Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Some issues are delaying my system build for the moment, and so I figured I could work on the automation system and other aspects in the mean time. I've been talking to my suppliers at work and have been able to finagle some support from them. I happen to work with a lot of sensors, controllers, etc and also have access to OEM pricing discounts.

Some sensors I've found are used for potable (drinking) water, however, is there anything else I need to be looking at? The only thing I can think of is copper and zinc toxicity. Some of the cables are encapsulated in the polyurethane or FEP (off brand Teflon). Can anyone think of any other issues which might arise?

I would say it would be different depending on what sensor you are using and what they are made of. It would be a lot easier for you to post the materials of the sensors (at least what comes in contact with the water) and then check if those are toxic vs naming off every material that could possibly cause harm to a varying species of fish. Chances are if they are already used in potable water they will be fine but you would have to go through each material to be certain.

That's what I'm going through right now. I know that the first sensor I'm working on is stainless steel with the FEP or PUR cable as to what is coming in contact with the water. The salesman is in the process of getting a material list now, he believes those are the only materials in contact with the actual water.

I was just thinking that some others have done some automation, but I didn't know if anyone had checked into or run into sensors with material issues. When it's already rated for potable water, I think the major concern is copper. I don't think zinc can be used with potable water devices. That's not usually what I'm looking at for work, so I wasn't sure if there was anything beyond copper zinc, and certain plastics that others have run into. I couldn't find a consolidated thread.