AquaWeb ll - Networking and Remote Monitoring Software Data

AquaNode

Oscar System Monitors

The PT4 is a multichannel monitoring system with data logging, PC connectivity and control capabilities. It can be used in any application requiring the monitoring of dissolved oxygen, as well as temperature, pH and any sensor providing a 4-20 mA

output. The system can display up to eight digital inputs simultaneously. This unit comprises a multiple display monitor and a junction box to which the various sensors are connected and is suitable for outdoor use. The features include:

Panel lights and audible alarm alerts the operator. Operator sets high and low limits for each channel as well as a common alarm. One alarm light per channel and common alarm with built in buzzer notifies the operator of out-of-range conditions.

Configure the system to suit your needs. Up to eight measurements and digital inputs can be simultaneously monitored and displayed.

Values can be read easily at a glance. All measurements are clearly displayed on a large LCD in bold 9 mm characters.

Connect the sensors you need. Channels will accept direct inputs for other measurements such as pH or salinity.

Oxygen probes can be automatically calibrated. The oxygen probes can be calibrated with a few simple key strokes.

The PT4 has a logging and PC connectivity option. Data can be stored with a built-in logger and downloaded to a PC or captured and viewed directly with a PC.

A relay output option is available. The unit can be set to monitor solenoid valves, blowers or activate external alarms.

If you are building a computerized monitoring system, you'll want an oxygen probe. The OxyGuard system is low maintenance, requires simple wiring, and is computer compatible. DO14 is a 2-wire, self-polarizing galvanic probe with built-in temperature compensation. It requires no external power source and produces a millivolt output signal directly proportional to the oxygen present (O to 50 mg/1). The OxyGuard 420 (D016) is also a 2-wire probe. This unit requires a l5 to 35 VDC power source. This probe is galvanically isolated, allowing for accurate monitoring alongside other probes in the same tank. Both probes may be coupled to a data logger or PC. The PC must have data acquisition capability. Both probes feature 2-wire connections with a standard cable length of 10'. Longer lengths are available or you may use your own.

This is an eight channel monitoring, controlling and data logging system used primarily for the measurement and control of dissolved oxygen using the OxyGuard probes. The unit is also designed to accept inputs from any sensor or probe, such as temperature, pH or salinity. Its clean uncluttered modular design enables the user to configure the system for specific applications, such as fish hauling tanks and tank monitoring.

The AquaGuard is a water quality monitoring and control system that is specifically designed for fish keeping applications. Driven by an Intel-based microprocessor, it offers most of the capabilities of the AquaNode plus it features up to 16 internal relays and up to 7 isolated inputs. These additional features make the AquaGuard a powerful stand-alone monitoring and control system. The AquaGuard features computerized continuous multi-probe monitoring that measures, analyzes, controls and reports on critical water quality parameters. The system is capable of measuring temperature, pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen and conductivity/salinity. Data is then displayed via LCD display or can be viewed on a PC using optional AquaWeb software. A built-in alarm notification system utilizes an optional internal modem for digital paging capabilities.

Computer control of the aquatic environment can be critical in high density stocking applications, while reducing operating costs. By simply programing set-point parameters, the system will activate up to l6 relays. These relays operate under software control to manage your pumps, aerators, solenoid valves, chillers/heaters, or chemical dosing systems. The unit also features up to 7 isolated inputs for open/closed contact switches like level switches, pressure switches and back-up power detection devices.

The AquaGuard base controllers come packaged in Nema 4X water resistant enclosures and are available in two models. Both models include a temperature probe, digital control module, and internal datalogging. The unit measures 6"x8"x4.5". It is compatible with AquaWeb software and uses RS485 to connect up to 16 AquaGuards in a Local Area Network (LAN.) The AquaGuard 500 can operate four probes (plus the temperature probe included), has 16 relay outputs for control and has 7 isolated inputs for switch closures.

