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Build Your Own Fish Tank Monitor From Kits

Given the design plan and science background in the previous section, all that remains is the engineering to build the monitor. The key selection parameters we used were:

  • Cost
  • Capability to simultaneously measure temperature, pH, and conductivity
  • Ability to collect all three data streams independent of a PC for a relatively long time
  • The ability to download the data to a PC for later analysis

From the selection we found on the Internet (try searching Google using “data logger” pH conductivity temperature windows), we chose the Data Harvest EasySense Advanced data logger.

Parts List

The requirements on the PC you’ll use to monitor your fish tank are minimal. Even a processor slower than 300 MHz running Windows will do, because all you’re doing is data reduction. The rest of the parts we used are shown in Table 8-2.

Fish Tank Monitor Parts List

 

In addition, you’ll probably want to calibrate the sensors periodically, for which you’ll need potassium chloride (KCl), pH 4.00 buffer, and pH 7.00 buffer from the local chemistry supply store. (If you can’t find one locally, try searching Google for “chemistry supply”.)

The EasySense Advanced data logger (Figure 8-2) is virtually foolproof, because it’s designed for use in schools, which are equipment torture chambers in all respects. The unit contains batteries, a processor, display, memory, and sensor ports. Plug your sensors into the ports on the front; then use the keys on the top to configure settings or start logging. The back panel (not visible in the photo) contains the serial port for interface to your PC, plus the power connector.

Data Harvest Easy Sense Advanced data logger

 

The simplest operation is using the logger as a real-time meter, initiated by pressing the Meter button. The display shows current readings for all sensors, although you’ll have to scroll up and down if you have more than two.
The Easy Log function starts logging at a fairly rapid rate, 40 samples per second on all connected sensors, but slows the sample rate after a while and blanks the display. Depending on the sensors connected, data collection can continue, as long as the device has power, for as long as a month before you’ll run out of memory. The remote logging function lets you specify the length of time you want to log data, modifying the sample rate as required.

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