using Reefs

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

some security systems that are stand alone can let you view the camcera via your smartphone, and I think this tech has been out for a few years already. My friend has 4 in his house that he uses to watch his dogs and his kid while away at work.

So true. I have setup both IP and Security cams in for couple customers(motel security) in your store area. Hehe

There are similar but not completely same in installation and such while the tech is basically same.

 

[Djbetterly]

You have an auto top off as well?
I am trying to make my own so I can also have piece of mind while away.

I do, that was my first purchase. I'm in the process of working on a gauge for it so that will post the water level to an RSS feed. This way when I travel I can figure out when I need to send the GF to go fill up the tank. I'm back home now and she only had to fill it once.