ambitious DIY aquarium controller

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eleontie
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ambitious DIY aquarium controller

Post by eleontie »

I have a long term project in mind. A controller/mini computer for aquariums. I know very expensive ones already exist somewhere ... but I would like to try building one from scratch.
Anyone knows where can I find electronic probes for measuring water parameters ?
- temp should be easy
- pH exist out-there , price is typically high
- Nitrogen products - I do not know if such probes even exist.
any other you might think useful.

I can find/build the rest of electronic parts , but the probes are what the connection to the aquariums really is and not too popular in any electronic catalog.

Eugen
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krisw
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Post by krisw »

Have you tried a Hydroponics store? They seem to have a number of things like this, although, I haven't any experience with them myself.
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DelawareJim
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Post by DelawareJim »

Check with the companies like Hach or Milwalkee that already make this type of equipment. They usually sell replacement probes.

Cheers.
Jim
JMLenke
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Post by JMLenke »

most of the probes have a limited lifespan due to them getting out of alignment.

Most come with small packets that you use to recalibrate the probes.

I know Milwaukee has one (you can buy it with their controller), a Nitrogen probe is probably extremely expensive though as I have not seen one around so far.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
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RTRJR
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Post by RTRJR »

You can start with:

http://www.sciencecentral.com/category/288324

But brace yourself for sticker shock....
Where's the fish? Neptune
Rick Dotson
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Post by Rick Dotson »

I have tried this route before and gave in and bought a controller from Neptune for $225. Yes it was expensive, but I have it doing water changes everyday, controlling temperatue & lights and monitoring pH. To not have to drag the hose up the stairs was worth the cost and when the power goes out I don't have to reset my timers. $225 does not include the pH probe.

PM to arrange a call to discuss what you are trying to accomplish. I might be able to help. But I agree with Robert that even if you build it yourself it is not going to be cheap.

Rick
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eleontie
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Post by eleontie »

Thanks guys,
I would like to do this for ... fun mostly. I would presume that there should be some cheap probes out there - just where ... still needs to be found :)

Maybe we will get a chance to meet and discuss. I am not in a hurry anyways. Plants and fish grow without fancy computers for now.


Eugen
JMLenke
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Post by JMLenke »

Rick Dotson wrote:I have tried this route before and gave in and bought a controller from Neptune for $225. Yes it was expensive, but I have it doing water changes everyday, controlling temperatue & lights and monitoring pH. To not have to drag the hose up the stairs was worth the cost and when the power goes out I don't have to reset my timers. $225 does not include the pH probe.

PM to arrange a call to discuss what you are trying to accomplish. I might be able to help. But I agree with Robert that even if you build it yourself it is not going to be cheap.

Rick
Rick I plan on probably getting a neptune and incorporating it into the plan for my condo automation possibly, ok off to my thread to stop hijacking this one.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
ingg
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Post by ingg »

$175, monitors PH, temp, and controls pumps too...

http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaControllerJr.htm

Never knew these existed. I missed the part on your tank Rick, how are you using this for water changes?
Dave
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Post by JMLenke »

Curse you dave, I was just about to link that.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
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