{
  "id": 15855239,
  "title": "This project turns your ESP32 CYD into a pixel aquarium with ~100 species of life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/this-project-turns-your-esp32-cyd-into-a-pixel-aquarium-with-100",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-21T06:53:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/this-project-turns-your-esp32-cyd-into-a-pixel-aquarium-with-100-species-of-life/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "If you possess an ESP32 CYD display that has been gathering digital dust, fret not – the DIY community has plenty of ideas to breathe new life into your forgotten tech. One such creative project is the ESP32 CYD Aquarium, conceived by user PowerfulChart560 on the ESP32 subreddit. This innovative idea transforms your budget-friendly yellow display into a captivating simulation of marine life, featuring over 100 different species to explore.\n\nNicknamed the ESP32 CYD Aquarium, this project repurposes your cheap display into a miniature underwater world. Upon booting up, users are greeted with a comprehensive virtual reef, complete with fish, turtles, sharks, plants, and even shark species. Additionally, a 12-hour clock serves as a functional touchpoint for the aquarium's digital ecosystem.\n\nThe ESP32 CYD Aquarium boasts several noteworthy features:\n\n1. A living collection of around 100 distinct species, housed in the SpeciesCatalog.h file. This digital roster includes weighted spawn rates, family silhouettes, and six size classes to bring the aquarium's inhabitants to life.\n\n2. An interactive Reef Guide, accessible through touch controls. This feature allows users to page through the guide and records each discovered species using LittleFS storage under /field_guide.json.\n\n3. Large fauna inhabitants such as sharks, whale sharks, and reef mantas add excitement and diversity to the tank.\n\n4. A tank camera function enables users to follow or zoom in on specific creatures by tapping on them. A double tap then zooms out, providing an immersive experience for observers.\n\nTo delve into this engaging project yourself, simply visit the ESP32 CYD Aquarium GitHub page and integrate it into your display.",
  "summary": "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?",
  "key_points": [
    "ESP32 CYD display repurposed into ESP32 CYD Aquarium",
    "Over 100 species of marine life simulated in aquarium",
    "Interactive Reef Guide and tank camera features included"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Repurposing inexpensive, underused hardware through community-driven software projects provides a way for hobbyists to transform basic displays into interactive, functional digital ecosystems.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}