Similar to AquaNode but without D.O. and networking capabilities, this water quality monitor is ideal for small recirculating systems, aquariums, hatcheries, and hydroponic systems. It can provide continuous monitoring of pH, temperature, ORP, and conductivity. By adding X-10 control interface and optional control satellites, the Octopus can also provide control for ozone generators, heaters/chillers, and chemical dosing pumps. It will warn you of unexpected changes in your water quality by a built-in audible alarm or by your pager.

AquaWeb provides continuous monitoring and 7-day data logging with multi parameter graphing, all available through your modem or connected personal computer. The Octopus includes 16-Channel Lighting Control which acts as a timer for lighting systems, and feeding devices. A temperature probe with 10' cable is included.

Costs a lot less than a 24-hour watchman (and is probably more reliable). This low cost alarm will pay for itself quickly by preventing disasters. These auto dialers have multiple inputs for user-connected sensors. There is also a built-in microphone for monitoring sound, so you can call at any time and listen in from a remote location. The system even calls you when there is a problem. It uses a regular phone line, so a separate dedicated line is not needed. These auto dialers are compatible with all answering machines. They will recognize and by-pass answering machines and continue dialing until they contact a person, or they will shut down if a person has not responded by the 16th attempt. Four phone numbers and four dial attempts on rotation can be programmed to make up to 255 attempts. Important features include: continues dialing numbers in sequence for 16-255 attempts, most sensors can be mounted up to 150 feet away with 18-22 gauge wire, can dial out to beepers and pagers, back-up battery condition monitor, built-in clock, temperature sensing in F and C, programmable security code access, variable AC power failure alarm, compatible with cellular telephones providing they are equipped with an RJ11 telephone jack.

Sensaphone Express

The Sensaphone Express monitors temperature and AC power and has four dry contact inputs for additional sensors. It can be programmed to dial up to eight phone numbers if an alarm condition occurs, with a pre-recorded message in your own voice. Built-in relay output can switch up to two amps, and can be automatically controlled when an alarm occurs, or changed via any touch-tone telephone. Express includes a microphone for voice recording, an integrated keypad for easy, local programming, and a temperature sensor with a range of -60F to l75F. Remote control and remote recording are also offered via touch-tone telephone. The unit also incorporates a four-digit user programmed security code feature to prevent unauthorized tampering.

Sensaphone Express 11

The robust Sensaphone Express 11 offers the most comprehensive package of standard monitoring and control features available, plus powerful expansion options that let you customize your system as your needs grow. Express 11 may be the ultimate monitoring system on the market today. The unit is as flexible as your application requires, with features like built-in sound monitoring, universally-configurable alarm inputs, and a built-in relay output for manual or automatic switching, expandable (for input or output) via additional I/0 slots. The unit offers a wider range of temperature sensing (-85F to 300F) than any other Sensaphone product, up to 48 user-programmable dialout numbers plus logging and sophisticated touch-tone programming capability. Digital speech recording allows the user to record custom ID and input messages. This unit comes equipped with a 6 to 12 hour Gel Cell rechargeable battery backup, and is housed in a NEMA-4X fiberglass closure. The unit can also be upgraded to 16, 24, 32, or 40 channels.

A2B Water Detection Sensor

Set this unit on the floor or laboratory to alert if flooding occurs. Small sensors on bottom of unit will send a signal if water is contacted. For best results, place the unit on a paper towel so the water will be transported immediately to sensors when present.

A2C Magnetic Reed Switch

Install on doors or windows. The switches will cause dial-out when contact is opened.

AT5 Remote Temperature Probe

The AT5 measures water or air temperature up to 50 feet from the unit. It triggers a dial-out when temperature passes user-programmed high and low limits.

A3 Remote Temperature Sensor

The A3 monitors room temperature. Simply attach to a wall and run a wire (not included) to a terminal. It will trigger a dial-out if the temperature passes high or low set limits. It can also be used underwater if wire connections are thoroughly sealed. The A3 can be used with up to 150' of cable.

