Blackberry??????????????????????

[Kay Tickle]

I am able to not only set my tank to feed mode with my Android phone but feed the fish and bring up a webcam to watch them eat from my phone or any Internet connected PC. There is a widget for Android/iPhones and Windows desktop that updates every minute with current tank parameters as well as which lights, pumps, heaters and chillers are on or off.

For real? That is awesome. I stumbled upon this topic and had no idea these types of devices/apps existed.

(People who don't understand technology usually resist it. I work with a ton of them. Really stands in the way of progress.)

 

[ackee]

I'm not sure how not participating in a technology in any way impedes it or stands in the way of progress. Progress toward what? I thought that perceptions of a brighter future through technology had been to some extent dicredited as naive, and that dystopian expectations were more compelling among futurists than utopian visions. In any case, I understand the technology perfecly well. My wife is a software developer and a programmer, and happily uses all of the apps and gadgets that appeal to her. I do not, out of a profound philosophical objection.

The first time, years ago, that I saw some moron walking down the street, waving his arms and talking loudly into a cellphone I knew we were in trouble. I'm happy to adopt what I regard as useful. I have a strong dislike for anything intrusive, or anything that attaches strings to an individual, limiting the ability to detach onesself from an already overly hive-like social construct. Not participating because of an informed rational though subjective choice is neither obstructionist nor obdurate.

 

[stanlalee]

What do any of these 'apps' or related portable internet devices have to do with advanced aquarium keeping, or with aquarium keeping on any level? Sounds more like advanced foolishness to me. Children playing with toys.

haha must still own a blackberry lol. if nothing else you can monitor parameters from the go (such as when on vacation). that alone is worth the $1-5 the app will typically cost.

 

[Reefermandan]

I have been working with computers since the early 80s so having my tank "controlled" and monitored by computers was natural for me. Remember that computers will only do what you program them to do so you still need to know how to do it (maintain a reef tank that is). We spend an awful lot of money on this hobby and if I can view tank parms on my phone or desktop while at the office and webcam in to take a look no matter where I am...it brings me great piece of mind to know things are OK. We are trying to present the best living environment for our fish and corals and computers help me stay on top of it. I do wish I could get some of this technology in your hands for a short period...you would not want to give it back