OpenReef Automated System

Overview

OpenReef is a fully automated, PyBadge-controlled platform for colorimetric water quality testing. The system automates the entire assay process from sample preparation through measurement and cleanup, providing accurate phosphate and nitrate measurements for 🐠 Reef aquarium monitoring

Key Features

• Fully Automated: Hands-off operation from sample to result
• Dual Assay Support: Phosphate (625nm) and Nitrate (528nm) testing
• Precision Control: Automated pumps, valves, and timing
• Open Source: Complete hardware designs, firmware, and documentation
• Cost Effective: ~$300 total build cost using off-the-shelf components
• PyBadge Display: Interactive menu and real-time results

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Quick Links

📖 Documentation

• Introduction & Overview - System overview and measurement theory
• Quick Start Guide - Get up and running quickly

🧪 Assay Protocols

• Phosphate Assay - 625nm colorimetric method (0-30 ppm)
• Nitrate Assay - 528nm colorimetric method (0-90 ppm)
• All Tests

🔧 Hardware

• Parts List & BOM - Complete bill of materials
• Adafruit Components - Specific Adafruit parts
• CAD Files (Coming Soon) - 3D printable designs
• Control Led
• Open Colorimeter Product Guide

💻 Software

• Automation Sequence - Complete automation workflow
• Calibration Guide - Calibration procedures

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System Architecture

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│          PyBadge Controller             │
│  ┌──────────┐  ┌────────────────────┐  │
│  │ Display  │  │  AS7341 Sensor     │  │
│  │ & UI     │  │  I2C Control       │  │
│  └──────────┘  └────────────────────┘  │
└────────┬──────────────┬─────────────────┘
         │              │
    User Interface  Measurement & Control
         │              │
    ┌────▼────┐    ┌────▼─────────┐
    │ Cuvette │    │  Pumps (2×)  │
    │(bubbling│    │  Valves (3×) │
    └─────────┘    │  Reagents    │
                   └──────────────┘

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Assay Comparison

Feature	Phosphate	Nitrate
Chemistry	Ascorbic acid method	Cadmium reduction + Griess
Wavelength	625 nm (Red)	528 nm (Green)
Range	0-30 ppm PO₄	0-90 ppm NO₃
Reaction Time	5-10 min*	5+ min
Total Time	~12 min	~10 min

*Critical timing - phosphate measurements must be taken within 5-10 minute window

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Project Status

🚧 In Development

Completed

• ✅ System architecture design
• ✅ Hardware component selection
• ✅ Assay protocol documentation
• ✅ Automation sequence design

In Progress

• 🔨 CAD designs (3D printable enclosure and mounts)
• 🔨 Calibration procedures documentation
• 🔨 CircuitPython firmware development
• 🔨 Hardware assembly guide
• 🔨 PCB design (optional)

Planned

• 📋 Web interface for data visualization
• 📋 WiFi connectivity (ESP32)
• 📋 Additional assays (ammonia, silicate)

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Getting Started

Build Your Own

Estimated Cost: $280-350

1. Review Documentation
   • Introduction
   • Parts List
2. Order Components
   • Adafruit Parts BOM
3. 3D Print Enclosure
   • CAD Files (Coming Soon)
4. Assemble Hardware
   • Assembly guide coming soon
5. Calibrate System
   • Calibration Guide
6. Run Tests!
   • Quick Start

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Contributing

This is an open-source project. Contributions welcome!

• 📝 Documentation: Improvements and corrections
• 💻 Firmware: CircuitPython code development
• 🔧 Hardware: Enclosure designs, PCB layouts
• 🧪 Testing: Validation and QC data

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

Based on:

• IoRodeo Open Colorimeter - Hardware designs (CC BY 4.0)
• IoRodeo BioRodeo Assay Protocols - Assay methods

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Acknowledgments

Built with:

• AdaFruit - PyBadge, sensors, electronics
• CircuitPython - Embedded Python platform
• API Test Kits - Reagent chemistry

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Built with passion for the reef keeping and maker communities.

🐠 🪸 🧪 🔬 🤖