Knowing how intense the 10w emitters are already, I can't imagine installing 100w emitters over my reef tank.

There is a thread on UK reefs. Total cost of the arduino and shields is only $45. All the code is posted. It is a colour touchscreen with 6 dimmable channels for LEDs. pH , temperature sensors, chiller, heater & automatic feeder control, wavemaker and powerhead control & Lunar cycles. Code is constantly being added to and future updates may contain more sensors, real live weather conditions, automatic water changers, automatic dosing and video monitoring on smartphones. The arduino 2560 has the capacity to handle all of these features.

You don't have to run the 100 watters at full power and they are mounted quite high with optics compared to where I have my 10 watters without optics. With good quality optics & heatsink with fan, the 100 watt emitters mounted high are a good option if you like an open look above, with easy access to the tank. Manufacturers like Orphek & Kessil are leading the way with this form factor. Definitely an alternative to a multitude of 3 watt emitters mounted on large heatsinks without fans.

Got a link?

http://ukreefs.com/index.php?topic=258.0

Here's a video of it in action
http://youtu.be/gN4XQHNijxw

Wow fantastic, thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for... Are you aware of any other DIY arduino reef projects? Have you purchased any components yet?

Here's a pdf file to the most recent build http://code.google.com/p/jarduino-aq...a.pdf&can=2&q=

Here is the thread on the above pdf manual and the youtube video. http://ukreefs.com/index.php?topic=117.0

Here is a guy who sells Arduino shields assembled or kit form. http://www.practicalmaker.com/ He has shields for pH, ORP, salinity, extra PWM channels and a full controller. He is in Australia. I am thinking of getting a bare PCB for the pH and ORP sensors because they are easy to build and only $11.25.

I haven't built my cat4101 drivers yet (or the LED's for the 90 gallon for that matter) so this power shield is very enticing. http://www.chestersgarage.com/produc...r-led-shieldIt is a shield with the LED drivers integrated - 4 channels. For my needs, I will need 2 of the $39.95 versions.

The one thing I may order immediately is the version of the megashield with the built in clock. http://imall.iteadstudio.com/prototy...120717001.html They were out of stock yesterday, but have them again today for only $5.50. All the other parts seem to be readily available. This is the one that sells out quickly.

If I get everything done the way I want it, I should have a controller with way more features than a Proiflux III ex for well under a hundred dollars.

Let me know if you want links to the cheapest touchscreen and Arduinos I have found on ebay.

I think it will be a lot more than that, probably 100.00 to 150. My arduino alone was 55 bucks. basice screens (bw with 3 line output are 15 bucks, but jump to 100 bucks for deicent ones, touchescreens are up there even more.

thanks for the links on the lights, not crees but good enough.

also if you are going to be using the 100 watt LEDs remember this. the 100 watt LEDs are what they are using to replace 400 watt MH arena lighting.

Steve

A real Arduino 2560 from the Arduino store will cost even more at $76. Since I am using non-brand name LED's, I have no problem using electronics from China.

Arduino Mega 2560 - $18

3.2 Colour Touch Panel - $17.50

Mega Shield for LCD $5.50

Mega Prototype shield $5.00


I like DIY projects and any money I save on the projects I can put back into livestock.

you got a link for the touch panel?

Steve