Getting Started with AquaAutomate
New to aquariums, home automation, or both? Start here. We'll show you how to set up your first automated tank.
Welcome! Whether you're setting up your first fish tank or you're a Home Assistant pro looking to automate your aquarium — you're in the right place.
Who Are We?
We're a husband-and-wife team combining two passions:
- Fish expertise — species care, aquascaping, water chemistry
- Home automation — Home Assistant, Tuya, Lutron, smart monitoring
The result? A shop and guide site that helps you build an automated aquarium — where your tech takes care of the routine stuff so you can enjoy your fish.
What You Can Do Here
1. Shop Products
We sell aquarium products from Danbury Aquarium (a trusted local shop in Danbury, CT) alongside curated Amazon automation gear. Every product is tagged with compatibility info so you know what works together.
2. Follow Automation Blueprints
Step-by-step guides with copy-paste Home Assistant configs to automate:
- Lighting schedules (sunrise/sunset)
- Temperature monitoring and alerts
- Water quality dashboards
- Feeding automation
- Scene control with Lutron Pico remotes
3. Learn Fish Care
Species care guides with water parameters, tank mate compatibility, and automation tie-ins.
Your First Automated Tank (Budget Build)
Here's what we recommend for your first automated freshwater tank:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 10-gallon tank + hood | ~$30 |
| Hygger LED Light | ~$33 |
| Tuya Smart Plug (4-pack) | ~$25 |
| Sponge filter + air pump | ~$15 |
| Heater (50W) | ~$15 |
| Substrate + basic hardscape | ~$20 |
| Neon Tetras (school of 6) | ~$12 |
| Total | ~$150 |
Add a Raspberry Pi with Home Assistant (~$50) and you've got a fully automated tank for about $200.
Next Steps
- Automate Your Tank Lighting — your first automation
- Neon Tetra Care Guide — start with the most popular fish
- Browse Automation Gear — see what's available
Happy fishkeeping!