thanks for the responses so far everybody. Still need 26 more to go. Anyways this software for the system is being developed. I don't know enough about electronics to produce the hardware for the system. Basically i'm using a USB board which you are able to plug analog and digital inputs and outputs into, instead of actually wiring up all the different components, resistors, relays etc. i'll just use LEDs which are simple enough to wire up, as a represenation of the lights, pump etc. I'm majoring in comp sci so the USB is not really of concern to me at this point in time. Once i'm done with this project i'll look into learning how to wires lights and pumps up to the USB board.
If anyone is interested they can have a look at this site . This is the board i will be using. If anyone can help me with linking up lights and a pump to that bad boy please do tell.
Anyways again thank you very much for all the responses