Pond monitoring system idea

[CarpCharacin]

Anyway, like I've said, even though the software that I'm going to use for the monitoring system was designed to be a full-fledged controller, I'm just going to use it for the monitoring aspects.

For years, I have been evaluating the workability of automating water changes since I'm lazy, however I have determined that a passive low rate "drip system" would be unsuitable due to the low rate of dilution. I guess it could reduce the need for water changes, but it wouldn't have the capability of replacing them in their entirety, and it would be inefficient.

I guess it's possible to build an "active" system that removes and replaces a certain amount of water once a certain time period has elapsed, however I feel a system of that design would have a high probability of malfunctioning, and it could cause more worry than it would take a way.

I also guess I'm just a little paranoid about having a computer have direct "control" over my pond or aquariums, even if it's something that I've constructed.

 

[casportpony]

I am curious as to how you're going to do the hardware side of things, as in will you design PCB's or will you hack it together with breadboard and wires?

 

[CarpCharacin]

I am curious as to how you're going to do the hardware side of things, as in will you design PCB's or will you hack it together with breadboard and wires?

I'm planning on using a solderable breadboard.

 

[casportpony]

I'm planning on using a solderable breadboard.

Can't talk you into doing a PCB? I could help!

 

[CarpCharacin]

Can't talk you into doing a PCB? I could help!

Maybe. I just haven't designed a PCB before, so I wouldn't know what I was doing, LOL. However a PCB design wouldn't have to be that complicated, since I'd just be doing pH and temperature monitoring.
https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-guide-7-ph-monitoring/circuit-construction

 

[casportpony]

Maybe. I just haven't designed a PCB before, so I wouldn't know what I was doing, LOL. However a PCB design wouldn't have to be that complicated, since I'd just be doing pH and temperature monitoring.
https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-guide-7-ph-monitoring/circuit-construction

That would be super easy!

 

[CarpCharacin]

That would be super easy!

Ideally it'd sit on top of the Raspberry Pi, and work for both the temperature and pH sensor. I know there are solderable breadboards that sit on top of the Pi.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2310

 

[casportpony]

Ideally it'd sit on top of the Raspberry Pi, and work for both the temperature and pH sensor. I know there are solderable breadboards that sit on top of the Pi.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2310

You could make your own board to sit on top of the Pi!

 

[CarpCharacin]

Actually, I may have found what I needed: https://www.tindie.com/products/Ranthalion/ml-reef-pi-hat-v2/

 

[casportpony]

Actually, I may have found what I needed: https://www.tindie.com/products/Ranthalion/ml-reef-pi-hat-v2/

Awsome!