DIY Webcam Mounts

[wpeterson]

We have Dropcam webcams on both of our small reef aquariums, but it's difficult to get them in a good position to capture a shot of the full tank. Originally, I had placed a narrow side table in front of the main tank and positioned the webcam there (about 36" high, about 12" away from the front glass). Unfortunately, this wasn't very attractive, the table had to be moved whenever I needed access inside the tank stand, and was often bumped out of position.

I spent some time yesterday to find a better, DIY webcam mounting. I found metal L brackets made to support shelving (approx 8"x6" L shapes) and attached them to each of the tanks. The webcam has a mounting base I was able to screw into the L Bracket and the base of the L bracket attached to the stand on each tank.

It's not quite as ideal a position, but it's much more solid and less intrusive in the space around the tank:

You can view both of the webcams here:

Main Tank: http://dropc.am/p/1ootoQ
Small Tank: http://dropc.am/p/74eWE7

 

[freakit]

Very cool!

 

[EddieM]

I've been toying with some similar thoughts. I'm leaning more towards an acrylic stand that I can attach to the side of the tank with magnets. Almost like a frag rack mounted on the outside of the tank.

Are you happy with the dropcam?

 

[wpeterson]

I've been toying with some similar thoughts. I'm leaning more towards an acrylic stand that I can attach to the side of the tank with magnets. Almost like a frag rack mounted on the outside of the tank.

Are you happy with the dropcam?

The cameras are great. These DIY mounts saved some space and were more secure, but the viewing angle isn't as nice (I prefer it further out from the tank than the brackets could reach).

I definitely recommend the dropcam pro hardware, I don't think their paid monthly service is worth it, though (recording, etc).

 

[Smotz]

I think our fancy expensive lights (ecotech, ai) should have built in cameras that are accessible via their interface

 

[wpeterson]

I think our fancy expensive lights (ecotech, ai) should have built in cameras that are accessible via their interface

Topdown would be an easier place to position lights, but it doesn't work at all in my previous tanks.

I usually have a large amount of surface flow that provides too much turbulence to allow a decent top-down image without turning the pumps off.

The best view of our tanks was usually out in front, 2-3 feet away. That's a hard place to hang a camera in space, though. Maybe I should suspend it from the ceiling slightly above and to the front. Or setup something across the room with a zoom lens.