DIY Aquarium Controller based on Raspberry Pi

metzz71 · 03/22/2016, 10:49 AM

Hello all. I am reaching out to find out how much interest in my dev project. I am currently developing a DIY controller based on the Raspberry Pi to control my aquarium. The audience for this project are folks whom wish to use and automated controller but are constrained by cost. The advantage of this setup is that it is modular so you can add as much or as little setup as you decide. Going forward you can upgrade as your system grows. Below are the features currently available.

Lighting based on Timers
2 Wave programs based on on/off times.
Temp Probe
Temp Alarm - alarms based on high/low threshold
Email notifications desgined to be used with Gmail
2 Float Switch Configurations
Save system States, Restores on power failure
Email notification on Power up
Backup/Restore/Upgrade feature
Up to 12 outlet/channel configuration
On/Off/Temp/Switch/Wave/Auto Configuration per channel
Single pane of glass dashboard for system status
Web based front end for motifications of the system
Fast Web interface
Accessible from anywhere (port forward setup)
Raspberry Pi 3 includes built-in Wifi

Going forward if there is adequate interest pH will be added. As well as any other suggested improvements/enhancements. I am looking to sell the software and plans to build out the system.

Please provide some feedback on interest in my project and share your thoughts!

Thank you!

TheYellowSnow · 03/22/2016, 10:52 AM

I built one also. Want to share code? Already did ph and leak detection. We did ato with relays and temp probes. Working on rodi refill shortly.

TheYellowSnow · 03/22/2016, 10:53 AM

Come to the reef central chat room. At lunch but I'll give you the link of my controller.

BigDave · 03/22/2016, 12:33 PM

I did one as well, only I'm using both the Pi and an Arduino Mega.

The Pi is mostly used for user IO and I'm using the Mega for the actual control.

The entire Pi app is written in python using Kivy for the gui. Every 5 minutes I upload current stats to my web server.

In the event the app crashes or the Pi locks up, the Arduino will continue running on it's own.

I have two pH probes, a temp probe, 5 float switches and 10 outputs (2 lights, 4 pumps, heater, chiller, co2, and ocean's motions (wavemaker)).

current development state.

http://reef.wallings.net/index.php/e...t/electronics/

except I have ph working now

MaLi · 03/22/2016, 04:44 PM

Did an Arduino base 5 years ago. Gave/give the code for free to anyone who wanted to try.

cheers,
MaLi

cslamar · 03/22/2016, 07:30 PM

Love seeing all the DIY controllers. Planning on doing one myself, either with a Pi, Arduino, or a Particle. I would LOVE, especially for the Pi, to see others' examples. Best not to make the same mistakes twice

If anyone has a gitHub repo or other example code/hardware write-ups, I'd be incredibly grateful.

Cheers,
--Chris

zelie_dad · 03/23/2016, 10:52 AM

I'm definitely interested. I've never dabbled in hardware programming, but as a seasoned Web dev, I know my way around a closure

.

I'm in the process of building my first tank, but I would be willing to help out as much as possible.

cslamar · 03/23/2016, 11:00 AM

Looking at doing a controller of my own. Still debating the platform(s), does anyone have some basic example code? Anything would be awesome! Hanks

BigDave · 03/23/2016, 11:16 AM

You'd really want to pick your platform before trying to look at code.

I'm using both python and Arduino on my controller, so I could provide you some of each of those.

I'm not the best coder, but it's working so far.

theatrus · 03/23/2016, 12:09 PM

I'd encourage as much open source firmware and software as possible - it helps actually grow a system if there is a reusable core and examples, as opposed to 100 different versions.

A GitHub account is free.

For example, I based my light control off of bluetooth on a RPi (using a USB <-> BT-LE dongle). https://github.com/theatrus/ledbrick...ter/controller

If you're trying to build a simple control and monitoring loop for that, there is a great starting point.

cslamar · 03/23/2016, 08:12 PM

Theatrus thanks for the gitHub link! BigDave, I'd love some code if you're willing to share. I don't know exactly what all I plan on doing quite yet. I've followed a few build threads on RC and others. I'm in more of a discovery phase right now. I don't mind getting my hands "dirty" programming and soldering, if I did I shouldn't be in the DIY section, but at the same time don't want to reinvent the wheel.

stu.uk · 03/24/2016, 06:32 AM

Does anyone have any decent references for teaching yourself Python? I know google has alot!

BigDave · 03/24/2016, 08:25 AM

Do you know any other programming languages?

Python's heavy use of classes gives it a pretty steep learning curve. If you know any other languages, it will help.

