Devices for automation for terrariums/cabinets
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Old 12-05-2023, 04:51 PM
sunfire sunfire is offline
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Join Date: May 2022
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Devices for automation for terrariums/cabinets
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Hi! I automate my exhaust fan in my grow tent using SwitchBot controllers. It's worked very well but there are a few glitches. The last time I went away I also added a misting system to add to the humidity of (a different) tent.

This is the SwitchBot system I purchased. They also have indoor monitors with displays but I did not think they would last long in my very humid grow tent. The hub connects to the Internet and allows you to see and adjust from anywhere. I combined these with a SwitchBot Plug which is how I turn my exhaust fan on and off. They also have Apple HomeKit versions.

In my situation I have chosen to keep the humidity between 65–75 during the day and 80–90 at night using an exhaust fan. I have smaller USB fans in the tent that ensure constant circulation otherwise. You can set up conditions however you want in the app (i.e. between 8 AM – 8 PM fan turns on when humidity reaches 75 and off when humidity reaches 65). The glitch is that the automation triggers when the setpoint is crossed but will not trigger if already at or beyond the threshold. I have been able to get around this by adding additional conditions at the start of each time point- ie: fan on at 8 AM and off at 8 PM.

I generally water or mist my plants every day so the humidity in my grow tent always wants to be 100%. In other set ups if I wanted to add additional humidity I essentially set up humidity trays in the enclosure which helps because the fans are always on and drying everything.

In a different tent with constant fans (but not automated) I used this reptile mister. It's not a fog but more of a fine spray. It did its job while I was away for a week and a half so I kept it going until I broke that tent down. I might set this up again in the future for my mounted orchids or maybe set it up as part of a drip system.

I'll say the availability of all the data is a bit addicting. It also will calculate VPD, absolute humidity and dew points.

The SwitchBot system has plus/minus reviews. I've only been using it since the end of August but so far so good. I communicated with support through the app and they did get back to me but their answer did not work for me.

I use a heater in the grow tent too but I use a different controller for that.

---------- Post added at 04:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:43 PM ----------

Just to add for the humidifier issue. I tried using a mini evaporative cooler as a humidifier once. (NOTE- I do not recommend this thing, it rusted and died so I took out the computer fan and chucked the rest). But while it was working I set up a siphon reservoir to keep it filled with water as long as possible while I was away. That might be an option for your humidifier. All you need is a container for water and some airline tubing.
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