Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech.
Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics.
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Summary
- Turn a $5 ESP32 'Cheap Yellow Display' into a self-running pixel aquarium that boots straight into the sim.
- It has a ~100-species reef roster, a touchable reef guide that records discoveries to LittleFS, and weighted spawns.
- It also sports big fauna (sharks, whale sharks, mantas), a movable tank camera, and a 12-hour clock.
Do you have a bits box full of hardware collecting dust? Don't worry; so do I. Fortunately, the DIY community is here with ideas on how to give those dormant pieces of tech a second life with some really creative solutions. For example, if you have an ESP32 CYD sitting around, why not turn it into a miniature digital aquarium, complete with around 100 different species of life for you to discover?
The ESP32 CYD Aquarium is all the joy of aquatic life with none of the responsibility
You don't even need a tank
This cool little project was the idea of PowerfulChart560 over on the ESP32 subreddit. It's fittingly named the ESP32 CYD Aquarium, and it turns your cheap yellow display into a small simulation of sea life. It boots right into the sim, featuring fish, turtles, sharks, plants, and even a 12-hour clock so you can use it as a set piece.
Here are the main features of the ESP32 CYD Aquarium:
- ~100-species reef roster (SpeciesCatalog.h) with weighted spawn rates, family silhouettes and six size classes
- In-tank Reef Guide — paged and touchable, records which species you've discovered to LittleFS (/field_guide.json)
- Large fauna — sharks, whale sharks, reef mantas
- Tank camera — tap a creature to follow/zoom it, tap again to zoom out
If you'd like to give it a try yourself, head over to the ESP32 CYD Aquarium GitHub page and put it on your display right now.