I just downloaded some python examples and started modifying them to fit my needs. After doing that, I was able to start my own app.

jrhupp · 03/24/2016, 08:51 PM

"A byte of Python" was recommend to me by one of the embedded gurus at work. I read it and it made sense at the time, but I have not had need to implement anything in python yet so who knows if I actually learned anything from it. Google it. Its a free resource.

Pellikan · 03/25/2016, 04:48 PM

I'm in the planning/building stage of my first SW aquarium too and part of that project would be a Pi based controller. The stand is still being built so the Pi is in the future. I did pick up a Pi 3 and it's up and running and I've been checking out code examples here and there. Since I have some light coding experience in other languages I've been concentrating on looking at what others have done and how I might modify that to suit my needs. So, yeah, I'm interested!

window · 03/25/2016, 09:20 PM

I'm working on a controller based of the ESP8266 and writing a webserver in Lua. It has some limitations, but is the size of a postage stamp and can be had for around $3. For anyone going with the raspberry pi, setting up a read only file system may be beneficial. I have had memory corrupted many times when it looses power.

Pellikan · 03/26/2016, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the tip window. I'll be sure to back things up. Not too sure how read only would help with file corruption though.

djbon · 03/27/2016, 03:22 AM

I'm running on arduino controller, controlling my led, skimmer, moonlight, nite view light and wavemaker. So far so good. I used typhon reef code, changed and add some extra codes on it. Cost less than usd50 for the whole set.

fishinthewall · 03/27/2016, 01:11 PM

this is amazing! i dont know a thing about code but would have no problem with hardware. Also have plenty of time to work on and learn code. Think a battery backup could work?

Pellikan · 03/27/2016, 02:04 PM

Yeah, I think some sort of UPS would work. Depending on what you find essential it may not need much capacity. You could probably program the RPI to shut off a number of things when the power is out.

fishinthewall · 03/27/2016, 02:22 PM

what the general consensus on relays? are you guys using the in line plugs or wiring relays to outlets?

Pellikan · 03/27/2016, 02:53 PM

Haven't done it yet but the plan is to use a Smartsain relay strip wired to outlets.

fishinthewall · 03/27/2016, 03:27 PM

nice looks alot neater then what i had in mind

djbon · 03/27/2016, 11:31 PM

Mine in action. Worth the money and tons of experience to learn

metzz71 · 03/28/2016, 07:20 AM

http://mact2016.blogspot.com

I have added more pictures of my hardware.

03/22/2016, 04:44 PM	#5
MaLi Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 532	Did an Arduino base 5 years ago. Gave/give the code for free to anyone who wanted to try. cheers, MaLi __________________ Enjoy your time reefing ! Current Tank Info: 90G Perfecto Mfg. Cube, 20G sump, DIY 24 LED light fixture + 250 MH, DIY Arduino controller, Reef Octopus 1000 LSS skimmer

03/22/2016, 07:30 PM	#6
cslamar Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Illinois Posts: 14	Example Code? Love seeing all the DIY controllers. Planning on doing one myself, either with a Pi, Arduino, or a Particle. I would LOVE, especially for the Pi, to see others' examples. Best not to make the same mistakes twice If anyone has a gitHub repo or other example code/hardware write-ups, I'd be incredibly grateful. Cheers, --Chris

03/23/2016, 10:52 AM	#7
zelie_dad Always bring a towel Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Zelienople, PA Posts: 363	I'm definitely interested. I've never dabbled in hardware programming, but as a seasoned Web dev, I know my way around a closure . I'm in the process of building my first tank, but I would be willing to help out as much as possible. __________________ "The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without" ~Dwight D. Eisenhower Current Tank Info: 40B/40B mixed reef

03/23/2016, 12:09 PM	#10
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	I'd encourage as much open source firmware and software as possible - it helps actually grow a system if there is a reusable core and examples, as opposed to 100 different versions. A GitHub account is free. For example, I based my light control off of bluetooth on a RPi (using a USB <-> BT-LE dongle). https://github.com/theatrus/ledbrick...ter/controller If you're trying to build a simple control and monitoring loop for that, there is a great starting point. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

03/24/2016, 08:51 PM	#14
jrhupp Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 318	"A byte of Python" was recommend to me by one of the embedded gurus at work. I read it and it made sense at the time, but I have not had need to implement anything in python yet so who knows if I actually learned anything from it. Google it. Its a free resource. __________________ Current build thread : http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2547305 I ate a jellyfish... tasted like soy sauce. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon system in progress

03/22/2016, 10:52 AM	#2
TheYellowSnow Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 56	I built one also. Want to share code? Already did ph and leak detection. We did ato with relays and temp probes. Working on rodi refill shortly.

