Finally started my PLC aquarium controller build

Due to the beautiful weather we had here over the weekend, not a whole lot got accomplished on my project. I was able to drill and tap my calcium reactor lid to accept a 1/2" cord grip for my pH probe though.

IMG_4326.jpg


I also got the level probe mounted, wired and programmed. I wrote the ladder and tested it on Sunday night. So far it works like a charm. The level probe has 4 signal outputs which can be set up to give low, medium, high plus overflow signals (each level defined by the user) or you can use the 4 outputs in the form of BCD which I opted for. A litttle overkill for what I'm doing here but I figured why not, eh?

IMG_4328.jpg



The digital readout displays actual water level of the tank in inches.

IMG_4330.jpg


IMG_4331.jpg


Please disregard the mess in the fishroom. I have a lot of work to do to get everything neat and tidy.
 
I went to the Ham fest at the Timonium fairgrounds on Saturday and was able to pick up 14 brand new idec realys with sockets for $42. I was watching an auction for 5 of them for $42. I think I got a better deal at the show.

Next thing will be to mount and wire up my 6-outlet box. Then I can individually control everything that is plugged into them.

I had trouble calibrating the 2nd pH probe I bought to monitor tank pH. It just wouldn't come in. I have returned it and am waiting on the replacement.
 
"do you have a part number for those optical level sensors you used for your ATO?"

Carlos Gavazzi Liquid level sensor was VP02E. It's ratings are 10-40 VDC MAX 200mA.

Stu
 
Ive been suggested to try hydrostatic sensor for water level.
Air pressure in tube, against diaphram to atmophere.
As water level rises, pressure builds.
No contact with water,snails etc.
Just cant find them on ebay =(
 
It's been a while since I updated so I figured I'd post some of the recent activity. Not a whole lot has gotten done because I just became a father for the first time on 5/12. All my spare time these last few weeks has been getting my new son's room ready, putting together misc baby gadgets and pretty much doing everything my wife wanted to have done in preparation for our new arrival.

That being said I was able to get a few things accomplished on my project. I decided not to go with the Radio Shack project box for my controllable outlets. I just didn't like how it turned out. I had an old coralife lighting timer power strip laying around that the timers quit working. I decided to make use of it. I gutted the timer internals and cut the buss bars for the hot wire. I then soldered individual wires to each of the hot legs of the 8 outlets. I soldered on my ground and neutral wires, pulled all of it through some wire loom to make it neat and then closed it up. It turned out really clean looking and very easy to mount.

IMG_4555.jpg


IMG_4554.jpg


IMG_4715.jpg


IMG_4716.jpg


Now I have 8 individually controllable outlets wired to my PLC. So far I have both of my heaters, my Co2 solenoid a box fan plugged into it.

I received the peristaltic pump that I ordered from Omega the other day. I will need to build a box to house the unit as I opted for the one that didn't come with an enclosure ($78 vs. $153). I will also need to attach my own power cord which is no big deal.

IMG_4713.jpg


IMG_4714.jpg


This particular unit will dose 5ml/minute, perfect for my daily vodka addition. If this unit works out well I'll get a few more of them for the other chemicals that I currently dose on a weekly basis. The nice thing about the Omega units is that they offer several different dosing volumes for the same price or very close to it.
 
I have had the peristaltic pump up and running for about a month now. Works great. I need to buy a couple more of them for the other chemicals that I currently manually dose on a weekly basis. Right now, this one is handling my daily Vodka dose. It sure is nice not having to go down to the basement to do that every day anymore!

IMG_5070.jpg


IMG_5073.jpg


Once I get the rest of the pumps I'll have to build an enclosure to house all of them, but for now it can just sit on the shelf.
 
Hi guys,

This is my first post here so please bear with me....

I too have been trying to put a system together for some time now but never manage to get enough quality time to get it completed.

I'd love to know if anyone else out there has done this kind of setup.

Regards,

Tweat_IT
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Aquarium Temperature Control: How I Hacked My Air Conditioner to control my tanks temperatures
Replies
6
Views
325
Naso180
N
R
DIY AI-coded ESP32 based aquarium controller
Replies
0
Views
674
ronnyking
R
P
Black Screen Issue with My Aquarium Camera App
Replies
1
Views
230
griss
griss
R
Black Screen Issue with Aquarium Camera or Smart Lighting App
Replies
1
Views
235
griss
griss
D
Structural support for 125 gallon aquarium
Replies
7
Views
187
ddang
D
Back
Top