Mindstream Aquarium Monitoring System

[dtaranath]

Anyone have any info on this new product? It supposedly tests 12 different parameters:
- pH
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- CO2
- Oxygen
- Potassium
- Ammonia
- Nitrate
- Nitrite
- Ammonium
- Alkalinity (dKH)
- Salinity/TDS
- Temperature
- Conductivity

And it's WiFi enabled. I thought many of these parameters were impossible to test without titration? Anyway, it appears they are in beta testing now, and I'm really curious to see if it lives up to what it claims to do. If so, this would be quite a revolution.

 

[Ron Reefman]

So where did you hear about it? Honestly, it sounds either too good to be true or too expensive to afford!

 

[OceanRevive]

We've heard about it, but there isn't much real data available yet.
http://blog.aquanerd.com/2013/11/mindstream-aquarium-monitoring-system.html

 

[dtaranath]

So where did you hear about it? Honestly, it sounds either too good to be true or too expensive to afford!

I couldn't agree with you more! But, I just don't understand how "all of a sudden" it appears that continuous monitoring of some of these parameters is possible. Unless there's some new technology, I would love to understand the science behind it.

 

[E.intheC]

Hopefully it's not "too good to be true" or too expensive (or inaccurate). I heard Alk was extremely difficult to monitor continually, though.

I'd be willing to pay decent money for something like this, as long as it works.

 

[Ben_1313]

Hopefully it's not "too good to be true" or too expensive (or inaccurate). I heard Alk was extremely difficult to monitor continually, though.

I'd be willing to pay decent money for something like this, as long as it works.

I agree! It seems like there's always a "miracle" product in the works so I'm not holding my breath. That being said I'm excited to see if it comes into fruition.

 

[den75]

They just released a statement on their facebook page that it will be realesed early next year and the cost will be under $600. We'll see.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I bet it's as accurate as an API kit.

 

[Allmost]

I would think there would be alot of papers and patents out already, if a new technology like this was invented.

unless its part of a water change system ... I did that as a diy once, remove water, add to small Vial, with a PH probe. then using a doser I would add water and Acid, till PH drops to 4.5. the time it took for the PH to drop, is a function of Alk. ... but it was not accurate, and PH probe needed calibration on every test.

someone email them and ask them to just make a self-calibrating PH probe first lol

 

[Reef Frog]

There is a multi test machine being advertised now in reef magazines now. They say it is going to be installed in retail locations. Here's the link.

www.thriveaquatics.com

 

[FlyPenFly]

I believe that's going to be a multi thousand dollar machine and you pay per use.

 

[dtaranath]

This new system is based on "fluorescence" technology. Why has nobody EVER spoken about this before?

 

[Fieroguy19]

If this thing can test with accuracy similar to Salifert or Lamotte then they will sell a ton of these. One of the most frustrating parts of the hobby is getting accurate test results and how to keep parameters stable. If you can hook this up to a controller it could automate testing and dosing.

I will definitely buy if it is accurate and cost effective to run.

 

[Allmost]

This new system is based on "fluorescence" technology. Why has nobody EVER spoken about this before?

+1 ... they would deserve a Nobel prize before this !

I am skeptical, cause none of the scholars know about this, nor are there any papers about such technology ...

 

[Fieroguy19]

Fluorescence technology is not new. There are special fluorochromes that will bind to specific elements like calcium ions. I am betting the reason why we have not heard of this before is due to cost. Testing things at the scientific level is extremely expensive so most people here would never hear about some of the techniques that exist simply because it would be crazy expensive to use on your tank.

Obviously they didn't give us much info on how it works, but I am guessing it is some kind of fluorimeter. Whatever it is, they did a great job of keeping costs down to sell it for under $600.

 

[Allmost]

ok I found some articles about it.

sorry I thought the system is supposed to be in line ... like PH probe.

it would make sense if it was like the Hanna testers ...

 

[Fieroguy19]

So I went to their Facebook page and they said it uses disks that test the water similar to the seneye. The disks last 90 days and then need replaced. Sounds like the disks have some type of membrane that interacts with the water and changes color that an led and sensor can read.

I am interested now about accuracy.

 

[ayionna06]

I just wanna add that they are in the lab testing for phosphate also

 

[Quick_Ben]

I look forward to tossing the testing box, but have a feeling it will be staying around for a while. Exciting possibilities, though.

 

[Cole_lol]

So I went to their Facebook page and they said it uses disks that test the water similar to the seneye. The disks last 90 days and then need replaced. Sounds like the disks have some type of membrane that interacts with the water and changes color that an led and sensor can read.

I am interested now about accuracy.

I didn't see where it said it used a disk. Where did you see that?