Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Yah, it's not rocket science at all. I was thinking I could probably make it using a lego mindstorm kit....

The automation bit for water level monitoring would be easy and relatively inexpensive.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Programmable_Controllers/CLICK_Series_PLCs_%28Stackable_Micro_Brick%29/PLC_Units

You can get a PLC for as little as 69$ with digital inputs which can be connected to high and low level switches. The arduinos are nice, but require you to actually be good at electronics and circuit design, which not everyone is. Whereas buying a full PLC, all you have to be able to do is connect some wires to the inputs. Much easier.

level switches like this one for example

http://www.virtualvillage.com/liquid-water-level-sensor-right-angle-float-switch-009700-026.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shcomp

Can be connected to the PLC easily. which can detect a high or low level condition.

The PLC can control relays to turn pumps,heaters,lights, or alarms on and off according to conditions that are set in the PLC program.

The programming software for that PLC is free. It uses ladder logic which is pretty simple to figure out.

As for water quality monitoring, there ARE sensors that can be connected to that PLC but those can be expensive. I've been looking around and I have a few connections so if I find anything that's not too pricy, I'll post more information in this thread.

I'm new to this and quite interested in Aquaponics, it fills a need that I've been thinking about for quite some time.

I work in oilfield automation(not in the Gulf. I'm in central Alberta). I use PLC's all the time, so I know exactly what they're capable of. I actually even automated my hot tub, so automating a circulating water system for aquaponics will be a piece of cake.