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Hello All!
Thought it would be best to separate my aquarium controller build from my tank build thread:
www.reef2reef.com
So, a little background before we get into specifics. I had this crazy idea during my last move to try something out of the ordinary. I wanted a small tank but I didn't want any visible overflow...and I wanted a sump for equipment. Yeah, this means the plumbing would need to go in the bottom of the tank making it the perfect recipe for disaster!
But could it work?
Ultimately, I decided there was a possibility it could work if I approached the challenge from an automation perspective (my build thread documents all the different ideas I went through before landing on one that might be possible). To minimize the potential for disaster and implement the best control possible, a PLC would be needed to maintain the fine balance this system would require. So I went to AutomationDirect.com and bought a PLC setup with a Raspberry PI 3+ to handle graphical display.
Communication between the PLC/Raspi and my lack of understanding ladder programming lead me away from the PLC to something in between. Widgetlords Electronics offers a line of Node-Red supported Raspberry Pi interface modules which are designed for the automation industry. These allowed a simple way to interface inputs/outputs/relays with a Raspberry Pi through supported Node-Red nodes.
widgetlords.com
After receiving some test boards from Widgetlords and starting development, I received an offer to transition into my companies IT organization. This required more time/travel/training than I anticipated so the project/tank sat untouched for nearly a year. Now that my wife is working from home, she has motivated me to pick this project back up.
And since I've had nearly a year to think through, process, and research I have much more confidence in moving forward.
This thread will document my efforts to complete a controller utilizing a Raspberry Pi 4, Widgetlords interface boards, and various industry-level components.
Thought it would be best to separate my aquarium controller build from my tank build thread:
![www.reef2reef.com](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reef2reef.com%2Fstyles%2Freef2reef%2Fxenforo%2Flogo.og.png&hash=18d352896b3bb5f638db8106638dec1f&return_error=1)
Nano Build - MaddyP's 12G Long - Node-Red Nano Peninsula
Fellow Reefers, lend me your minds! I have decided to embark on a rather unconventional mission, though I have some doubts as to how successful such a system will be. As such, I thought it wise to consult the community for additional ideas. The primary goal for this build is to create a nano...
![www.reef2reef.com](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reef2reef.com%2Fdata%2Fassets%2Flogo%2Fclownfav.png&hash=2a23619621f2e7d59a92cb3a50f66ef1&return_error=1)
So, a little background before we get into specifics. I had this crazy idea during my last move to try something out of the ordinary. I wanted a small tank but I didn't want any visible overflow...and I wanted a sump for equipment. Yeah, this means the plumbing would need to go in the bottom of the tank making it the perfect recipe for disaster!
But could it work?
Ultimately, I decided there was a possibility it could work if I approached the challenge from an automation perspective (my build thread documents all the different ideas I went through before landing on one that might be possible). To minimize the potential for disaster and implement the best control possible, a PLC would be needed to maintain the fine balance this system would require. So I went to AutomationDirect.com and bought a PLC setup with a Raspberry PI 3+ to handle graphical display.
Communication between the PLC/Raspi and my lack of understanding ladder programming lead me away from the PLC to something in between. Widgetlords Electronics offers a line of Node-Red supported Raspberry Pi interface modules which are designed for the automation industry. These allowed a simple way to interface inputs/outputs/relays with a Raspberry Pi through supported Node-Red nodes.
![widgetlords.com](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F0258%2F5531%2Fcollections%2FMain_1_1024.jpg%3Fv%3D1497790500&hash=a72e06beb277286f20da1598123edb8d&return_error=1)
PI-SPI-DIN Series
Raspberry Pi Interfaces Modules DIN Rail MountableAnalog Input, Analog OutputDigital Input, Frequency and Pulse InputRelay Output, RS485
![widgetlords.com](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F0258%2F5531%2Ffiles%2Fwe_Facebook_profile_32x32.jpg%3Fv%3D1613161378&hash=8b3e59f3713bd6e63d27670c2b490b51&return_error=1)
After receiving some test boards from Widgetlords and starting development, I received an offer to transition into my companies IT organization. This required more time/travel/training than I anticipated so the project/tank sat untouched for nearly a year. Now that my wife is working from home, she has motivated me to pick this project back up.
This thread will document my efforts to complete a controller utilizing a Raspberry Pi 4, Widgetlords interface boards, and various industry-level components.