It’s always a beautiful sight that promises a peaceful ambiance when you have a fish tank in your home. However, it is only a real fish tank when you have fish in it. And the struggle all fish keepers have is opening and replacing the fish tank lids when feeding their fish.
However, these days, innovations have made these mechanical operations easier. One great example is the automated fish tank lid opener. With the help of actuators, it is possible to open and close fish tanks automatically. So, let us explore why you should consider this technology and how to install it right away.
Top Reasons to Automate a Fish Tank Lid
Source: dev.to
Convenience
This is one of the main reasons you need anything automated. In this case, your fish tank lid no longer needs manual lifting. You only need one click on the remote button to open and close the fish tank. Therefore, you save yourself the extra time and stress often involved in fish feeding and tank cleaning.
Keeps your fish safe
Fishes are adventurous and curious animals by nature. During one of your maintenance hours, you may forget to replace your fish tank lid; fish tend to escape your tank in such cases, bringing stress and danger to your fish. But with an automated lid opener, you ensure the tank lid is open and closed easily to prevent your fish from escaping.
Helps Maintain Good Water Quality
You may have cleaned your fish tank of debris, changed filters, tested the water, or fed your fish recently. In the process, you should have remembered to replace the tank lid. An automated lid opener is the solution to keeping the water in ideal conditions for your finned pets. Unlike manual operations, the automated lid opener is more accessible and convenient.
Ensures your Child’s and Pet’s Safety
Children and pets are often ignorant of delicate structures like your fish tank. At the same time, they are very curious creatures. An automated fish tank lid is the best to avoid endangering your children or pet. It guarantees extra safety by shutting the lid tightly enough after opening it. You also get to avoid water spillage from the tank in such cases.
Why Linear Actuators Are the Best for your Automated Fish Tank Lid
Source: pinterest.com
You can employ different automation mechanisms to control your fish tank lid. However, we advise using linear actuators. They’re the best, and for several reasons, which we explain below.
Precision
Linear actuators operate with optimal precision. The devices can guarantee exact movement, such that the tank lid opens at the desired position. Consequently, you always get smooth operation.
Compactness
Attaching a linear actuator to your fish tank lid requires minimal work. That’s because the motion devices are compact, featuring only a few components. So, you can automate your fish tank lid without using a mechanism that affects its aesthetics.
Reliability
Still on the topic of having few components, linear actuators are highly durable and reliable. Since there are not many moving parts, there’s less chance for wear and breakdown. By extension, you’ll also find the devices easy to maintain.
Adaptability
Many linear actuators are programmable. In other words, you can adapt them to suit the functions of any fish tank lid — whether big or small. Particularly, you can program and adjust the speed and stroke length of the motion device to suit your fish tank lid.
Low noise
The last thing you want is for your fishes to be perturbed due to noise from the automation system. You can actualize that using linear actuators, as the devices operate almost quietly.
Energy efficiency
One reason some people skip linear actuators is because they use an electric motor and, consequently, require a power source. The misconception is that it’ll consume a lot of energy. However, the contrary is reality as linear actuators are energy-efficient. Not to mention, they’re easy to purchase in the first place.
Automating your fish tank lid using linear actuators
Source: modestfish.com
The following is a brief guide to help you install a new automated lid opener. It entails building a motorized fish tank lid opener using linear actuators and arduino programming.
Find an appropriate location
Ample space is necessary to mount an automated lid opener on your fish tank. You need your lid opener operating without obstructions when you feed your fish. So, choose a location in your home that is more manageable. Also, ensure it is in a relaxed area of the house.
Assemble the necessary components
At this point, you need a suitable linear actuator from Firgelli Automations. Also, you need a programmable board like Arduino, sensors, and some power cables with a small box to house the components.
Program and Run the Arduino
Using the Arduino IDE, run the fetched program on the Arduino. You will need to review the Arduino library to find the necessary code.
Connect the Actuator
After connecting the linear actuator with the sensor shield, plug the board into a power supply. If your connections are in order, your linear actuator should extend and retract. Tapping the remote control button repeatedly would help you test run if the device works.
Mount the Actuator to the Lid
With the help of mounting brackets, mount the box containing the linear actuator and place the Arduino atop the fish tank lid. Mount it strategically so that the actuator makes proper contact with the lid of the tank.
Run a test
It is only right to test-run your new automated fish tank lid and how it works with your tank. This way, you’re sure it runs smoothly, even with little or no inspection.
And there, you are done! In addition to fish tank lid openers, here are more ways actuators can be used around your home.
Conclusion
Source: aquasabi.com
The automated lid opener is a game-changer for owners of fish tanks. This mechanism enables easy feeding of fish and fish tank maintenance. It has many other benefits as opposed to the conventional manual option.
Overall, your aquarium experience will see massive improvement with this innovation. So try an automated lid opener today and enjoy the maximum convenience it offers.