DIY AI-coded ESP32 based aquarium controller

[Ronnyking]

Hello all,

I am in the process of setting up a new tank (120 x 50 x 40 cm) (approximately 48 " by 20" by 16"). As part of the preparation, I want to make my own aquarium controller using an ESP32. My coding skills are limited, so I went ahead and talked with our dear friend ChatGPT until I got a working sketch. I'm fairly happy with the result so far, but I'm sure the code can be optimized a lot. For instance, I am looking into splitting the code in different files.

At the moment the controller does the following:
Features:

• Auto-top off based on three float switches (low switch, high switch and reservoir switch) and timer functions

Monitoring:

• 3 Dallas ds18b20 probes for temperature monitoring (Sump, Display tank and room temperature)
• 1 analog pH sensor module (ph-4502c), with calibration option

Control:

• 12 relay control

Webserver:

• Simple webpage displaying sensor readings, relay control buttons and pH calibration option

E-mail allert:

• Automatic e-mail alert when ATO reservoir is low

Any input and/or help is greatly appreciated!

Github page: https://github.com/Odaller/ESP32Reefcontroller

 

[Mark Whitaker]

Electrical Engineering College Senior here! Following! If you need any help, just let me know.

 

[Ronnyking]

hey @Mark Whitaker, thank you. Any general advice is appreciated, like how to make the code more performative - I have the feeling that it's quite bulky now. But if it works...

Or suggestions to add stuff?

 

[Ronnyking]

[UPDATE]:
Added a DHT sensor to monitor room temperature and humidity.

Added extra safety feature for ATO pump: shuts off after 1 minute runtime and has to be manually reset using a button on the webpage.

Added extra warning e-mails for each error: ATO reservoir low, Pump runtime exceeded. Possible to add more if needed (e.g. temperature or pH range warnings).

 

[sloppy]

What ESP32 board are you using, I have been wanting to build something like this for a while. Want to integrate it in to home assistant.

Can you list all your hardware and where you got it form?
Do you know if there is a sensor for salinity?

 

[Ronnyking]

What ESP32 board are you using, I have been wanting to build something like this for a while. Want to integrate it in to home assistant.

Can you list all your hardware and where you got it form?
Do you know if there is a sensor for salinity?

At first I used something like this: https://devices.esphome.io/devices/AC-DC-ESP32-Relay-x4
But I'm going to switch to a MH-ET live mini kit because of the smaller footprint. I'm not going to use 12 relays, so it's OK.
Maybe I'm going to use a ESP32-S3 version, but then the code will need to be adapted I think.

I still need to solder everything together, but most parts are sourced via Aliexpress or Banggood or other similar sites.

When everything is soldered together, I'm going to write up a BOM and post it here. I'm thinking about home assistant too - then the code will need to change I guess. For now, it's a standalone controller.

I looked for a salinity sensor as well. This one seems to be OK: https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1797.html
But those sensors are quite sensitive for electrical currents, and I don't think it will be useful to keep in the tank full time. Salinity is not very volatile anyway, so I would not use it.