Has anyone tried this product?

[FishyFry]

http://www.draquarium.com

All feedback welcome. Thanks! :dive:

[DarkSoul]

i havent tried it, but maybe check out my thread "aquatic software database" for links to other software.

link is in my sig

[fineanimal]

Sorry, haven't tried it. It looks interesting, though. Too bad it can't monitor ammonia, nitrites and nitrates also!

[wackydan]

Too bad you have to leave your computer on 24/7 to use it.

[FishyFry]

I'm guessing this might be an application more suited to public setting, such as for aquariums you find in a hospital or restaurant. :confused:

[legendaryfrog]

it looks interesting, but i really dont see any need for it. If you have a properly set-up aquarium, theres no need to worry about parameters.

[loaches r cool]

Hmm, for the price I'd probably opt for a Neptune Systems Aquacontroller Jr., that is if your buying all the stuff like the pH measuring kit and any X10 stuff... I think the ACJr can log as much if not more data and control more devices with much greater capability. There are a ton of controllers out there... but it all depends on what you want to do.

For my next tank I considered many options. I want to automate just about everything... I could just use timers. But for a good quality digital timer with battery backup (probably about a dozen of them) I'll be already about up to the cost of some of the more basic aquarium controllers out there. And the controllers have so many extra features. Running a computer 24x7 isnt a biggie for me as I already run 2 or 3 24x7 so the data logging will be on one of those.


it looks interesting, but i really dont see any need for it. If you have a properly set-up aquarium, theres no need to worry about parameters.

No not needed, but for some folks (like me) would be beneficial. Even if you didnt use it as a controller and just a monitor, things can still happen that it might bring to your attention faster... like your heater failing, co2 overdose, etc.

[FishyFry]

I took a look at the comparison chart for the different Neptune controller models at: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~controllers_neptune_syst ems_aquacontroller_comparison_chart.html

Cool toys for someone's fish room maybe? For me, I think the temperature/power sensors are the main features I would be interested in, but I especially like the moon and seasonal lighting and temperature simulation.

The jr. model has these features, but to get connected to the internet, one of the two higher end models are needed. At first glance, it appears there is more hardware involved with the Neptune and along with it, cost when compared with DrAquarium. Still, the concept is a hoot. :thm:

[loaches r cool]

I took a look at the comparison chart for the different Neptune controller models at: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~controllers_neptune_syst ems_aquacontroller_comparison_chart.html

Cool toys for someone's fish room maybe? For me, I think the temperature/power sensors are the main features I would be interested in, but I especially like the moon and seasonal lighting and temperature simulation.

The jr. model has these features, but to get connected to the internet, one of the two higher end models are needed. At first glance, it appears there is more hardware involved with the Neptune and along with it, cost when compared with DrAquarium. Still, the concept is a hoot. :thm:

For the ACJr. and basic monitoring and controlling the only thing you need that it doesnt come with is a pH probe. It comes with the main unit, a direct connect-8 for turning up to 8 devices on and off, and a temp sensor. The basic computer software is free to download. You need to buy an extra serial cable to hook it to the computer though if you want the data logging / computer monitoring / computer programming capability (or I think you might be able to make one if your handy). But yeah to get the really good features like I want you need to step up a couple hundred more bucks to the AC3 for a built in ethernet support and webserver. The best feature about the Neptune's, IMO, is they expandability and customizability. Many other controllers cant do this or that or only have a couple devices they can control, etc. The Neptune just seems just to be the moxt flexable and most feature packed for the money.

BTW for those interested in fancy dancy controllers there is a real good comparison chart at http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/ go to 'comparison chart' on the left. For the Neptune systems, http://www.neptunesys.com/ is there website and will have all the info and comparison and prices on thier controllers.

[FishyFry]

You have a point, LRCool... I didn't realize the DrAquarium set up is for only one tank. Meanwhile, I noticed there are sound options for a built-in microphone. It would be cool to hear the frogs singing. :)... or do they mean you can use it to talk to your fish. <kidding> :evil_lol: