Automated Aquaponics System and Water Quality Monitoring with SMS Notification for Tilapia Industry

This paper introduces the development of monitoring and maintaining optimal water quality in an aquaponics system. The design is based on the hydroponics system's Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) in which plant roots are being exposed to a thin layer of nutrient water in a long narrow channel. The design used a developmental and experimental type with the use of microprocessors and sensors for enhanced monitoring and error-correcting within the aquaponics system where standard data was obtained from different reliable sources. Various sensors are calibrated for different measurements to provide accurate and reliable readings of water temperature, pH level, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, water flow, and temperature and humidity. The Arduino Mega reads and analyzes data collected by various sensors, and instructs actuators such as aquarium heater, cooling fan, aerator, grow light, and water pump. The data gathered appears on the built-in LCD screen and will be sent to the owner's mobile phone regarding the condition of the system. Also, the system has a fish feeder that automatically dispenses food at a given time. The device can be controlled wirelessly using a mobile phone and manually using a 4x4 keypad. Also, the owner can monitor the way each actuator was controlled.