Computerized Aquarium

[pyackel]

I cant believe that there are no easy to find manufacturers of modular, turn-key, computer based monitoring for aquariums. The one I found doesn't include monitoring some very important water quality factors and the website is so poorly layed out that you're left with your head spinning on what to do. Why can't someone come out with this:

A computer/aquarium interface box that connects to your PC via RS232 (serial cable) with input options for the following probes.

• Ammonia probe

• Nitrite probe

• Nitrate probe

• pH probe & kH probe which would essentially give you a CO2 monitor via software

• Temperature probe

• Dissolved Oxygen probe


Software to monitor and log it.

Would that be too hard!!!

 

[geKo]

sounds like a nice idea heh

 

[Twinbot]

Start writin' the code!

 

[SoulFish]

there are ones like that, dont know the manufactueres but ive seen setups like that in catalogs they send to the fish farm i work at, with the 16 foot protein skimmers and such

 

[10 Gal. newbe]

Sounds complicated heeh

 

[Dogsby]

Someone do the hardware part, i can do the software, and lets get rich lol

Shawn

 

[catfishmike]

one thing wrong with set-ups like that is that from my understanding the diffrent probes wear out quickly when used on a permanant basis.now i could be wrong too. either way it's still a great idea if you have the cash.

 

[SoulFish]

the one i saw allowed you to access it from anywhere, other computers, cellphone and stuff, and if something was looking off you could have it remotely adjust the conditions of the water or add conditioners, and feed

 

[RedTurquoise]

Are you looking for something like this?
http://www.automatedaquariums.com/

It is possible to diy and Im going to try it on my mini rack system (when I save up the money). Basicly it will do everything from water changes to monitoring to alarms and shutdowns. Im planning on using PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) that they use in huge plants for industrial control. At least I will be able to put some of my education into practise.

 

[pyackel]

Thats the one I was talking about with the lowsy website - very unclear advertising. They don't offer ammonia, nitrite or nitrate probes either. It's not a simple turn-key solution. It's not sold in stores. I want to be able to go to an LFS buy a simple computer interface box w/software and have a choice of all the probes to add as I go. As far as the controllers/adjusters - I dont mind adjusting water parameters myself - at least at first - maybe add that later...

 

[Coyote]

Now, I am wondering what those big aquariums use to monitor their tanks. Does anyone know?

 

[RedTurquoise]

I see pyackel! I guess they dont but I know you can get ammonia/nitrite/nitrate probes (I checked into it) however not sure how compatible it is with their stuff. Best is to diy, the whole system or piece it together.

 

[Somonas]

I would pay a large amount of money for nitrate and potassium probes.

I have NEVER seen or heard of a nitrate probe.

 

[pyackel]

Well, at least I'm not alone...

 

[RedTurquoise]

http://www.phoenixelectrode.com/ise.htm

 

[pyackel]

RedTurquoise - YOU ARE THE KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Antwan]

pyackel, you are talking some heavy bread dropping. I wouldn't invest in that kind of stuff unless I had some very veeeeeerrrrry expensive fish. I love my fish and all but your talking thousands. Those kinds of electric chemical probes alone will soak up the most of the cash. It could be done but I think it would be too costly to sell and buy this kind of a system IMO.

 

[Somonas]

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle.

$318 US for a nitrate probe. (NO31502)

http://www.phoenixelectrode.com/member/pdf/pricelists/1999-ise.pdf

 

[pyackel]

Antwan - the simple modular approach allows people to add on as they go. And a couple grand is not a lot of cash - well not for me at least. Hell, people spend that much on a new PC!

 

[Antwan]

Yeah, but a PC serves more purposes than to just take care of a tank of fish. And if a couple g's ain't much to you, than you should submit your idea into a invention co., that would'nt be a bad investment.

Maybe I'll save up for a couple of years so I could buy me one. I'd at least like to see a hand held probe that could test your water for you so you would never have to buy test kits again. What do you think pyackel?