Managing maintenance?

[cane]

What do you guys use to manage your aquariums maintenance and levels? Are you using apps or spreadsheets etc? I tried Aquarium note and Aquarium manager but they keep loosing my info after I have logged it.

 

[hybridazn]

I use the logs on apex fusion.

 

[kschweer]

I keep a simple notebook with basic info. I log test results l, bulb changes, media changes and a few other things. I also keep track of all new additions and where they came from.

 

[cane]

I do not have an Apex. Can you use the app without the system?

 

[dbl]

Excel spreadsheets. Store them in the cloud so you can access them anywhere.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm old fashion....well lets just face it.....I'm old. And I come from the Research and Development departments from fortune 500 drug and medical device companies where it was required that we write in bound notebooks. Actually these notesbooks made a couple patent challenges open and shut cases.

Anyway, I use a bound notebook to record my tank info. I still find paging through paper easier then this new fangled compluter nonsense. I own an Amazon Fire and have read books on it, but still find greater enjoyment in turning a paper page. It's just me!

 

[jsker]

I wrote an excel spread sheet, with graphs to track my tank. Could not see paying $$$$ for tracking. Does everything I need at a fraction of the cost

 

[Kurt Copeland]

I'm curious if there isn't some cloud-based logging system which would make recommendations based on your entries.

 

[jsker]

I'm curious if there isn't some cloud-based logging system which would make recommendations based on your entries.

As far as I researched nothing yet. A reef is a delicate Eco system and it varies from situation to situation, patents and a blog is you best bet

 

[Kurt Copeland]

Thoughts on the additional expense of a digital refractometer versus the traditional handheld refractometer?

I am looking at the Milwaukee brand (~$110) and wondering if it is worth the money (as scientific digital refractometers can run in the thousands and handhelds can go for only $20).

 

[redfishbluefish]

I see nothing wrong with the approximately 25-30 dollar refractometers available on eBay, Amazon and other sites. When calibrated with 53 mS calibration fluid, they blow swing arms out of the water. If you have cash sitting around and burning a hole in your pocket, go for the digital, if you like wasting money and can't bring you eye down to look through the little hole in the device.

 

[TreyC2010]

I use aquariumate for the iPhone and I love it. I schedule tasks, track everything, and keep up with expenses. It has more too.

 

[cane]

Thanks everyone. I just created an exel spreadsheet

 

[ilovereefing <3]

I use an Excel spreadsheet that is saved to the cloud as well as a flash drive, so I don't have to worry too much about losing my data. The apps are nice, but I read too many reviews stating that they lost their information. I don't want to risk that. I have one worksheet that I log all of my test results, observations, and actions, then I have another worksheet that has my equipment maintenance and reminders. I set formulas in it to change color/status based on how close I am to the time I need to do the maintenance. Helps to keep me on track. Happy reefing!

 

[dbl]

Cane...if you know how to do conditional formulas you can have your spreadsheet visually indicate when things are due/needed. I posted this a week or so ago for someone else, but this is what I'm talking about. Very helpful.

Edit...ilovereefing was typing at the same time with the same suggestion.

 

[ilovereefing <3]

Cane...if you know how to do conditional formulas you can have your spreadsheet visually indicate when things are due/needed. I posted this a week or so ago for someone else, but this is what I'm talking about. Very helpful.

Edit...ilovereefing was typing at the same time with the same suggestion.

I totally got this idea from you!! Was an absolute PITA to set it up, but when I finally figured it out...I'm hooked! I even did an intermediate yellow color for "approaching soon" for the harder stuff so I can get prepared in advance! Thanks for the awesome idea! @dbl

 

[dbl]

It really is a great tool. But redfishbluefish I'm a little old fashion with somethings...I still buy books printed on paper!!!

 

[aslmx]

Crap I've been reefing 8 years and never kept notes.

 

[scalare102079]

I use the app AquaPlanner... very easy to use and is cloud based.