Smart Aquarium V3.1

I created Smart Aquarium V3.1 to provide aquarium hobbyists with an advanced yet user-friendly way to control aquarium equipment. Here's why it was developed:

Purpose:

1. Automate aquarium lighting, filters, CO2 systems, or other equipment
2. Provide flexible control options (manual, scheduled, timer-based)
3. Enable remote management via web interface
4. Ensure reliable operation with RTC backup

Key Motivations:

1. Accessibility: Make automation accessible to hobbyists using affordable ESP8266 hardware
2. Reliability: Include RTC backup to maintain schedules during WiFi outages
3. Flexibility: Support multiple control modes for different equipment needs
4. Safety: Implement proper electrical safety measures and isolation
5. Scalability: Allow easy modification for different numbers of relays (1-16)

A simpler 2-relay version (Smart Aquarium V3.1 Lite) is also available for basic setups, and an ESP32-based V4.0 version is under development for advanced monitoring features.

1. NodeMCU ESP8266 (Preferably 30 Pins version)
2. DS3231 RTC
3. 4 Channel SSR
4. 5V Power Supply
5. Active WiFi connection
6. Wires and connectors, as you prefer
7. A Switch box, sockets for AC connection

NodeMCU with 30 Pins is preferable because it has all the important pins minus the unusable ones. You can also use Wemos R1 Mini or virtually any ESP8266-based board as long as you check the wiring.

4-channel SSR module can either be active high or active low. You just have to reverse the logic in the program. Active HIGH means the SSR (or you can call it a Relay) will connect the load to power when you send it HIGH from Arduino. I have used Active High SSRs in this project.

5V power supply should be at least 1 Amp. And DO NOT USE any cheap power supply. Get one with proper certifications so that you feed clean power to the ESP8266.

WiFi is required for controlling the entire project via a web browser. An internet in WiFi is required for updating the RTC time. Other than that, the project does not use any CDNs, so it should run without an active internet connection. That means you just need to connect it to a network.

For more info, check out my GitHub page for this project: Smart Aquarium V3.1

Other than that, here's my disclaimer:

⚠️ Safety Disclaimer

WARNING: This project involves working with HIGH VOLTAGE (220V AC) electrical systems, which can be LETHAL.

By using this project, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Inherent Risks: Working with electrical systems, particularly those involving mains voltage (220V AC), carries inherent risks including but not limited to:
2. Electric shock
3. Fire hazards
4. Equipment damage
5. Serious injury or death
6. Liability Waiver: The creator(s) and contributor(s) of this project:
7. Accept NO LIABILITY for any damage, injury, or death resulting from the use of this project
8. Make NO WARRANTIES or guarantees about the safety or functionality of this project
9. Are NOT responsible for any improper implementation or modifications
10. Required Precautions:
11. Installation MUST be performed by a qualified electrician
12. ALL local electrical codes and regulations MUST be followed
13. Proper isolation and safety measures MUST be implemented
14. Regular safety inspections are MANDATORY

USE THIS PROJECT AT YOUR OWN RISK

Make the circuit using the schematics.

Properly connect the AC voltage connections. That's the crucial or complicated part if you are using 4 4-channel SSRs. Hint: Neutral Wire goes to all the sockets, and live wire goes to the SSR module, as it acts as a switch.

REMEMBER TO USE AN MCB IN SERIES FOR THIS PROJECT. ALSO ADD A FAST-ACTING FUSE (<250 mA) IN SERIES WITH POWER SUPPLY MODULE IF YOU ARE USING A HI-LINK MODULE

I found this link for a sample connection. Do check this out: Link

Download the entire code structure from my profile: Here

Make sure you maintain the directory structure as mentioned in the README of the project. Else it would not work.

1. READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS IN MY GITHUB README properly.
2. Check the circuit that you have made. Take a moment and check everything thrice!
3. Make sure GND and VCC have not shorted. Make sure Live and Neutral have not shorted.
4. Make sure all the screws and wires have tightly fitted.
5. Check the IP settings (for more info, check the Static and Dynamic IP section under Installation of ReadMe file in the GitHub link below)
6. Finally, upload it and keep an eye on the Serial Monitor (for the first time only)

There are more things related to LittleFS, so kindly check my GitHub project page for more information.

If everything looks okay, then you should get something like in the above images.

Let me know if you have further questions.

I am unable to add more paragraphs in this section, it is just showing my "Add New Step", so I will rest this project here. I hope it helps you, and don't forget to check my GitHub for more details on this project and about my other projects. Eagerly waiting for your questions and reactions.