Hi everyone, I’m diving into the world of smart home automation, and I’m really excited to share my journey with you. One of my current projects is automating a 55-gallon water tank for my chickens. The goal is to monitor the water level and get an alert when it’s time to refill. I’ve been researching different methods to achieve this and wanted to share what I’ve found so far.
First, I came across off-the-shelf water sensors like the HomeSeer HS-LS100. It seems straightforward—just connect it to the tank and set up an alert when the sensor detects dryness. But I’m not sure if it’s the most reliable option for my setup.
Then, I looked into using a float switch connected to a contact sensor. This method would involve some wiring, but it seems more customizable. I’m a bit nervous about modifying the internal reed switch, though. I wonder if anyone has experience with this approach and can share their tips.
The third option I stumbled upon is using HubDuino, but honestly, this one has me a bit lost. I know it’s a powerful tool for integrating different devices, but I’m not sure how to apply it to my water tank project. If anyone has a step-by-step guide or can explain it in simpler terms, I’d be super grateful!
I’d love to hear from anyone who has tackled a similar project. What methods have worked well for you? Any pitfalls I should be aware of? I’m also curious if there are other creative solutions I haven’t considered yet.
This project is a great way for me to learn more about sensors and automation, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it come together. Thanks in advance for your insights and advice! ![]()