What is one new function you'd like to see available for your aquarium controller?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I know there are multiple new toys in development. However, I'm wondering (beyond what we know is already available or on the way) what is one new function you'd like to see available for your aquarium controller?

 

[Retro Reefer]

Built in redundancy and fail safes.. IMO these need to be practically 100% fail prof, I still don’t trust any of them.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I know there are multiple new toys in development. However, I'm wondering (beyond what we know is already available or on the way) what is one new function you'd like to see available for your aquarium controller?

I posted a thread on this before. I wish there was a saltilinity monitor/controller. Similar to ph controller instead of ph control ,SG control. No such thing ive found

 

[fabutahoun]

I would like to copy all programs and settings from one controller to another one buy clicking just one button !
I have an Apex classic controller and I got the new apex controller last November, until now, I didn't migrate to the new controller because I don't want to spend time coping everything one by one.

 

[Mical]

I would like to see level indicator for ATO reservoir.

 

[Greybeard]

 

[Greybeard]

I'm an industrial software engineer... I regularly use high end industrial controllers, mostly Allen Bradley. Anyway, I _know_ what controllers are capable of.

Here's my list

1) A real programming interface. The wizards and easy setup options are great for the newbee's, but I'd really like to be able to write simple logic... if, then, else, named variables, Booleans tied to inputs and outputs, simple mathematics and logical operators, etc. Some sort of fully functional scripting language. Yes, I realize that many would not make use of such a thing, and I don't have a problem with keeping the easy stuff up front, but access to the code for those that want to use it would be great.

2) A decent relay input/output block. Apex has their breakout box, which is a horrible design, by the way, but it does give you some basic binary inputs. The only outputs are through 120VAC controlled outlets.... Why not a bank of relay based dry contact outputs? Being able to trigger a DC powered device via controller output seems a pretty basic need. The only similar function on Apex is to buy their solenoid, and wire it to the FMM or EB832. Expensive, and inflexible.

3) A decent HMI. Apex seems to be moving away from this, mostly due to the availability of inexpensive tablets. IMHO, these are _not_ satisfactory. A waterproof, AC powered, always on display, easily mounted near the aquarium, with customizable display options would be incredibly valuable. Mounting a cheap tablet is _NOT_ a sufficient replacement.

4) Here's a simple one... a link from Fusion to the Local 'classic' page. Apex is already sending info to Fusion... sending it's local IP would be trivial. I know, it'd only work if you were on the same local network... but I think we can safely assume that most controller configuration is done while local to the aquarium. If you're not local, well, it isn't going to work... but it sure would be handy for those of us who's IP's are always changing due to DHCP configuration on our routers.

 

[thom_smith]

+1 to the programming interface. The scripting logic is very primitive.

 

[KrisReef]

I would like to see level indicator for ATO reservoir.

Nice, a Sea-level indicator, I see what you did there.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I'm an industrial software engineer... I regularly use high end industrial controllers, mostly Allen Bradley. Anyway, I _know_ what controllers are capable of.

Here's my list

1) A real programming interface. The wizards and easy setup options are great for the newbee's, but I'd really like to be able to write simple logic... if, then, else, named variables, Booleans tied to inputs and outputs, simple mathematics and logical operators, etc. Some sort of fully functional scripting language. Yes, I realize that many would not make use of such a thing, and I don't have a problem with keeping the easy stuff up front, but access to the code for those that want to use it would be great.

2) A decent relay input/output block. Apex has their breakout box, which is a horrible design, by the way, but it does give you some basic binary inputs. The only outputs are through 120VAC controlled outlets.... Why not a bank of relay based dry contact outputs? Being able to trigger a DC powered device via controller output seems a pretty basic need. The only similar function on Apex is to buy their solenoid, and wire it to the FMM or EB832. Expensive, and inflexible.

3) A decent HMI. Apex seems to be moving away from this, mostly due to the availability of inexpensive tablets. IMHO, these are _not_ satisfactory. A waterproof, AC powered, always on display, easily mounted near the aquarium, with customizable display options would be incredibly valuable. Mounting a cheap tablet is _NOT_ a sufficient replacement.

