About
Aquarium-Monitor is an open-source, hardware-plus-software solution for real-time aquarium condition monitoring, built on a Raspberry Pi 4 running Raspberry Pi OS Lite. The system is written in Python and leverages an Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT mounted on the Raspberry Pi board to house two MCP3008 10-bit ADC chips with SPI interface, providing high-resolution analog input for water quality sensors. It supports 23 RCA sockets and one BNC socket to connect a wide variety of aquarium sensors measuring parameters such as temperature, pH, water level, and more. The monitor includes both analog and digital input channels, allowing users to connect a broad range of sensing devices. Remote monitoring lets aquarium owners keep an eye on tank health from anywhere, and the email alert system notifies users immediately when sensor readings go out of range, helping prevent livestock loss. The project also includes 3D-printable enclosure files, loopback and hardware test scripts, an OLED display driver, and a configurable override/maintenance mode. Aquarium-Monitor is ideal for fish and reef aquarium hobbyists with basic electronics and Linux skills who want a cost-effective, DIY monitoring solution. Being fully open-source under the MIT license, it is freely customizable and extensible for any monitoring scenario.
Key Features
- Multi-Channel Sensor Inputs: Supports 23 RCA sockets and one BNC socket, plus two MCP3008 10-bit ADC chips providing rich analog and digital input for a wide range of aquarium sensors.
- Email Alerts: Automatically sends email notifications when sensor readings exceed configured thresholds, helping users respond quickly to dangerous aquarium conditions.
- Remote Monitoring: Allows aquarium owners to check tank conditions remotely, ensuring peace of mind even when away from home.
- Maintenance & Override Mode: Includes a configurable override and maintenance mode so users can suppress alerts during routine tank maintenance.
- 3D-Printable Enclosure & Test Scripts: Ships with 3D-printable enclosure files, an OLED display driver, hardware loopback tests, and GPIO test utilities for easy setup and validation.
Use Cases
- Monitoring water temperature, pH, and other parameters in freshwater or saltwater fish tanks 24/7.
- Receiving instant email alerts when aquarium conditions become dangerous, preventing fish and coral loss.
- Remotely checking aquarium health while traveling or away from home.
- DIY hobbyists building a custom, low-cost aquarium automation and alerting system using Raspberry Pi.
- Reef aquarium enthusiasts who need precise, multi-parameter sensor monitoring with configurable alarm thresholds.
Pros
- Fully Open-Source (MIT): All code and design files are freely available under the MIT license, allowing anyone to customize and extend the system at no cost.
- Rich Sensor Support: 24 input sockets and dual 10-bit ADC chips allow connection to a wide variety of professional and hobbyist aquarium sensors.
- Proactive Alerting: Email alerts notify owners immediately of out-of-range conditions, reducing the risk of livestock loss due to undetected parameter swings.
Cons
- Requires Hardware Assembly: Users must assemble the Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT, solder connections, and set up a Raspberry Pi, which demands basic electronics skills.
- Technical Setup: Running on Raspberry Pi OS Lite with Python configuration means non-technical users may find initial setup challenging without Linux experience.
- Limited Community & Support: As a small open-source project with few contributors, community support, documentation, and ongoing maintenance may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware do I need to run Aquarium-Monitor?
You need a Raspberry Pi 4, an Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT, two MCP3008 10-bit ADC chips, and your choice of aquarium sensors connected via RCA or BNC cables.
What sensors can I connect to Aquarium-Monitor?
The system supports up to 23 RCA sensor inputs and one BNC input, accommodating sensors for temperature, pH, water level, salinity, and more — any sensor with an analog or digital output signal.
How does the email alert system work?
You configure threshold values in the config file. When a sensor reading exceeds those thresholds, the Python script automatically sends an alert email to your designated address.
Can I monitor my aquarium remotely?
Yes. The system supports remote monitoring, allowing you to access sensor data and status from outside your home network.
Is Aquarium-Monitor free to use?
Yes. Aquarium-Monitor is fully open-source under the MIT license, meaning you can use, modify, and distribute it for free. You only pay for the Raspberry Pi and associated hardware.
