I am so, so close to finally putting all the components together I need for my modular Aquariumatic prototype.

Once this is done I'm laughing; I'll be able to turn my hand to working on the code for the project (Raspberry Pi Images, sketches for the Arduino and ESP8266 devices etc), and also finalise my schematic to then start putting together a design for the PCB I most covet (I know exactly what I want in my head but can't design it until I get it down properly!)

I've ordered a handful of components to and I'm now playing the waiting game until they arrive from China of course. While looking at ways and means to mount and connect all these bits and bobs in a nice clean way I came across the Grove modules. After looking through their list of modules they've got everything I'd need to rustle up my prototype; Relay modules, Temperature sensors, lcd screens, pH sensor modules and a ESP8266-based Wifi module. The Grove shield for the arduino would fit perfectly into my enclosure and it would make the completion of my prototype trivial.

It would also make the swapping around of modules a doddle too, something I am looking for in prototyping platform.

So, is it worth it? I will mull it over...