4) Here's a simple one... a link from Fusion to the Local 'classic' page. Apex is already sending info to Fusion... sending it's local IP would be trivial. I know, it'd only work if you were on the same local network... but I think we can safely assume that most controller configuration is done while local to the aquarium. If you're not local, well, it isn't going to work... but it sure would be handy for those of us who's IP's are always changing due to DHCP configuration on our routers.

Had an uncle was superviser at Fullerton Allen Bradley unit. Every so often would bring materials to assemble small transformers. About 10 family members would build them thatz when made in the US was really made in the US.

 

[ca1ore]

Lets see, in no particular order ….

1. A better/larger connected (not wifi) display
2. A humidity sensor (for those of us with basement sump rooms)
3. I'd like to see a high capacity switching relay (like they used to sell) that would allow me to redundantly control my large chiller
4. A better breakout box (though Avast makes one)
5. A dedicated temperature probe module so that I don't have to buy a PM1/2 to just get another temp probe.

 

[Greybeard]

I would like to see level indicator for ATO reservoir.

This is easy... as long as high/low levels is sufficient. put a low level sensor in your ATO reservoir, and wire it to the break out box. Until recently, I had this... and a high level sensor as well, controlling the refill of my reservoir. I've done away with the reservoir entirely now, but this worked fairly well.

If you're wanting %full, well, then you need a different sort of sensor... and analog inputs into the Apex, which is a bit more problematic

 

[ca1ore]

I used to have a mid height sensor in my ATO reservoir that would trigger a virtual outlet called 'ATO Below Half'. Worked OK; though evap rate is pretty predictable so eyeballing works just as well.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm not going to be popular with my wishes, but I'd like a "dumb" controller (no internet/phone connectivity), without needing to understand programming, at a reasonable price. I'm running two antique ReefKeeper 2 controllers that fit this need, but know that eventually I'll need to replace them, and there is nothing out there.

 

[jda]

I would like two separate products... first, one that monitors only at one price point; and, second one that is a true controller that is part of the solution and not part of the problem at a higher price point. All that is out today is truly only good for monitoring since the probes are semi-junk and there is no true redundancy or failure control. Before I will buy one, they will have true cloud or second-unit redundancy with the ability to be detected if failure comes... I want enterprise class, not hobby grade.

I know that none of this comes cheap. I built one on a MacMini in J2EE and Ruby with Ubuntu Machine as a true backup it was not easy and I eventually stopped since I did not really care to write any more code. I doubt that a true enterprise-class controller will ever be offered in this hobby.

 

[lnevo]

I'm working on adding a variable dosing function to my controller based on feedback from my KH Guardian monitor.

For some of the ideas requested, ReefAngel covers a lot of that. Pressure based water level sensor, humidity sensor, 12vdc relay box, more advanced programming interface (+ Wizard) and multiple temp inputs.

Anyway, not looking to sell anyone but point out these problems have solutions

I'm also working with http://printed3d.parts to enhance their SOSS unit to enable reversing the on/off behavior. Then I'll be able to add optical sensors to my controller. I hope to take control of my Klir filter and replace the float switches in my tank with optical ones.

 

[JoshH]

I posted a thread on this before. I wish there was a saltilinity monitor/controller. Similar to ph controller instead of ph control ,SG control. No such thing ive found

Could probably make one up with an APEX or GHL using a salinity probe and a doser, you would need an extra reservoir of higher salinity water and your ATO reservoir, if you trusted your salinity probe enough to gauge your actual salinity....

 

[ZoWhat]

An accurate ALKALINITY probe continually monitoring dKH..

Not sure if thats even scientifically possible (?)

 

[rioreef]

I would like to see level indicator for ATO reservoir.

Apex DOS and in my case a 40 gal reservoir. I have optical sensors plugged into the DOS which enables the Fusion tile that keeps track of what each dosing head pumps. I run one of the pumps in reverse and by setting the volume values I am able to keep track of how much water is left (In millimeters) in the container. I also have a low water sensor on the reservoir

In the end though the low water sensor in your ATO container is the most important.

 

[Shanet]

Sounds like you need a Profilux 4 with a KH Director. Pretty much does all everyone's asking.