A2D Output Controller

The A2D signals local audio or light alarm (when used with A2A unit).

A3C Humidistat

The A3C will detect changes in humidity within a room.

A3B Passive Infrared Motion Detector

The A3B can detect movement within a facility to determine unauthorized entry.

Liquid Level Switches

You'll find many applications for these low cost switches. Select normally open or normally closed circuitry by inverting the float on its stem. The switches have polypropylene construction. The mini-switch is 2.25" long overall, 1" in diameter with 1/8" NPT mounting. The larger switch is 3.25", overall x 1.5" in diameter with .25" NPT. These are great pump switches when used with relays.

Power Failure/ Temp Phone Dialer

This alarm system continuously monitors both power status and temperature. Upon an alarm condition, the system will automatically dial up to three phone numbers giving a voice alarm message. You can select 15-minute or 2-hour call out intervals. You can also call into the unit from any touch tone phone to disable the alarm or receive reports on temperature and power loss conditions. The temperature probe has a 3' cable and has an adjustable alarm range, 7' phone cord and battery backup.

Flow Switch

Here is an excellent value flow sensing switch that can turn on or off a heater, chiller, alarm or pump (up to two horse power). It is factory adjusted to close the circuit at 14 gpm and open it at 6 gpm but it is also field adjustable over a wider range. A "flapper" moves with water flow actuating a magnetic switch on the outside of the pipe. Water cannot reach the electrical section. The unit operates by sensing water flow only (unaffected by pressure).

Water Level Switch

Thousands of these inexpensive water alarm switches have been put in aquaculture service! They mount inside your tank for an accurate, easy-to-clean, wave resistant level switch. Small pumps and alarms may be operated directly off the internal mercury switch. The ST8 model is normally open at low water and closes the circuit when the water rises. The ST7 closes contacts when the water drops.

Siren/Strobe Light

This 12V siren/strobe light is designed to hook up to your alarm system. When the alarm is tripped, a 115 dB siren sounds and a red strobe light flashes. It lets you know you have a problem while you are in or around the building.

Sodium Bicarbonate An Alternative Anesthetic for Brook Trout

By: Jennifer Meyers and Rick Erickson, Bayfield High School Chemistry Department, Bayfield, WI 54814 and Gregory J. Fischer, Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery, Bayfield, WI 54814

Abstract: The chemical MS-222 (tricaine methylsulfonate) is commonly used to anesthetize trout in field fisheries work and in hatcheries. However, fish cannot be consumed within 21days after being subjected to treatment due to chemical residue in fish tissue. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is considered safe and has been shown to anesthetize fish to various levels of anesthesia depending on the amounts used. We describe a technique used to determine the optimum amount of sodium bicarbonate to anesthetize 152 to 203 mm Lake Nipigon strain brook trout to level - four anesthesia stage. A carbon dioxide concentration of 260 mg/l was the optimum concentration to anesthetize our brook trout to the required stage. This concentration of carbon dioxide was achieved by adding 45 grams of sodium bicarbonate to one liter of well water. We also determined that temperature did not significantly affect the concentration of carbon dioxide in our water.

Currently, the chemical MS-222 (trade name: Finquel) is used to anesthetize trout in the field and at hatcheries. Finquel is very effective, however fish cannot be consumed within 21 days after being subjected to treatment (Schnick et al, 1985). As a result, Finquel cannot be used on harvestable sized fish immediately prior to or during fishing season, when many field and hatchery projects require anesthetizing fish. To enable projects involving anesthetizing of fish to be done regardless of time or season, an alternative method for anesthetizing fish is essential. Several early studies have addressed the use of high concentrations of carbon dioxide to anesthetize fish (Fish, 1943; Eddy et al., 1969). However, carbon dioxide gas in water alone does not anesthetize fish to the level required to carry out surgical methods (Prince et. al., 1995). More recently, studies utilizing sodium bicarbonate as an anesthetic have been documented (Bell, 1987; Booke et al., 1978; Prince et al.,1995). Sodium bicarbonate alone or in conjunction with an acid appears to provide the necessary anesthetizing levels for most handling and surgical methods. Additionally, treated fish do not accumulate any hazardous residues and thus are safe to eat immediately after release. As a result of the Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery's need for an alternate method to anesthetize brook trout for tagging purposes and research studies, the Bayfield High School and the fish hatchery cooperated on a science fair project to address this question.

