Remote Aquaponics Sensor Buoy

Originated By Vishal Rana

• Deploy a buoy with sensors that monitors chemical concentrations in an aquaponics system fish tank.
• The buoy will have its own power production and storage capabilities.
• It should provide daily updates from anywhere in the world.

• Solar Panel - Due to latitude (1.5^o south), the panel can be laid flat.
• Battery Charger
  • Battery charger tutorial on Adafruit
  • Add Thermistor for safe battery charging. More information here.
• Mintyboost (Regulator from battery for 5V devices)
  • Adafruit Tutorial explaining how to choose a regulator
• 3.7V Lithium Ion Battery - 4400mAh, 6600mAh

Due to Li-Ion sensitivity to weather conditions and its cost, look into using NiCd or Sealed Lead Acid

• Diavolino need 4.5V - 5.5V. It will work well with 5V regulator connected to the batter charger load terminal
• Might have to use a Mega due to need for multiple baud rates.
• http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/Seeeduino_Stalker_v2.3
• Will need to turn phone and the arduino on and off to save energy

• Use a Motorola C168i controlled by Arduino via serial library to send text messages. Tutorial
• Cost of sending international texts using Safaricom is approx. 11 cents/text. Safaricom Rates

• Dissolved Oxygen
  • Atlas Scientific Probe - They have sample arduino code. Calibration is good for atleast 12 months after initial calibration – $200
• Ammonia
  • Ammonia probes are very expensive (>$400)
  • Instead, use Ammonia Alert Device coupled with a color sensor to determine concentration. Will need to place sensor close (< 3-4 mm) to the alert device and possible use a light source for accurate readings
• Nitrate
• pH
  • Atlas Scientific Probe - “Remember, a pH Sensor cannot be allowed to dry out or freeze. When it’s not in use keep it in the supplied soaker bottle. Periodically change out the storage solution in the soaker bottle with new storage solution. This pH Sensor can be fully submerged indefinitely.” – $106

• Buoy Build and Design Reference