03/22/2016, 10:53 AM	#3
TheYellowSnow Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 56	Come to the reef central chat room. At lunch but I'll give you the link of my controller.

03/22/2016, 12:33 PM	#4
BigDave Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 473	I did one as well, only I'm using both the Pi and an Arduino Mega. The Pi is mostly used for user IO and I'm using the Mega for the actual control. The entire Pi app is written in python using Kivy for the gui. Every 5 minutes I upload current stats to my web server. In the event the app crashes or the Pi locks up, the Arduino will continue running on it's own. I have two pH probes, a temp probe, 5 float switches and 10 outputs (2 lights, 4 pumps, heater, chiller, co2, and ocean's motions (wavemaker)). current development state. http://reef.wallings.net/index.php/e...t/electronics/ except I have ph working now

03/23/2016, 11:00 AM	#8
cslamar Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Illinois Posts: 14	Looking at doing a controller of my own. Still debating the platform(s), does anyone have some basic example code? Anything would be awesome! Hanks

03/23/2016, 11:16 AM	#9
BigDave Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 473	You'd really want to pick your platform before trying to look at code. I'm using both python and Arduino on my controller, so I could provide you some of each of those. I'm not the best coder, but it's working so far.

03/23/2016, 08:12 PM	#11
cslamar Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Illinois Posts: 14	Theatrus thanks for the gitHub link! BigDave, I'd love some code if you're willing to share. I don't know exactly what all I plan on doing quite yet. I've followed a few build threads on RC and others. I'm in more of a discovery phase right now. I don't mind getting my hands "dirty" programming and soldering, if I did I shouldn't be in the DIY section, but at the same time don't want to reinvent the wheel.

03/24/2016, 06:32 AM	#12
stu.uk Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 12	Does anyone have any decent references for teaching yourself Python? I know google has alot!

03/24/2016, 08:25 AM	#13
BigDave Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 473	Do you know any other programming languages? Python's heavy use of classes gives it a pretty steep learning curve. If you know any other languages, it will help. I just downloaded some python examples and started modifying them to fit my needs. After doing that, I was able to start my own app.

03/25/2016, 04:48 PM	#15
Pellikan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego Posts: 32	I'm in the planning/building stage of my first SW aquarium too and part of that project would be a Pi based controller. The stand is still being built so the Pi is in the future. I did pick up a Pi 3 and it's up and running and I've been checking out code examples here and there. Since I have some light coding experience in other languages I've been concentrating on looking at what others have done and how I might modify that to suit my needs. So, yeah, I'm interested!

03/25/2016, 09:20 PM	#16
window Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 21	I'm working on a controller based of the ESP8266 and writing a webserver in Lua. It has some limitations, but is the size of a postage stamp and can be had for around $3. For anyone going with the raspberry pi, setting up a read only file system may be beneficial. I have had memory corrupted many times when it looses power.

03/26/2016, 12:08 AM	#17
Pellikan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego Posts: 32	Thanks for the tip window. I'll be sure to back things up. Not too sure how read only would help with file corruption though.

03/27/2016, 03:22 AM	#18
djbon Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MY Posts: 813	I'm running on arduino controller, controlling my led, skimmer, moonlight, nite view light and wavemaker. So far so good. I used typhon reef code, changed and add some extra codes on it. Cost less than usd50 for the whole set.

03/27/2016, 01:11 PM	#19
fishinthewall Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 125	this is amazing! i dont know a thing about code but would have no problem with hardware. Also have plenty of time to work on and learn code. Think a battery backup could work?

03/27/2016, 02:04 PM	#20
Pellikan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego Posts: 32	Yeah, I think some sort of UPS would work. Depending on what you find essential it may not need much capacity. You could probably program the RPI to shut off a number of things when the power is out.

03/27/2016, 02:22 PM	#21
fishinthewall Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 125	what the general consensus on relays? are you guys using the in line plugs or wiring relays to outlets?

03/27/2016, 02:53 PM	#22
Pellikan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego Posts: 32	Haven't done it yet but the plan is to use a Smartsain relay strip wired to outlets.

03/27/2016, 03:27 PM	#23
fishinthewall Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 125	nice looks alot neater then what i had in mind

03/28/2016, 07:20 AM	#25
metzz71 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 44	http://mact2016.blogspot.com I have added more pictures of my hardware. __________________ 110g Display,90g acrylic converted to sump (20 ft from DT) Omega 130 skimmer, DC return pump Laing E1 autocirc for heating, MACT Web Controller