>>2935617
>One way to simplify is to hold off on the stepper motor unless you're already familiar with them. The idea is simple (and indispensable when making a cnc machine) but the implementation adds considerable complexity.
>Manual forward/reverse control with limit switches on each end would get a similar effect but you lose automation.
>limit switches
>preset levels
>manual control
Ive already considered these. I intend to automate it no matter how difficult it will be to learn and implement. That was the whole spark for this project, I will start by building a simple test version of the set up with a single or two sensors and then add more and more until I reach my goal. Ill look into the opto isolator.

Between my last post and now I was going to implement a 3d printed SCARA robot that would auto calibrate the ph sensor and then test the water that would be siphoned off into a test box, but I realized pic related would be easier and more robust.