As an aquarium enthusiast, maintaining the perfect water temperature is crucial for the health of my Betta fish. I’ve been exploring ways to integrate smart technology into my aquarium setup, and I must say, the journey has been both exciting and enlightening. Here’s how I’ve been able to enhance my aquarium monitoring using ESP32 with Tasmota and some clever automation rules.### The SetupI started with an ESP32 module equipped with an SHT30 temperature and humidity sensor, along with a tri-color LED for visual alerts. The goal was to create a system that not only monitors the water temperature but also provides clear visual indicators and automated responses to temperature changes. Initially, I experimented with both ESPEasy and Tasmota, and while both have their merits, I found Tasmota to be more user-friendly for my needs.### Challenges and SolutionsOne of the challenges I faced was ensuring the system could handle unexpected shutdowns or failures of the aquarium heater. To address this, I incorporated a backup heating system controlled by a TP-Link HS110 smart plug. The automation rule I set up monitors the heater’s status and switches to the backup if the primary heater fails or shuts off unintentionally.### Automation Rules and LED IndicatorsThe automation rule I developed triggers based on the water temperature readings from the SHT30 sensor. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:- Below 74°F: The green LED lights up at 66% brightness to indicate the water is too cold.- Between 74°F and 83°F: The yellow LED lights up at full brightness to show the water is within the safe range.- Above 83°F: The red LED lights up at 50% brightness to signal the water is too warm.I also wanted a way to visually indicate if the heater was off or malfunctioning. After some research, I discovered that using MQTT triggers could help me achieve this. I set up the system so that if the heater is off, the LED blinks slowly, regardless of the current color. This feature was a bit tricky to implement, but with some trial and error, it worked perfectly.### The Learning CurveSetting up the automation rules wasn’t without its hurdles. I had to dive into the Tasmota documentation and experiment with different configurations. One thing I learned was the importance of understanding the supported features of the LED, such as brightness control and color modes. This knowledge was crucial in ensuring the LED indicators worked as intended.### Tips and TricksFor anyone looking to set up a similar system, here are a few tips:1. Start Simple: Begin with basic automation rules and gradually add complexity as you become more comfortable.2. Test Thoroughly: Always test each component individually before integrating them into a full system.3. Use MQTT Triggers: They are incredibly versatile and can help you create robust automation rules.4. Document Everything: Keeping a record of your configurations and changes can save you a lot of time if issues arise.### ConclusionThis project has been a fantastic learning experience, and I’m thrilled with how the system has improved my aquarium maintenance. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about how it enhances my ability to care for my fish. I encourage anyone with a similar interest to give smart aquarium monitoring a try. It’s a rewarding project that combines technology with a passion for aquatic life.Happy tinkering! 
