Share thisWhen it comes to monitor and control systems for aquatics housing, there is a great difference between the systems on the market, the way they operate, and their capabilities. Depending on the budget, the size of the system, and the level of monitor and control required, vendors should be able to specify the appropriate system.
It is best to clarify needs and expectations with any vendor on the specific requirements for monitor and control. If one is not sure about what is available and/or required, be ready to learn as much as possible about this equipment, because it will eventually become an integral part of the aquatics system. Their importance cannot be overstated, as the success of the laboratory and research running smoothly depends a great deal on the notifications that monitoring systems can provide.
The easiest way to monitor an aquatics system is to manually measure pH and conductivity, as well as the concentration of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. The water chemistry can then be adjusted manually by adding fresh Reverse Osmosis Water (R.O. Water) or by adding chemicals such as a base or acid, and salts to achieve your desired result. While this is the least expensive way to monitor a system without having to buy costly equipment, the labor involved can quickly outpace the cost of an automated system. The monitor and control of the system is then limited to when laboratory personnel are working, 9-5, which leaves 16 hours of the day without monitoring of the system. Depending on the size of the system and the research, this might be sufficient. As the research and aquatics system grow, it is usually more cost efficient and more dependable to purchase an automated system.
The simplest system will monitor either pH or conductivity or both. Another term often used for conductivity is salinity. Basic systems usually include a meter and a probe that displays the value of the parameter being monitored, but still requires manual dosage of chemicals and manual water changes. The probes also require scheduled calibrations to maintain their effectiveness. While usually effective, there is still a chance that something could fail during the time that no laboratory personnel are present.
A more sophisticated system can control the water chemistry automatically. This is accomplished by adding a peristaltic pump that is controlled by a relay on the pH or conductivity meter to dose a chemical solution to your system. With proper setup and maintenance, these systems are very dependable in their operation. Proper maintenance of monitor and control systems is critical. We need to remember that animals' lives and validity and accuracy of scientific results are depending on these systems. Most systems will give the user many years of service with proper maintenance and care, including cleaning and replacing worn out probes, hoses, and other various components. Developing a separate SOP for the monitor and control system and strictly following it will insure the success of the entire system.
Monitoring Systems
There are many different aspects of water quality that need to be verified on a daily and/or weekly basis. Depending on the budget, a monitoring system can be employed to cover most of these factors. The typical aquatics laboratory should be monitoring pH, conductivity, temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.), and water level on a constant basis. Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates cannot be feasibly monitored with electronics, and once a system is biologically acclimated, we suggest once a week manual measurements.