Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | AquaSense: Affordable Water Quality Monitoring for Aquariums |
Anurag Ray Chowdhury Arnav Garg Michael Yan |
Michael Molter | design_document1.pdf final_paper1.pdf grading_sheet1.pdf photo1.heic photo2.heic presentation1.pdf proposal1.pdf video |
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| AquaSense: Affordable Water Quality Monitoring for Aquariums Team Members: - Arnav Garg (arnavg8) - Michael Yan (myan13) - Anurag Ray Chowdhury (anuragr3) # Problem Maintaining proper water quality in aquariums is essential for the health of aquatic life. However, many hobbyists and small-scale fishkeepers lack access to affordable, real-time water monitoring solutions. Traditional testing methods involve manual testing kits that require frequent manual intervention, making it difficult to detect rapid fluctuations in pH, temperature, or dissolved oxygen that could be harmful to fish and aquatic plants. Additionally, existing automated water quality monitoring solutions are often expensive and designed for industrial-scale applications, leaving home aquarium owners with few accessible options. To bridge this gap, we need a low-cost, plug-and-play solution that continuously monitors water conditions and provides real-time alerts when the water quality becomes unsuitable for fish. # Solution We propose AquaSense, a low-cost ESP32-based plug-and-play PCB that integrates various water quality sensors to provide real-time monitoring for aquarium owners. This system will - Continuously measure pH levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen in an aquarium. - Use an ESP32 for wireless connectivity to send alerts and log data on a web dashboard. - Provide automated alerts via mobile notifications (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) when water parameters fall outside safe ranges. By offering a cost-effective and easy-to-use monitoring system, this project aims to make aquarium care more accessible and stress-free, especially for beginner fishkeepers. # Solution Components ESP32 (Main Controller) - Handles sensor data processing and wireless communication (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth). - Stores water quality thresholds and triggers alerts when needed. - Sends data to a mobile/web dashboard for remote monitoring. Water Quality Sensors pH Sensor (SEN0161) - Measures acidity/alkalinity of the water. - Important for maintaining fish health, as extreme pH levels can be deadly. Temperature Sensor (DS18B20) - Tracks water temperature. - Ensures stable conditions for tropical and cold-water species. Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (DFRobot Gravity DO) - Measures oxygen levels in the water. - Prevents hypoxia (low oxygen), which can be fatal for fish. Turbidity Sensor (Analog Turbidity Sensor) (If we have time) - Measures water clarity (detects debris or algae overgrowth). PCB - Provides a plug-and-play interface for all sensors to interface with the ESP32 - Includes voltage regulators for stable sensor operation. Connectivity & Data Logging - Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (ESP32) → Sends alerts to a mobile app. - Web dashboard or mobile app integration for real-time monitoring. # Hardware Background The ESP32 microcontroller is at the core of this system, acting as the central processor to collect, process, and transmit water quality data. Unlike Raspberry Pi or expensive industrial controllers, the ESP32 is: - Cost-effective (~$5-$10 per unit). - Power-efficient (supports battery or direct power operation). - Built for IoT applications (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity). The pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen sensors are widely used in aquaculture and environmental monitoring. By integrating them into a single, easy-to-use PCB, we enable affordable real-time monitoring for small aquarium owners. # Future Expansion The AquaSense platform has the potential to grow into a scalable IoT solution for home and commercial aquariums. Future expansions could include: - AI-based predictive analytics → Detect trends in water quality over time. - Automated filtration control → Trigger water changes when quality declines. - Additional sensors → Include ammonia and nitrate detection for fish tanks. - Battery-powered version → For outdoor ponds and fish farms. - By making smart water quality monitoring accessible, this project could benefit not just aquarium owners but also educators, researchers, and environmental conservationists. # Criterion for Success Affordability - The system should cost under $50-$80, making it cheaper than industrial solutions while maintaining accuracy. Ease of Use - The PCB should support plug-and-play functionality with clear user documentation. - Should be easy to install in any size aquarium. Functionality - Must successfully monitor pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen with real-time updates. - Provide instant feedback via mobile notifications. Power Management - The device should run on a single power input (5V USB or battery) with proper voltage regulation. - Should include low-power standby mode for energy efficiency. Scalability and Expandability - The design should allow future integration with additional sensors. - Support remote data logging and historical tracking for advanced users. Performance - Sensor accuracy should be within ±0.2 for pH, ±0.5°C for temperature, and ±0.5 mg/L for dissolved oxygen. - The system should provide real-time updates every 5-10 seconds. |
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