Computer programs

[deepblue836]

I would like to know how many of us use aquarium maintenance software. I use reefcon pro and love it. What are some of the other programs being used, and what do you like/dislike about them?
You can find info and download software here

 

[jaze36]

I've used that one before, and thought it was pretty good.

 

[frankie33]

Just downloaded the ReefCon Pro... It's pretty good. Going to take me forever to set it up for my tank and build my own reference guide. A bit confusing. The reference guide that comes with it is kinds crappy. I'm, wondering what the purchase version is like... With some refinement it could be great software...

 

[deepblue836]

The trial version of Reefcon has it's limitations. Like most trial versions of software, the features that set programs apart from other similar programs are usually the features you want to try out most. They allow just enough of the features to be used so that you get excited about the programs ability to do this or that and you end up buying the full version. There is an update available for the reference library for the trial version that can be downloaded from the reefcon site. I have the full version and love it.

 

[vmiller]

I was using software I wrote myself to work with my Aquacontroller until I lost it to a hacker who deleted everything on my server. After that, I broke down and bought Aquanotes, which is what I've been using since.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Vin,

what language does the Aquacontroller accept? I am very versed in Foxpro, but can get my way around Access/ basic as well.

 

[vmiller]

Rainer,

The Aquacontroller uses it's own language, but you can use any language that can work with serial port communication to get the tank parameters from the Aquacontroller.

With the software I wrote, I was using Java to get the parameters from the Aquacontroller and control X10 modules based on them. I was also saving the parameters to a database for tracking. I was sort of reinventing the wheel since the Aquacontroller could already control X10 modules, but I liked having more control.

When I lost my code, I decided to just use the Aquacontroller's built in programming. I was going to write an interface that would let me change the Aquacontroller program from the web, but Neptune doesn't allow access to the API for updating the Aquacontroller for instability reasons. Only Aquanotes can do the update, which is pretty much why I bought it.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Makes sense about not allowing API control - but I share your sentiment about being able to control the program itself!

Thanks for the info,