Convert old PC to Aquarium controller

[slipshodman]

Hi all

This may just be the stupidest idea but thought i would ask

I have a second hand slim style PC at home, i can do any hardware and software changes needed

I was considering if a pc could be set up like a Neptune Apex controller of sorts ?

Has anyone tried ?
Should be able to rig lighting and heating at a minimum at very minimal costs and should be able to run over multiple tanks

I assume software may be a bigger issue but surely larger aquariums (like small public aquariums) would use something that was customized for them

Just putting it out there

Thoughts ? Is it possible ? Would it even be worth it to try ?

 

[TexasMFK31]

I do PLCs for a living and am going to eventually use 1 for my big tank. I have also seen some DIY persons using a Raspberry PI to control their tank. May be a lot more advice online going that route.

 

[Dloks]

Hi all

This may just be the stupidest idea but thought i would ask

I have a second hand slim style PC at home, i can do any hardware and software changes needed

I was considering if a pc could be set up like a Neptune Apex controller of sorts ?

Has anyone tried ?
Should be able to rig lighting and heating at a minimum at very minimal costs and should be able to run over multiple tanks

I assume software may be a bigger issue but surely larger aquariums (like small public aquariums) would use something that was customized for them

Just putting it out there

Thoughts ? Is it possible ? Would it even be worth it to try ?

You can definitely use a PC to be a controller but like the other guy mention using a raspberry pi would be better since the size is hella small. And you answered your own question. I hope you are literate in coding because you will need to create your own platform, code integration, essentially develop your own control App. Doable just not feasible. Buy a controller it is simpler, develop your own if your capable it’ll be more flexible