SR01 Fish Tank Optical Water Level Sensor
1. Core Detection Principle of SR01
SR01 is an optical point water level sensor independently developed by HojellyTek exclusively for fish tanks and aquarium systems. Adopting infrared light refraction optical technology, it delivers wear-free liquid level detection and completely eliminates common drawbacks of traditional float switches such as mechanical jamming and electrode scaling failure.
- Core Internal Components: Equipped with high-precision infrared LED transmitters, dedicated photoelectric receivers and integrated high-transmittance glass prism sensing tips. No floating arms, magnets or moving mechanical parts, resulting in zero clogging risks.
- Dry Tank Logic: When the prism is fully exposed to air, infrared light undergoes total internal reflection inside the prism and returns entirely to the receiver. The circuit outputs a low-water signal to trigger the refill pump automatically.
- Water Immersion Trigger Logic: Once aquarium water submerges the prism tip, the refractive index difference between water and air changes drastically. Most infrared light refracts into the water, drastically reducing light feedback to the receiver. The circuit switches to a full-water shutdown signal to cut off the refill equipment.
- Optimized for Aquatic Environments: Tuned optical algorithm filters interference from water tank bubbles, algae film and mild limescale to prevent false triggering caused by water ripples. It features sensitive dry/wet state switching and stable detection without signal jitter.
- Electrical Compatibility Advantages: Natively supports dual 5V / 3.3V logic levels with optional NPN / PNP open-collector outputs. It can be directly connected to microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, aquarium control boards and ATO automatic top-off systems without complex extra level shifters.
2. Full-Grade Material System Optimized for Aquarium Water Environments
Tailored for long-term underwater submersion, algae growth and corrosion from aquarium water additives, HojellyTek designs a layered safe material system for SR01. All wetted components contain no toxic substances and will not harm fish, shrimp or aquatic plants.
(1) Core Sensing Tip Materials (Direct Water Contact Layer)
- Standard High-Borosilicate Glass Prism: SR01 is factory-fitted with glass sensing tips featuring stable light transmittance, strong limescale resistance and excellent tolerance to fresh water, saltwater and nutrient solutions. It resists algae adhesion and avoids whitening or fogging after long submersion.
- Optional Upgrades: Food-grade PSU polysulfone tips (ideal for low-cost small freshwater aquariums) and PTFE Teflon tips (for saltwater tanks, medicated water and corrosive water-changing solvents).
(2) Main Sensor Housing Material
Integrally molded food-grade PSU engineering plastic with strong water pressure resistance and anti-aging performance. No harmful substances leach out during prolonged submersion. The sealing structure adopts water-resistant silicone rubber O-rings with IP65 dustproof and waterproof rating to withstand aquarium water splashes, mist and ambient high humidity.
(3) Wiring & Cable Outlet Materials
Corrosion-resistant waterproof PVC cables with customizable lengths and 2P/3P waterproof connectors. The internal circuit is fully encapsulated with epoxy resin to block moisture penetration and eliminate short-circuit failures.
(4) Material Quality Control Standards
All wetted materials pass compatibility immersion tests for fresh water, salt water and aquarium chemicals. They comply with household pet and aquatic equipment safety standards with zero heavy metal precipitation to prevent aquarium water contamination.
3. Diversified Application Scenarios
Focused on full fish tank segments with extended supporting applications
(1) Core Scenario: Liquid Level Monitoring for All Types of Aquariums
- Freshwater Ornamental Tanks: Automatic water top-off for desktop small tanks, planted tanks and native biotope tanks. Triggers pumps at low water levels and cuts power at full water levels to prevent pump dry-burning damage.
- Saltwater Reef Tanks: Standard component for marine ATO auto top-off systems. Prevents drastic salinity fluctuations and protects corals and marine fish by precise evaporation loss control.
- Large Fish Ponds & Breeding Tanks: Low-water alarms and overflow protection for household floor-standing fish ponds and indoor breeding tanks.
- Smart Integrated Aquariums: Matching liquid level switches for integrated filter cabinets and automatic water-changing aquarium equipment.
