Water quality automation / logging

wrc1045

AC Members
Dec 14, 2006
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Does anyone know of an automatic water adjustment/testing monitoring system? I was just wondering. I know I should be keeping up on the tank myself. But I was just wondering. I was actually going to design something.

My ideas was: PC, sensors for PH, Nitrate and ammonia, some kind of chemical dosing system or an alert (maybe across my network or to email me). I know it's probably overkill, but I am sure someone has done it already.

I can program the software myself or have one of the guys work on it. It should be simple. The sensors are available commercially. I am kind of wondering what is available for the water makeup changes.

I could have a makeup take and do water changes that way. What would be the best way to change PH?

an automated water change is also an option.

I may just have the pc log and email me the tests daily or unless the water makeup is out of spec (hi or low)

Any ideas from you guys that have been around this stuff awhile.



How about water alarms? I do have stuff we use for automation/security systems. What if a canister filter body failed? You would have a large amount of water on the floor. I have clients with water sensors installed at a water heater tank, washing machine; that shut off main water to the house if those sensors detect water, also reports to our central station.

A floor system could be designed (catch basin) that actually recycle the lost water back into the tank, through filter, a high volume float controlled system (like a sump pump)

I know it's all overkill and maybe I won't even do it. I was just thinking.


Years ago no one thought a safe room would be practical in a home. Now it seems like we sell one a month.
 
I'm all for new technology, but part of the enjoyment and satisfaction of having an aquarium is the knowledge that you are directly responsible for the quality of the fishes environment. I personally like doing water changes myself, and have never considered it to be "work" in a bad sense. And monitoring parameters (besides maybe temperature) isn't constantly necessary for a well-established tank. I could see filter failures being a problem, but don't know if that happens often enough to justify a system like you are describing.
 
If I end up working outside the home again... Some day I'd like to get a webcam aimed at my Ammonia Alert, pH Alert and thermometer. I think for a FW tank, these are probably the things that can kill the fastest. I'm not sure NitrAtes can climb that fast, and if you're testing regularly, shouldn't be an issue. I know there are other things having to do with oxygen and CO2, but personally since I don't have any plants, I'm not quite so concerned.
 
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