ambitious DIY aquarium controller

eleontie · Post by **eleontie** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:55 pm

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

Post by **krisw** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:53 pm

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.

DelawareJim · Post by **DelawareJim** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:00 am

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

Cheers.
Jim

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:50 am

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.

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:31 pm

You can start with:

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

But brace yourself for sticker shock....

Rick Dotson · Post by **Rick Dotson** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:16 pm

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

eleontie · Post by **eleontie** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:33 pm

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 · Post by **JMLenke** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:28 am

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.

ingg · Post by **ingg** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:50 am

$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?

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:50 am

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

ambitious DIY aquarium controller

ambitious DIY aquarium controller

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