DIY DIY auto temp control for hydro res - under $50??

[TxOld Dude]

An idea(?)
A cheap way to automatically control out-of range res temps.

I found a temp control unit with programmable range and switching capability to control a small 110v pump that also includes a waterproof sensor for $22.
I found this on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/All-purpose-T...ywords=thermostat+water+sensor#productDetails

The idea is to use a small cooler with either bag ice or ice bottles and several feet of opaque plastic tubing ran as a loop from the res, through the cooler and pump, then back to the res. The sensor goes in the res of course.

The temp goes up, the unit comes on, the temp goes down, the unit cuts off.

Others are using it to control beer temps in home breweries.

Just a thought...

Fish

 

[TxOld Dude]

BTW here's the link for the pump for $15
http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Lift...F8&qid=1382212228&sr=8-1&keywords=dosing+pump

So you see, for under $50 you can build an automated temp control for the res and all you have to do is replace ic bottles once a week (using a decent cooler of course). Make sure to leave several loops of tubing inside the cooler to make it more effective. I would say 1-2 loops per bucket in a DWC system. If daisy chained with no reservoir, put the sensor in the end bucket and set the temp at 2-3 degrees above optimal. You don't want to over chill some and under chill others. This will work best in reservoir or single bucket systems.

 

[wwwillie]

Hey TxOld Dude. I just bought the same widget for my tent temps and will use it to control my exhaust fan. Paid $13.62 on eBay!