[The Shan Man]

What is everybody's thoughts on the program Dr. Aquarium???

[Steven Pro]

Never heard of it.

[Reefland]

Got a link?

[The Shan Man]

Yeah... WWW.draquarium.com

You can download the software and check out the features. I guess if you guys have never heard of it then it must not be worth while.

[Steven Pro]

It could simply be new(er). Plus, I am generally a low tech person when it comes to aquariums.

[smidoid]

Weeel, it's cheap. But it sounds to me like it requires a PC to be on all the time (fine if you're running a server) or have a spare P2 to hand.

I have yet to try it (I'm going to have a look-see) but judging from the blurb, it doesn't look like anything too clever (on its own). You still have to buy all the electronic gizmos to go with it (sensors and actuators) to make it all work.

Steven and others might have a better idea, but I don't know about the wisdom of putting a PH tester probe in the tank - sounds a little suspect to me.

[BubbaWPB]

It sounds like a less expensive alternative to fancy controller units. Sounds like you need to add all sorts of probes and stuff for it to work

Given the number of floods I've had and other hazards of this hobby, I keep my PC at the other end of the house - as far away from the saltwater as I can get it.

[The Shan Man]

Yeah I never thought of that. That would not be a good thing. I would be sleeping on the couch for a month.

[smidoid]

He he! I would think it's a pretty simple program to run. A networked P2 would do the job just nice (in fact, I dare say a base P1 would too). It doesn't even need to have a monitor - you could probably share the data over the network. I have a similar system here - I'll check and see if it works.

Yip. It works alright. Not much use on its own without the X10 hardware, but if you're into gadgets, it does have some natty little features.

I have to admit that I missed the web server plugin when scanning the blurb. It allows you to see what your tank's doing anywhere you can get on the net - and it doesn't have to be a Windows machine either. Any web-capable device will do (excluding those mobile phone browsers). Authentication is supported, although it's off by default!

Just imagine sitting in a bar/railway station/airport adjusting your lights or just checking the Ph and temp! Ah bliss.

It's certainly worth a look if

• You have the money for the gagets ($300+)
• Can lay your mits on an old windows-based PC. Once running, the PC doesn't need to have a monitor - in fact, an oldish notebook would be ideal. Over here, we can get ex-office machines (by Dell, Fujitsu, IBM and others) for $50-$100 without screens and one of those would do the trick.
• Have a home network or can build your own.

Oh, it appears that if you're not running flourescent lights, you can simulate natural moon phases and the like. More control hardware is required to do that of course.

[Joe Mac]

Looks pretty cool to me.

I haven't tested it though.

I used a Neptune controller back in the day... big bucks. Worked like a charm though. Totally automated my 125g reef. X10 is proven, reliable technology. The Dr. software seems to have some great features.

My wife will not allow me to have any tank that isn't near fully automated anymore (if she has to have anything to do with it), now that she has been spoiled.

I bought a but*load of Kenwood brand X10 modules years ago... and have a couple of old computers... so the cost for me would just be the software - and ANOTHER tank, of course!

Will probably purchase the software eventually, if it is still on the market when I'm ready.

Automation is really cool (though expensive) and has greatly increased the stability of my tanks over the years and decreased the "drudgery" of maintenance exponentially for me.

I've never understood why some reefers are so resistant to it, except for the expense. But for me, its saved countless $$$ in livestock alone due to the rock-solid constancy of my parameters.

Joe Mac

BTW- Another very popular controller, the Octopus, utilizes X-10 technology. I am now using the Digital Aquatics controllers on my nanos. They are perfect for nanos IMO... using a direct 8 outlet "power-strip" type of connection.