tank computers
- Thread starter LekicINC
- Start date
LekicINC
New member
I was actually looking at the the digital aquatics one and others that are preprogrammed. I am very interested in the technology but dont know the first thign about it. Does anybody have pictures of how these thing are set up and moniter and controll different parameters or could explain how they work?
Fast Fred
New member
I use a Neptune AquaController. I like it a lot! I have it connected to my laptop, and I do all the controlling and programming from the laptop. Easy to program and use, once you learn it. It can also be used without a home computer.
Here's the Marine Depot link:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers_neptune_systems_aquacontroller.asp?CartId=
Here's the Neptune link:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.htm
The way this thing works is pretty cool. I can even control my son's TV at the other end of the house from my laptop.
Here's the Marine Depot link:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers_neptune_systems_aquacontroller.asp?CartId=
Here's the Neptune link:
http://www.neptunesys.com/index.htm
The way this thing works is pretty cool. I can even control my son's TV at the other end of the house from my laptop.
LekicINC
New member
fast fred, would someone with not much tech experience be totally lost with one of these things?I dont really need it, but it just sounds really cool. I really like computers though dont know much about them and this seems like it would a fun gadget. How hard are they to setup/program and use? Do you have pictures of yours set up?
Fast Fred
New member
I really don't think the average person would have too much difficulty setting up and using the Aquacontroller. I have never tried to program it using the control box itself though. I hate scrolling through menus. I'd rather type in a keyboard. I think if you can use a computer, you should be able to do the rest. Of course, you can always call the manufacturer (he's in CA) or just come here to RC and ask for help.
The entire thing is based on a Home Automation system that uses X-10 modules. They are readily available at Radio Shack for about $12 each. The modules are the little white boxes you see in the cabinet. They have changable channels on them. Each one controls something different. For example, on my system, L-1 = Light #1 which is my VHOs. L-2 is my MH lights. P-1 is my main pump. And so on. The programming in the home computer is similar to DOS. For example:
IF Time > 12:00 Then L1 ON
IF Time > 18:00 Then L1 OFF
One thing I'm not sure about, because I never had the need, is this: The Aquacontroller unit needs to be located within 6' of the tank so that the probe cords will reach the water. The unit connects to the laptop with a serial cord. My laptop is in my office, next to my tank. My serial cord is only 6' long. I don't know if serial cords are available in longer lengths. If they are not, then your home computer, if you use for, needs to be within 12' of the tank.
The program that is an accesory is called AquaNotes. It also allows you to document things like pH trends, New fish added and when, chemical test results, etc. It really has more features than I'll ever take the time to use, but it is a pretty cool toy.
I hate to sound like a salesman for this thing, but when I find something that works, I like to tell folks about it.
The entire thing is based on a Home Automation system that uses X-10 modules. They are readily available at Radio Shack for about $12 each. The modules are the little white boxes you see in the cabinet. They have changable channels on them. Each one controls something different. For example, on my system, L-1 = Light #1 which is my VHOs. L-2 is my MH lights. P-1 is my main pump. And so on. The programming in the home computer is similar to DOS. For example:
IF Time > 12:00 Then L1 ON
IF Time > 18:00 Then L1 OFF
One thing I'm not sure about, because I never had the need, is this: The Aquacontroller unit needs to be located within 6' of the tank so that the probe cords will reach the water. The unit connects to the laptop with a serial cord. My laptop is in my office, next to my tank. My serial cord is only 6' long. I don't know if serial cords are available in longer lengths. If they are not, then your home computer, if you use for, needs to be within 12' of the tank.
The program that is an accesory is called AquaNotes. It also allows you to document things like pH trends, New fish added and when, chemical test results, etc. It really has more features than I'll ever take the time to use, but it is a pretty cool toy.
I hate to sound like a salesman for this thing, but when I find something that works, I like to tell folks about it.
LekicINC
New member
no these things are really cool. I am not sure i need one now, but i may invest in one just to play around with it. After all, a tank is supposed to be fun...any ideas of whether it works on a mac? Also, how do you know what commands to use, i.e. Time > 12:00 Then L1 ON, or is that just something you know already. It would be cool to run things with my computer, get rid of the many timers and individual probes. By the way thanks for posting all the pics, it was really helpful.
Last edited:
Fast Fred
New member
I have absolutely no idea about it working with MAC. You could always call Neptune and ask them. The number is on the support page of their website.
The controller comes with a default program already in it. You can modify it to suit your needs, or refer to the instruction book that comes with it. It gives you all of the commands that work, and how to use them. I did have a DOS course in high school when there was no such thing as windows. The commands are somewhat familiar, or at least the stye of programming is. It really is quite simple, once you get the idea.
The controller can also be used to automatically adjust the lighting timer to simulate the time of year that it is. (I think) you can tell it what latitude and longitude you want to simulate (ie:Fiji would be 17*44'02 S x 177*54'45 E) and it will program your tank to have the same sunrise time and sunset time that your corals had in the wild. Same with the moon cycle. I haven't gotten that into it though. I just like the fact that I have only 1 timer to mess with. My most recent contraption that I connected to it is my new, home-built Kalk reactor. I set it to mix for 5 mins. at noon, but not to start dripping until midnight when the lights are out and the kalk has settled. It drips until a float switch in the sump is satisfied, and shuts the solenoid valve.
I still have fun playing with it, but I am by-no-means an expert on it. And you're right, reef tanks are all about the fun and joy they bring, even if it is at an extraordinary price tag.
The controller comes with a default program already in it. You can modify it to suit your needs, or refer to the instruction book that comes with it. It gives you all of the commands that work, and how to use them. I did have a DOS course in high school when there was no such thing as windows. The commands are somewhat familiar, or at least the stye of programming is. It really is quite simple, once you get the idea.
The controller can also be used to automatically adjust the lighting timer to simulate the time of year that it is. (I think) you can tell it what latitude and longitude you want to simulate (ie:Fiji would be 17*44'02 S x 177*54'45 E) and it will program your tank to have the same sunrise time and sunset time that your corals had in the wild. Same with the moon cycle. I haven't gotten that into it though. I just like the fact that I have only 1 timer to mess with. My most recent contraption that I connected to it is my new, home-built Kalk reactor. I set it to mix for 5 mins. at noon, but not to start dripping until midnight when the lights are out and the kalk has settled. It drips until a float switch in the sump is satisfied, and shuts the solenoid valve.
I still have fun playing with it, but I am by-no-means an expert on it. And you're right, reef tanks are all about the fun and joy they bring, even if it is at an extraordinary price tag.
