Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Thanks for the help guys.

Sorry for the hyjack. Initially wanted to have a bit more info on OBO's backup hence posting in this thread.

Will hav. To revisit the backup thread to see if I missed something from there.

Had some more toys arrive!





The Sentinel DRT-1 digital recycling timer has an easy-to-use menu, simple pushbutton programming and a bright LED display that's easy to read.

The DRT-1 is designed to control pumps, HID lights or other devices in the growroom that need to be activated on a consistant repeating cycle. This single-function timer also offers a wide range of time delays. The DRT-1 allows the user to set the ON and OFF times in hours, minutes and seconds. Built-in photocell allows daytime, nighttime or 24-hour operation!

Two receptacles control up to 15-amps of power and has a built-in, re-settable circuit breaker. The DRT-1 even has memory backup using a lithium battery.

Specs:

Amps / Volts requirements: 15 amps @ 120 volts
Min / Max operating temperature: 32 to 120° F
Min / Max Humidity: 0-99% RH
Minimum time setting: 1 second
Maximum time setting: 23 Hours 59 Minutes 59 Seconds
Dimensions: 8" high x 6.5" wide x 3.1" deep
Weight: 7 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10+ years

Carries a manufacture 3-year warranty.

The size of these timers meant that the backup boxes needed to be bigger, so I decided to get big boxes and include the battery in the whole thing.






Temporarily installed, still got some earthworks to do before they can be placed permanently.




The way everything looks now:




Broccoli starting to head up:




The lettuce seems to do really well in this system, never had much luck at the old house...




Cabbage is doing well too.




Thought I'd better chuck some fish pictures in too





All is well, still awaiting final council approval, 4 months after trying to get it lol.

Care to share where to bought the DRT-1 timer and for how much??

I have spent quite a bit of time (haha) looking for these timer, eventually found two on ebay, they were the last two that I know of. Around $170 each.

You can get them through most good hydro shops... prices range from $170-$250...

Here's a couple of links from my hydro bookmarks

http://www.hollandforge.com.au/contents/en-us/d303.html

http://glandorehydro.com/Sentinel-DRT-1 ... Timer.html

Thanks guys... Will look more into it on another day... I am busy labouring today...

I've found that my newer gb's with just gravel are growing some things a lot better than the aged ones. I did run them 24/7 to start with.

Those timers run well, shows a countdown to the next cycle so you can move things around without getting wet.

Cool OBO

Looking great OBO. I looked for a timer some time back and found it here ....

http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/category20_1.htm

I have the DRT also...

its been spot on.... for over a year....

JT

I don't think I would be putting the battery in the back-up box unless it is a maintenance free variety, battery fumes in time may affect your electrical devices?
Also in relation to your white plastic IBC growbeds, do you intend to paint them as they become brittle when in direct sunlight for long periods, I know from experience.

The way everything looks now:


Is that the silhouette of the Buddha on the back of that shed overlooking and hopefully blessing your system?
Dale

Brilliant observation

Just need to paint some eyes on it.

Nice thread revival guys

The batteries are sealed maintenance free ones, that are only charged at a maximum of 10A. I dont think that too many acid fumes will come from them. If I was charging at 50 or so Amps I would be worried Good observation though, I was waiting for someone to come up with it. I was actually expecting someone to say something about the explosive gases part

The IBC's will be painted white before the worst of the hot weather hits. It has been my observation however, that IBC's do not degrade unless they get hot. I have seen empty IBC's get brittle very quickly and perish, however filled IBC's seem to last a heck of a lot longer. I guess that the filled ones stay cooler, and reduce the heat/UV damage?