(2) Extended Water-Related Scenarios
- Automatic pet water dispensers and small hydroponic nutrient reservoirs
- Auxiliary aquarium equipment: Water level early warning for chiller refill boxes and filtration units
- DIY Maker Projects: Self-built intelligent aquarium monitoring systems based on Raspberry Pi / Arduino
- Household Appliance OEM: Matching electronic components for integrated smart aquariums and commercial ornamental fish tanks
Performance Comparison with Traditional Liquid Level Solutions
| Comparison Item | SR01 Optical Water Level Sensor | Float Level Switch | Electrode Water Level Probe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Failure Risk | No moving parts, never stuck | Floats easily trapped by water plants & impurities | Metal electrodes prone to oxidation & scaling |
| Water Quality Tolerance | Easy-to-clean glass tip, resistant to saltwater chemicals | Algae accumulates in float gaps | Full scaling leads to immediate failure |
| Installation Space | Ultra-compact, side / bottom tank mounting | Occupies large internal tank space | Multiple electrodes require extra mounting space |
| Service Life | Stable operation for 50,000 hours | Mechanical wear & failure within 1–2 years | Electrode corrosion fails within half a year |
4. HojellyTek Full-Service Framework for SR01 Aquarium Sensors
As a professional sensor manufacturer based in Shenzhen with self-owned optoelectronic laboratories and automated production lines, HojellyTek provides a one-stop closed-loop service covering product selection, sample testing, mass production and export for aquatic brands, equipment manufacturers and DIY makers.
(1) Pre-Sales Customization Technical Support
- Customizable electrical parameters: Adjust cable length, connector type, NO/NC logic, 5V/3.3V output and NPN/PNP signals to match self-developed aquarium mainboards and Raspberry Pi control boards.
- Structural modification service: Custom micro housings, special mounting threads and vertical / horizontal cable outlets to fit narrow aquarium compartments.
- Custom material solutions: PTFE tips dedicated to saltwater tanks and lightweight food-grade plastic housings to match clients’ cost positioning.
- Free working condition evaluation: Provide customized selection plans based on tank water composition, aquatic chemicals and installation positions to avoid misdetection and corrosion failures.
(2) Fast Sample Delivery Service
SR01 standard models are in stock and shipped within 3 working days. Minor modified samples take 5–7 working days. For fully customized new molds, we produce and confirm 2D structural drawings before production, allowing clients to complete real tank immersion performance verification.
(3) Mass Production & Quality Assurance Services
- Mass production via automated SMT assembly lines. Every sensor undergoes 100% dry-wet cycle aging tests, waterproof sealing inspections and signal stability verification.
- Tiered pricing structure: Separated pricing for sample small orders, pilot batches and annual stable bulk orders to optimize unit costs for large aquatic equipment purchasers.
- OEM private labeling service: Custom printed exclusive model numbers, client brand labels, matching user manuals and neutral / branded individual packaging, supporting cross-border e-commerce and overseas brand exclusive product lines.
(4) Technical Matching & After-Sales Support
- Complete technical documents: Wiring diagrams, Raspberry Pi Python driver examples, aquarium controller docking solutions and official datasheets.
- Real-time engineering technical communication: Online support via WhatsApp & email to resolve aquarium assembly, circuit linkage and anti-false-trigger debugging issues.
- Export supporting services: Products with CE & RoHS certifications, complete customs documentation for exports to Europe, America, Southeast Asia and India, with mature supply experience for global aquatic equipment brands.
- Long-term after-sales warranty: Standard warranty for finished products, with long-term technical maintenance and fault diagnosis solutions for bulk clients.
(5) Differentiated Value-Added Services
Exclusive aquatic industry development solutions: Support linkage with Tuya Smart Life IoT systems to realize remote mobile alerts for tank water levels. Dual-sensor packages (low-level refill + high-level overflow prevention) are available to design safer integrated smart aquarium equipment.
Brand Closing Remarks for Official Website
HojellyTek specializes in optoelectronic liquid level sensing technology. The SR01 fish tank dedicated water level sensor combines stable optical detection, aquarium-safe materials and flexible customization services, making it the preferred water level monitoring component for global aquatic equipment manufacturers and DIY makers.
Whether you own compact desktop ornamental tanks, professional saltwater reef tanks or develop mass-produced smart aquarium hardware, HojellyTek leverages mature R&D and mass-production capabilities to deliver fully customized, reliable and cost-effective water level sensing solutions. Our precision optoelectronic technology stabilizes aquarium water conditions and simplifies the entire development workflow of intelligent aquatic devices.
