The ultimate reef software

[ItsMee]

I used to frequent these forums when I had a tank. I ended up moving long distance and had to sell my reef in hopes that I would be able to have another tank without much time going by. It has been about 2 years since I have not had a reef and it does not look like one is in my near future.

I have decided to live out this hobby in a different way and I have always got great feedback here. So I have decided to write some reef tank maintenance software in the programming language of C++. Before I begin writing this software, I would like to see all the features of this software that the reef central community would want. Help me build the blueprint to your dream software. Give me all your ideas, everything short of taking automated readings. In the future I would like to write software that takes water readings, but right now I want to focus on everything except that.

Keep in mind that this software will be able to upload and retrieve information from a database and/or files stored in the user's computer in order to identify and display long and short term trends using graphs. For this post I will compose a list of everyone's ideas and keep it updated as we add to it. If there are any other programmers out there that want to help, feel free to hit me up.

 

[nukumjilly]

a chime to remind to do reef maintance...time to add certain chemicals, a reminder to to water testing etc. A database of ranges for testing results. ie you test for ammonia...the program compares your outcome to the "normal" ranges and then suggests a way of reaching your goal....ammonia is too high, reduce feedings, water change...look for...blah blah blah...

My bf has made a excel worksheet that all his testing outcomes go on so that he can watch for trend...you can see the change of certain issues. Then he has what he did to fix the issue, how it responded, changes to the tank etc. So in the future, when his zoos start loosing color he can see what caused it and it is easier to resolve....that way if he has a problem, he can check his trends over the last years and see what was done to fix the issue without having to do all the homework over again because it has been so long since he had the problem the first time.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

what you are proposing can easily be accomplished using EXCEL etc. If you were to design something of value, "ultimate" like you are saying, it would have to control pumps, relays, test water automatically + the reminders of testing and data tracking I will post one photo of my software that came with my PLC to give you an example.
I would want the software you are designing to do it ALL.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

 

[doubleduece]

young frankenstein Whos logic is that? I work w/ visual logic alot, and you've peaked my attention w/ your software...

 

[ItsMee]

yes, i agree. Although I do not have any hardware to control, so that is why I mentioned every thing else besides that aspect for the time being, so when I do have the hardware to work with that I can concentrate on just that. So if that part is the only part of value as you say, maybe ill just hold off for now.

 

[SeaHorseTim]

I don't know much about computers, so I'm not clear on what c++ is capable of.

Can you make it so that I can set up a computer that would run 24/7 and allow me to 'dial in' (via a wireless router) to check on tank related data? Maybe the program could also run a webcam so that folks/I could view the tank.

Heck, as long as I'm dreaming, can you basically make a software concept that could perform the same functions as those controller-type units out there?

 

[doubleduece]

Itsme I went back and reread your post, because the first time I read it I must of read everyother word. Like I said in my previous post I'm very familar w/ Visual Logic Programming, my job is in commerical HVAC BAS, so I really understand what and why the diffrent controllers out there work. The problem I see with just building the software is that your software will have to communicate with controllers already on the market, now since you are a computer programmer that is probably not a problem. I rep Alerton in my area and we have a wide range of controllers that can do anything i.e analog inputs,outputs, bianary inputs,outputs, dialup, ethernet,annex J,BACNET over IP just to name a few. I built my system and wrote the programming for my hardware, and it works great but the main problem I ran into was doing it cheaper then the manufacturers out there already..NOW IF YOU COULD US EXISTING HARDWARE ALREADY ON THE MARKET I would like to be able to manipulate in/outputs and know status of lights and pumps w/out a camera. Sorry I went so long , but I really like the concept of what you propose.

So what kinda ideas do you have already as far as intergration w/ existing hardware......

 

[areze]

honestly, what I want in a controlling system is flexibility. my needs will not be what another persons needs are. everyone setup is different. the ability to use any input data to control any hardware in any way, thats what Id want... more or less what you see from controllers like aqua controller and reef keeper, but with MORE. if statements are cool, but if, and, or, while, ect that would be awesome.

 

[ministry]

SNMP / support would be nice to allow the GET of any data points and the SENDING of any status/relay changes. This should allow for easy integration with 3rd party friends.

I use MRTG and several data collectors to control the outlets on an smart swtich that can be managed by SNMP. Tying in an app like yours would be very welcome.

 

[mrpenguin]

So you want to make software for an aquarium that can be used by any controller like the Reefkeeper 2 ?
That is how you will have to do it right because how else would you be able to get the information from the tank to the software unless you just manually enter everything.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13259925#post13259925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doubleduece
young frankenstein Whos logic is that? I work w/ visual logic alot, and you've peaked my attention w/ your software...

The software is called FAB, and theres PLCs available with transistor, relay, line voltage inputs and outputs. So making a probe interface in not that difficult Heres some more photos of my PLC.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

heres a link http://www.array.sh/fabCFABe.htm
the 8 chanel go for about $ 140 includding software the 4 chanel for $ 80.00

 

[Young Frankenstein]

As you can see theres a variety of PLCs that can do ANYTHING you want. I would say writing a custom software for one of those would do it. But not only controll the system..reminders, testing, printing, etc. cover all points of testing and controlling with an ORP and PH probe and alcalinity. Calcium and nitrate probes dont work good.

 

[doubleduece]

young frankenstein Thats a cool little product with just enough punch and memory for what we need it t do, and the price is right also. I think I will check this out, I like.......

Itsme I think this could be it, the hardware you would need for your software. Well at least its a start....

 

[ItsMee]

I guess calcium and nitrates tests would have to be done manually. How accurate are the probes for those tests? Ive always used the liquid tests and didn't know probes for them existed. Thanks for the link, I need to look into this.

 

[saveafish]

A big plus to add is a custom section to where if something is wrong you can export a timeframe chart to compair to where it went wrong. EX. some unwanted hair algae. You can take the chart and put it on a coversheeet to show or outline too many tds in the ro/di water comming or too high of a feeding at a past time. and a help section to where there is fast Q &A's if a problem did arise. With a alarm comming up with a problem with a pop up that has some of the Q&A's that pertain to it. Like if it is comming time to replace a light. and it looks dimmer or unwanted algae starts to grow. When you look at it to see why it will so its time to replace a bulb.

 

[doubleduece]

ItsMe The probes send a reference signal(VDC or mA) to the input of a controller. The problem would be scaling the input and prope so that it would read correctly, that info could be determined with field testing or the manufacturer might supply it to you. The probes need to be calibrated often to insure the correct readings.