Hatchery reared Lake Nipigon strain brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) with 152 to 203 mm total length were used for this experiment. Measured amounts of sodium bicarbonate were added to 20 liters of 7.0 - 7.5 degree Celsius well water and stirred until dissolved. Carbon dioxide levels were measured with a Hach kit. For each trial, five brook trout were placed into containers with a sodium bicarbonate and well water mix at various carbon dioxide concentrations beginning at 100 mg/L (Table 1.). For each trial, carbon dioxide concentrations were increased by 25 mg/L with the addition of sodium bicarbonate to consistently reach the desired state of anesthetization in the brook trout in under five minutes (Table 1.). The desired state of anesthetization was considered level four anesthesia - total loss of swimming motion, weak opercular motion, acceptable for surgical procedures (Prince et. al., 1995). Brook trout were observed and timed to reach level four anesthesia (Table 1.). Once level four anesthesia was reached, additional testing was done at the optimum recorded concentration and one step lower for verification purposes (Table 2.). An additional parameter of full recovery within fifteen minutes of exposure to fresh water was added by hatchery staff for all trials. Water pH ranged between 8.0 and 8.5. Water temperature and pH levels were recorded using hatchery meters for each trial. Another phase of this experiment was to test the effect of water temperature on the amount of carbon dioxide produced. Water samples were prepared at different temperatures ranging from 0 to 25 degrees Celsius in increments of 5 degrees Celsius (Table 3.). Sodium bicarbonate was added into the various containers at different temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations were tested using a Hach kit (Table 3.). Water temperature and pH levels were recorded using hatchery meters for each trial.

It was determined that the optimum carbon dioxide concentration needed to anesthetize Lake Nipigon strain brook trout to level four in the Red Cliff Fish Hatchery was 260 mg/L (Table 1.). This carbon dioxide concentration was achieved in our experiment by adding 900 grams of sodium bicarbonate per 20 liters of water or 45 g/L of water. To verify this optimum concentration, the tests were repeated five times at the optimum concentration and at the concentration immediately preceding it (Table 2.). This concentration of carbon dioxide was sufficient to achieve a level that would enable handling, tagging, and surgical procedures without adding undo stress to brook trout of the size range tested. This result, 260 mg/L, is lower than carbon dioxide levels that were suggested by Booke et. al. (1978) for brook trout. Booke et al. , (1978) recommended study levels of carbon dioxide were between 442 - 642 mg/L at pH 6.5. The carbon dioxide levels achieved by Prince et al., (1995) using sodium bicarbonate and glacial acetic acid were between 195-328 mg/L in pH 6.9-7.6. Prince et. al. (1995) results support our findings that the 260 mg/L carbon dioxide at pH 8.0-8.5 would sufficiently anesthetize brook trout to level four. It appears that the addition of glacial acetic acid increases the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the sodium bicarbonate, thus reducing the amount of sodium bicarbonate needed. We did not want to add any acid to our experiment due to the fact that we are planning on studying the effects of water pH on this reaction and the addition of acid could alone change the pH. Another phase of this experiment was to test the effect of water temperature on the carbon dioxide concentrations. There appeared to be no significant effect of temperature on the amount of carbon dioxide produced (Table 3.). This was the case with our water and its specific parameters. As indicated by Prince et. al. (1995) and Booke et. al.(1978), temperature and pH levels may have effects on different species of fish and how the carbon dioxide levels affect them. Water parameters are different for each study and would probably be different for field use so it is imperative to test these techniques in your specific water before treating a large number of fish.