Raspberry Pi RODI Tank Control

[KStatefan]

Working on a RPi to control RODI tank. I am going to use two solenoids on to bypass DI for 30 seconds prior to filling and one to fill the tank. I think I have the code figured out using two float switches. I am now working on the points of failure. Has anybody else done anything like this?

 

[MaddyP]

I have done something similar with a couple 110 gallon storage tank. Although, mine is controlled via apex.

Each tank has 3 float switches installed. One near the bottom, another midway, and a third double float at the top. Water from RODI comes in to the left tank through a solenoid. When the water level drops below the middle float, the solenoid opens. The solenoid closes when the water fills to the first top float and stays off until the water drops below the middle float, in which the cycle starts over. I'm using latches programmed through virtual outlets on the apex. It's been running about a year now without problem.

Right tank is saltwater mixing. I don't have it installed yet but I've ordered a motorized tee to automatically transfer water to the saltwater mixing tank when initiated.

 

[KStatefan]

Looks nice. What does the apex do after resetting from a power failure?

 

[njtiger aquariums]

I'm building a DYI controller with a Pi. Check out my thread in my signature.

 

[KStatefan]

I'm building a DYI controller with a Pi. Check out my thread in my signature.

I will take a look at it. I do not think I could go that far but i also never thought I would have a breadboard on my desk. If I could go back to college i would have taken me EE/CE glasses to go along with my ME. I find myself doing and enjoying more circuit stuff at work also. I started with the pi to control my Christmas lights.

 

[njtiger aquariums]

When I got into the hobby I never thought about using a Pi as a controller. I was talking to a friend about a system that was able to control lights wireless and they were looking to include pumps next. My friend said "you work in IT why don't you do one with a Pi?" Thats when the project was born. I never really did much circuit stuff but I'm learning and its coming along nicely. Now at work I been moved over to our A/V team so I do the custom code for our A/V controllers as well as wiring them up. It helps with the pi project lol

 

[MaddyP]

Looks nice. What does the apex do after resetting from a power failure?

Below are the outlet and virtual outlets I'm using for this setup (in case people are curious). You'll notice the latch is set to off for 1 minute in the case of a power reset. Virtual outlets tend to be "sticky" in the case of power resets, it's best to force them on in a state at which it doesn't fail.

Middle Float (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Swx7_3 CLOSED Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then OFF

Top Float (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Swx7_2 OPEN Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON

Latch Reset (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Outlet RODI_Mid = ON Then ON

Latch (Virtual)
If Outlet Res_Latch = ON Then OFF
If Power Apex Off 001 Then OFF
If Outlet RODI_Full = ON Then ON

Solenoid (Outlet)
If Outlet RODI_Mid = ON Then ON
If Outlet RODI_Latch = ON Then OFF
If Outlet RODI_Alarm = ON Then OFF

 

[njtiger aquariums]

Below are the outlet and virtual outlets I'm using for this setup (in case people are curious). You'll notice the latch is set to off for 1 minute in the case of a power reset. Virtual outlets tend to be "sticky" in the case of power resets, it's best to force them on in a state at which it doesn't fail.

Middle Float (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Swx7_3 CLOSED Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then OFF

Top Float (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Swx7_2 OPEN Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON

Latch Reset (Virtual)
Set OFF
If Outlet RODI_Mid = ON Then ON

Latch (Virtual)
If Outlet Res_Latch = ON Then OFF
If Power Apex Off 001 Then OFF
If Outlet RODI_Full = ON Then ON

Solenoid (Outlet)
If Outlet RODI_Mid = ON Then ON
If Outlet RODI_Latch = ON Then OFF
If Outlet RODI_Alarm = ON Then OFF

I know what you mean. Now I never handled an Apex before or did anything with an Apex. One of the first things I did with my controller (after getting the relay wired up) was set equipment schedule. If my pi reboots for any reason it has all the outlets off by default and then checks with the schedule to see what should be on. I need to update that code to reflect the delay I wrote for my skimmer

 

[Dennis Cartier]

I used a Pi to run my last tank. It was very handy for remote access and since it runs Linux, programming is easy in scripting languages like python.

For a decent source of peripherals for use with a Pi, take a look at Reefangel products. They use I2C and are great for a Pi controller.

Dennis