FW aquarium controller

[CarpCharacin]

What dosing pumps will it run? And how will it connect to said dosing pumps?

Im still not sure what this device is really controlling in a F/W system?

It will run pumps like these https://www.adafruit.com/products/1150. It will moniter temperature and it will do dosing pumps. The pumps are either going to connect to a custom PCB, or something like this https://www.adafruit.com/products/2310. We are still trying to decide. Should we design a custom PCB, or just use something like that?

 

[CarpCharacin]

It is a neat project you are looking at, but I'm just not convinced it is worth it. If you decide to persue it you might want to take a look over at Reef Central. They've had many builds like yours over the years.

First of all, this controller will be freshwater focused and second of all I am banned on reef central. I have a project forum on my site. Here is the current parts list https://www.adafruit.com/wishlists/418317

 

[Angelphish]

I currently use an apex on my reef tank, how would this controller be any different?

Along with being freshwater based, it only comes with the needed features, and it costs less than a reef setup, unlike the apex.

 

[CarpCharacin]

I am still trying to figure out what to use as the interface. I would like to have a network interface like what is used to set up a wireless router, but I don't want to install apache or any other web server.

 

[Fat Homer]

First of all, this controller will be freshwater focused and second of all I am banned on reef central. I have a project forum on my site. Here is the current parts list https://www.adafruit.com/wishlists/418317

Okay, so you have a pump system, but what is this pump going to feed into the tank? Ferts / Prime / Excel?

Coz if you do it for ferts, you may need up to 3+ pumps just for that alone, and how will you control how much is pumped in each time??? Since there isnt always a standard amount you will pump in???

So while the idea seems good, i think you need to explain exactly what the system is doing, since right now, all i hear you say is it will control temp (not a big deal honestly) and run some pumps, but still dont know pumps for what exactly???

Eitherway, i wish you guys luck, but i think you need to clearly explain what this product will do...

 

[CarpCharacin]

The plan is for it to control multiple dosing pumps. Ask Angelphish about the pumps. The pumps are essentially DC motors and the plan is for it to be able to control the flow rate in the interface. We are still in the very early stages of design. I am going to have to order the parts and start messing with them before I will have exact specifications.

 

[Angelphish]

In my setup, I'll have two pumps. I plan on dosing ferts weekly along with stability. Each pump can be set for a certain time and amount of liquid.

If you plan on dosing certain chemicals once a certain water parameter reaches a set point, that is also possible. For example, it could be programmed to dose Prime after nitrates reach 40 (for those people who are too lazy to do water changes CarpCharacin ).

 

[CarpCharacin]

But what probes are we going to have? Sure it is easy to say "it will have these features" but it is hard to implement them. How do you plan on implementing them?

 

[CarpCharacin]

We are going to have to PWM the motor to control the speed. I have never programmed a raspberry pi before. I was building a soldering station with an arduino, but I never finished it. I was also planning to build a handheld notebook with a raspberry pi, but I never did that either. I got the case for it, but I never built it.

 

[Angelphish]

But what probes are we going to have? Sure it is easy to say "it will have these features" but it is hard to implement them. How do you plan on implementing them?

Could, not will. I actually do water changes. I don't need that. Other people may use it for more advanced fert dosing and whatnot.