automated parameter testing (DIY)

[tiagojoe]

Does anyone have any idea how to make a system to measure parameters automatically? I've looked at several devices online, but they're very expensive. Has anyone managed to make one at a low cost without reagents, or is that impossible? Especially for DKH, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.

 

[Dan_P]

Does anyone have any idea how to make a system to measure parameters automatically? I've looked at several devices online, but they're very expensive. Has anyone managed to make one at a low cost without reagents, or is that impossible? Especially for DKH, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.

Welcome to R2R!

I am afraid automated testing still requires reagents. Is manual testing going to be difficult for you?

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Does anyone have any idea how to make a system to measure parameters automatically? I've looked at several devices online, but they're very expensive. Has anyone managed to make one at a low cost without reagents, or is that impossible? Especially for DKH, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.

Maybe consider Robo-Tank and some elbow grease?

https://www.robo-tank.ca/

 

[Fish Fan]

Maybe consider Robo-Tank and some elbow grease?

https://www.robo-tank.ca/

I have a Robo-Tank system, and though it probably could be setup to do some automated testing, I believe that would require A LOT of electronics and programming know how (elbow grease). Currently, mine monitors temperature, pH, and adding a salinity probe would be easy enough (I don't see the need for one with an ATO, that Robo-Tank runs). I don't know what you'd need to monitor parameters like nitrate and phosphate, for example. If there's an easy way to turn a Robo-Tank controller into a constant parameter monitor, I'm all ears

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I have a Robo-Tank system, and though it probably could be setup to do some automated testing, I believe that would require A LOT of electronics and programming know how (elbow grease). Currently, mine monitors temperature, pH, and adding a salinity probe would be easy enough (I don't see the need for one with an ATO, that Robo-Tank runs). I don't know what you'd need to monitor parameters like nitrate and phosphate, for example. If there's an easy way to turn a Robo-Tank controller into a constant parameter monitor, I'm all ears

I was thinking it's probably possible to monitor kh in a similar manner as Hydros IV. Operate some dosing pumps to fill a beaker with tank water and reagent and measure change with PH probe? Perhaps hack an IV to work with robo tank even? Just some thoughts.

For me, alkalinity and salinity along with temp would be my main concerns.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Does anyone have any idea how to make a system to measure parameters automatically? I've looked at several devices online, but they're very expensive. Has anyone managed to make one at a low cost without reagents, or is that impossible? Especially for DKH, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.

I have three individual designs:
Phosphate
Nitrate
Calcium

They are not built, just engineered. They were designed as precision automated instruments using bulk commercial reagents instead of hobby reagents, but I will likely never build them. They would save money and hassle on reagents, but all in the cost and time is too much trouble for me to bother with. It is easier for me to simply not test.

 

[tiagojoe]

I saw some people's work here on the forum, but I can't find a way to locate the creators.

 

[tiagojoe]

https://www.aquarino.com.br/pagina-...2QOqxmYgNRXADuTd1Juix710616b5ToCCafsA2zMYjPKp
In my country, this one is made without reagents.