OpenReef Automated System

Overview

OpenReef is an open-source Raspberry Pi-based colorimeter for automated water quality testing. The web-controlled system provides phosphate and nitrate measurements for 🐠 Reef aquarium monitoring, hydroponics, and environmental testing.

Key Features

Web-Based Control: Access from phone, tablet, or computer on your network
Remote Monitoring: Check water quality from anywhere
Automated Sequences: Pre-programmed test protocols with motors, valves, and timers
Real-Time Display: Live sensor readings and interactive controls
Multi-Channel: Support for 4 motors and 8 solenoid valves
Editable Calibrations: Web-based JSON configuration for custom calibrations
Open Source: Complete hardware designs, Python code, and documentation
Cost Effective: ~$200-250 build cost using Raspberry Pi and Adafruit components
No Display Required: Headless operation with web interface

Quick Links

📖 Documentation

Full Documentation - Detailed Pi colorimeter guide
Introduction & Overview - System overview and measurement theory

🧪 Assay Protocols

Phosphate Assay - 880nm colorimetric method (0-30 ppm)
Nitrate Assay - 528nm colorimetric method (0-90 ppm)
All Tests

🔧 Hardware

Raspberry Pi Hardware Guide - Complete parts list and assembly

💻 Software

Web Interface Documentation - Flask app, API, automation
Calibration Guide - Calibration procedures
Configuration Files - Edit mappings, sequences, calibrations

System Architecture

┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│      Raspberry Pi + Flask Server         │
│  ┌────────────┐  ┌──────────────────┐   │
│  │  TSL2591   │  │  Motor HAT       │   │
│  │  Sensor    │  │  Solenoid Driver │   │
│  └────────────┘  └──────────────────┘   │
└────────┬───────────────┬──────────────────┘
         │               │
    Measurement     Hardware Control
         │               │
         │          ┌────▼─────────┐
         │          │  Motors (4×) │
    ┌────▼────┐    │  Solenoids(8×)│
    │ Cuvette │    │  Reagents    │
    └─────────┘    └──────────────┘
         ▲
         │
    ┌────┴────────────────┐
    │   Web Browser UI    │
    │  (Phone/Tablet/PC)  │
    └─────────────────────┘

Component Summary

Component	Function	Details
Raspberry Pi	Main controller	Web server, automation, remote access
TSL2591	Light sensor	Absorbance measurements
Motor HAT	Motor control	4 DC motors for pumps/stirring
MCP23017	Solenoid driver	8-channel valve control
Web UI	User interface	Responsive web app, any device

Assay Comparison

Feature	Phosphate	Nitrate
Chemistry	Ascorbic acid method	Cadmium reduction + Griess
Wavelength	880 nm (NIR)	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

Project Status

✅ Raspberry Pi Version - Ready to Build!

Completed

✅ Raspberry Pi web interface (Flask)
✅ Hardware control (motors, solenoids, sensor)
✅ Automated command sequences
✅ Web-based configuration editors
✅ Calibration system
✅ Real-time measurements and display
✅ Systemd service automation
✅ Comprehensive documentation

In Progress

🔨 CAD designs (3D printable enclosure and mounts)
🔨 Hardware assembly guide with photos
🔨 Assay-specific calibration protocols
🔨 PCB design (optional, for cleaner wiring)

Planned

📋 Sensor multiplexer support (multi-sensor switching)
📋 Data visualization and trending
📋 Additional assays (ammonia, silicate)
📋 Mobile app (optional)

Getting Started

Build Your Raspberry Pi Colorimeter

Estimated Cost: $200-250

Order Components
- Hardware Guide - Complete parts list with Adafruit PIDs
- Raspberry Pi 3/4/5
- TSL2591 light sensor
- Motor HAT, solenoid driver
- Fluidics components
Install Software
- Setup Guide - Step-by-step instructions
- Install Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu Server
- Clone repository and install dependencies
- Run automated service installer
Connect Hardware
- Stack Motor HAT on Raspberry Pi GPIO
- Connect TSL2591 sensor via I2C
- Connect MCP23017 solenoid driver
- Wire motors and valves
Configure & Calibrate
- Access web interface at http://raspberrypi.local:5000
- Edit device names in mappings.json
- Create calibration curves
- Calibration Guide
Run Automated Tests!
- Create command sequences
- Mix motors, solenoids, waits, blanking, measurements
- Monitor from any device on your network
- Save and load test protocols

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

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

Acknowledgments

Built with:

AdaFruit - PyBadge, sensors, electronics
CircuitPython - Embedded Python platform
Red Sea Pro Test Kits - Reagent chemistry

Built with passion for the reef keeping and maker communities.

🐠 🪸 🧪 🔬 🤖