Jeramy Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 So I am sitting here in front of my computer. It can run multiple programs stream the internets all at the same time. Yet if I want to control my fish tank I have to go spend hundreds of dollars for a much smaller computer that cant totally function with out being hooked up to a real computer. Has any one ever looked into making a soft ware program that would funtion like a controler but be more user friendly and not cost a small fortune? I dont know a lot about programing and all but I have seen some pretty amazing things done by computers and it seems like it would not be that hard. If there is a missing link here let me know. Or if there is a program out there already that any one knows about let me know thanks =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I think there are a few problems one would have to address to do this. Not so much with the software but more the hardware. You would need a way to transmit all of the info to your computer either wireless or have the computer right next to the tank. You could run a line I guess but you would still have to create a head unit for all of the probes to plug into. For stuff on timers you would still need a power strip and I don't know how you would attach that to a computer. I agree the controllers on the market are expensive. The RKL is only $119 but the add on's are expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberlee Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I just got a reef lite, and while it's not cheap it's not hundreds of $$ either. Seems to be the missing link, and I love the thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Funny story. When my IT guy tells me something I'm asking for is impossible, I always counter with "Dude, I can watch porn on my cell phone so don't tell me anything is impossible"! Not that I watch porn on my cell phone... There are tons of controllers and components out there for Building Automation Systems (BAS), and I believe that what's put together and marketed specifically for aquariums is quite affordable in comparison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islandoftiki Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Here's the scenario I see with a windows PC controlling a fish tank... Scenario #1: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Power goes out, windows reboots to the "Machine not shut down properly" screen and sits there. Tank crashes while you're at work. Scenario #2: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Windows automatically installs an update, reboots, update didn't work right, computer freezes. Tank crashes while you're at work. Scenario #3: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Some unexpected driver conflict arises and computer goes into blue screen of death (literally) Tank crashes while you're at work. I could keep going, but I think you get where I'm going with this. Sometimes simple is best. A stand alone controller that isn't affected by other things, programs, viruses, and other unexpected things is probably safer. I think there are too many variables with a PC for it to be a trustworthy tank controller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hewey McLovit Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Bill i can watch porn on my watch! (naughty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omarortiz Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 There are DIY aquarium controllers out there that you can build at a fraction of the cost. But, then you have to program it (and the device you make will be huge in comparison to a brand name controller). When I shopped for a controller, I thought about this and I asked myself, do I really want to spend more time tweaking something for my aquarium? Also, I don't want to program something and troubleshoot the code to get it to work and use my aquarium to test it out. For example, you can build an arduino type controller and program it. You might even be able to get the reef angel open source software on it. But then you have to install it old school. Kind of like configuring a linux OS. It can be done, but it will take time and you might miss something. If you could ask your fish if they thought this was a good idea, then they would probably say, "No, that is a horrible idea." (nono) At the end of the day, it is nice to have something that is plug and play and go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beardedsmurf Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Bill i can watch porn on my watch! (naughty) Heck, I can MAKE porn on my phone that you can watch on your watch! (whistle)(rock2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hewey McLovit Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Heck' date=' I can MAKE porn on my phone that you can watch on your watch! (whistle)(rock2)[/quote'] Now i don't know if i want to see beardedsmurf porn on my watch? Or maybe i do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beardedsmurf Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Now i don't know if i want to see beardedsmurf porn on my watch? Or maybe i do? "Hey, what'cha watching'?" "Smurfs smurfin'!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramy Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 LOL thats for the advice I knew there had to be a reason why thi shad not been done yet =) I blame the high cost of controllers on the fact that the computer techs are watching smurf porn on their watches =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhead77 Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Here's the scenario I see with a windows PC controlling a fish tank... Scenario #1: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Power goes out, windows reboots to the "Machine not shut down properly" screen and sits there. Tank crashes while you're at work. Scenario #2: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Windows automatically installs an update, reboots, update didn't work right, computer freezes. Tank crashes while you're at work. Scenario #3: PC happily monitoring and controlling every parameter with graphs and pie charts to show you how great it's doing. Some unexpected driver conflict arises and computer goes into blue screen of death (literally) Tank crashes while you're at work. I could keep going, but I think you get where I'm going with this. Sometimes simple is best. A stand alone controller that isn't affected by other things, programs, viruses, and other unexpected things is probably safer. I think there are too many variables with a PC for it to be a trustworthy tank controller. Now if you hooked this up on a Mac, your tank would never crash and all of your corals would be overflowing the top of the rim! Sorry, I couldn't help it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramy Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Now if you hooked this up on a Mac, your tank would never crash and all of your corals would be overflowing the top of the rim! Sorry, I couldn't help it. Yes but you would be back to my first gripe ridiculously expensive rofl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islandoftiki Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Yes but you would be back to my first gripe ridiculously expensive rofl Winning! (laugh) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhead77 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Porsches cost more than Kia's, so what's your point? At least it wouldn't crash every other day. (whistle) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramy Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 Yes but I could afford the Kia rofl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Ok to make it simple. I am a computer tech and could program the software and implement it. But why? Unless I am gonna mass produce them it makes no sense. I can buy a da elite for less than my time costs. I would rather spend time with my kids then spend a week + making the software, then you have to consider making your own head unit + the outlets. And no, windows crashing is not going to affect your saved Reef Keeper settings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kriz2fer Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 First the tank will not be affected at all if the computer had problems. The apex is not connected to the computer, its connected to the internet which is world wide. Meaning you can access your apex/tank from anywhere in the world from any computer. I had my apex wired into the router with no computer at all in the house, just a router. If I wanted to access my tank I would simply go on my iphone at do just about anything I wanted or go on your buddies computer and access it from there. The info is stored in the apex and dosent get erased, if power goes out then it returns to normal settings or you can have it do certain things if power fails. The apex will blow your mind with things it can do...The opportunities are really endless with that thing ask anyone who has one. Best investemnt you'll ever make and once you have one it will be hard to live without it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kriz2fer Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 double post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasasah Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Ok to make it simple. I am a computer tech and could program the software and implement it. But why? Unless I am gonna mass produce them it makes no sense. I can buy a da elite for less than my time costs. I would rather spend time with my kids then spend a week + making the software' date=' then you have to consider making your own head unit + the outlets. And no, windows crashing is not going to affect your saved Reef Keeper settings.[/quote'] I totaly agree with brian. The reason why controllers cost as much as they do is because someone that knows what they are doing made something convinient and patented it. I mean look at at vortech mp60... 775 bucks?... guys in the RnD department at my work could make these, its just a time factor. Ive acctualy been talking to one about helping me make my own sea swirls. I think making some vortechs would be even simpler... A motor, aluminum housing, magnet... Ummm your done lol just takes money to make dies and if youre gonna make dies youre gonna mass produce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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