Automated Self-Maintaning fresh water aquarium

[OrionGirl]

JMO, but the survey was lacking several key components. While I doubt I personally would use something like this, I do see a market for more inclusive monitors. I wouldn't trust a product to perform water changes on it's schedule, but if I could set it to do them automatically rather than just when it detects problem levels, maybe. So--some advice--instead of concentrating on one model that does 'everything', break it down to smaller models that can include different parameters appropriate to different setups. For example, a planted tank is frequently monitored for a wider variety of parameters than an unplanted community tank. Ditto for an African cichleds tank. This way, the community unplanted tank unit could have just those factors that are important rather than including all the things that might be monitored in a planted community.

Also--it's always disappointing to take a survey and find that the options given are inadequate. Why ask if someone has Fresh/Salt, but not allow them to indicate they have both?

 

[geoffgarcia]

I'm confused by some of the questions on that survey..
how is it relevant to your project to know what type of fish I keep and the size of my tank? or for that matter what I do for maintenance?
questions 2-7 are completely irrelevant.

If you actually plan to build a prototype then you should start by focusing on the key parameters: temperature, nitrite, nitrate, PH, ammonia.
If its a marketing project then sky is the limit...

All you need to do is toss a handful of probes into the tank to monitor the water levels and have it determine whether or not to do a water change. I dont see why everyone is resisting this idea, its not like fish tanks are some elaborate thing that needs to be hand tuned.
I'm also bewildered by people that say they wouldn't trust such a device...why wouldn't you? no faith in technology?

 

[cdawson]

I agree, I have both too and wasn't given the option. Clearly there are many key factors not taken into consideration. As I said before it's impossible to create a self maintaining aquarium, there are already electronic tools that monitor the parameters you say. There are also already tools that add the appropriate amount of nutrients, they're called dosers and are available to plant enthusiasts and reef keepers alike. However, controlling something like hardness, ph and such can be done naturally. There really is no need for something like this, and as others stated it takes away from the joy of fishkeeping. Not to mention the price tag would be too high to be aimed at the general public anyhow. Already a simple doser comes in at $200, where a ph probe & hardness probe comes in at $90 each. Not sure on others as I haven't purchased others. Even with the doser and probes it's impossible to keep the nutrient levels where they would be optimally without the benefits of water changes or general tank maintenance.

 

[cdawson]

I'm confused by some of the questions on that survey..
how is it relevant to your project to know what type of fish I keep and the size of my tank? or for that matter what I do for maintenance?
questions 2-7 are completely irrelevant.

If you actually plan to build a prototype then you should start by focusing on the key parameters: temperature, nitrite, nitrate, PH, ammonia.
If its a marketing project then sky is the limit...

All you need to do is toss a handful of probes into the tank to monitor the water levels and have it determine whether or not to do a water change. I dont see why everyone is resisting this idea, its not like fish tanks are some elaborate thing that needs to be hand tuned.
I'm also bewildered by people that say they wouldn't trust such a device...why wouldn't you? no faith in technology?

Blind faith is something that can get you into alot of trouble, trusting your own skills is one thing. Trusting technology is just plain idiotic.
Tell me you've never had a single electronic device crap out on you and I won't believe it. Now take those simple electronic devices and put them in charge of your fish's lives.

 

[geoffgarcia]

Trusting technology is just plain idiotic.

Ever fly? drive a car? have laser eye surgery? eat genetically engineered food? take medicine?

our lives are at risk 24-7 because of all the technology around us. A nuclear power plant or a petroleum refinery could go at any second, hell if the electric in ur house went down you'd be in trouble, or if there was an electrical glitch and your house burned down.

technology is here, and its not going anywhere....

 

[OrionGirl]

I do water changes ever week on my tanks--at least. Some could comfortably go much longer, some need more than once a week. This is my hobby, rather than just decorations, and as such, water changes and the other maintenance I perform is part of the hobby I like.

 

[carpguy]

DIY is a strong thing in this hobby and pretty much anything that can be automated has been by some one or other. Its all possible.

But, as has been noted, the cost would be fairly astonishing.

Plants get complicated fast and anything automated is going to mean multiple probes, multiple pumps, multiple reservoirs. Good probes are expensive and delicate, maintenance, cleaning, calibration. Not exactly no muss no fuss.

Keep it fish only? You could put together an automated water change system, once a week plus top off, no probes or sensors except the float switch. A lot of site specific plumbing. Things need to be customized. The plans are out there. Does a system that automatically tests for nitrates improve on this in some way? Change half once a week, manual or automated. Why throw any probes in the water?

 

[cdawson]

Ever fly? drive a car? have laser eye surgery? eat genetically engineered food? take medicine?

our lives are at risk 24-7 because of all the technology around us. A nuclear power plant or a petroleum refinery could go at any second, hell if the electric in ur house went down you'd be in trouble, or if there was an electrical glitch and your house burned down.

technology is here, and its not going anywhere....

First off, I don't fly. I only trust my vehicle because I fix it myself, never had surgery and I only eat organic foods. I don't take any medications.


I use technology, but this doesn't mean that I trust or rely on it. My fish are the last thing I would rely on technology to take care of. Reason #1 all of my tanks are planted. If the power goes out there will still be enough oxygen and clean water to keep my fish happy. Power here wouldn't be out for long anyways, it's hydro powered.

 

[cbass179]

First off, I don't fly. I only trust my vehicle because I fix it myself, never had surgery and I only eat organic foods. I don't take any medications.


I use technology, but this doesn't mean that I trust or rely on it. My fish are the last thing I would rely on technology to take care of. Reason #1 all of my tanks are planted. If the power goes out there will still be enough oxygen and clean water to keep my fish happy. Power here wouldn't be out for long anyways, it's hydro powered.

I believe both you guys are right in your own ways. I love technology and the gadgets that come out. I also love my fish. Therefore, I buy the technology, plus i monitor how well the fish are doing on top of that. For me, i enjoy the fish hobby plus the technology that comes with it. The beauty of all this is, we are all right, because i'm sure we all have the same heart condition when it comes to this great hobby. Technology or no technology, we have choices. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Thank you, for all your great opinions..

 

[carpguy]

Ever fly?

Ever wonder why they pay two people some fairly substantial salaries to sit up front and watch whats pretty much a fully automated process? Or why no one trusts the computer that does most of the flying to land the plane?

How do you feel about fully automated cars?

Ever have one of those sensors in your car read false? Like the 100,000 miles I drove with the check engine light on? (It actually stayed on after the engine was replaced).

What's the potential downside of system failure? What are the failsafes? The wellbeing of the fish aside, there's an awful lot of water involved.

My lights are on timers. I mix a brew for the Liquidoser. I change the water myself.