Maintenance software

JulBranch · 04/15/2009, 10:18 AM

Does anyone know of good software program for keeping track of water changes and reef chemistry and fish/invert additions and so on.

maxheadroom · 04/15/2009, 10:19 AM

I've used this one for over a year now.

http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefCon/

Sisterlimonpot · 04/15/2009, 10:45 AM

why not a simple excel program?

maxheadroom · 04/15/2009, 11:07 AM

BTW, reefcon is a free program.

Sisterlimonpot · 04/15/2009, 11:11 AM

yeah, there's something about the word "freeware" that makes me believe it's not free.

WaterKeeper · 04/15/2009, 11:18 AM

You know I have seen good ones in Excel but I lost my favorites list after a computer crash and can't remember who had them. If I get a little industrious I may work on making one for a future Newbie Corner Article. To do that I'd need to make it more of an application where the actual worksheet would only include the parameters the hobbyist wishes to track but I've done that type of thing before and it only takes a little VBA code to accomplish.

PRDubois · 04/15/2009, 02:22 PM

+1 to using excel

mmedeiros2 · 04/15/2009, 05:35 PM

The free version of Reef Con works well for all the basic logs needed.

stricknine · 04/15/2009, 05:53 PM

How about software/equipment that can log all data in real time? I have a spare PC laying around and would love to set up an automated logger in the fish room complete with data logs, maintenance and limit alarms (via email integration), and constant monitoring of all params that are important.

That would be a great idea, if it doesnt exist forget the above post. I already have a patent! Might be expensive, but this aint no poor mans hobby! (unfortunately!)

WaterKeeper · 04/15/2009, 05:58 PM

How about telling me what you would like to see in a log program. Don't get too complicated as not everyone has Access but I can customize Excel to do a lot of things.

JulBranch · 04/15/2009, 10:42 PM

I downloaded reefcon and trying it out. Seems real involved.

Whys · 04/16/2009, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sisterlimonpot
why not a simple excel program?

+1. I actually like to use Google Docs spreadsheet, as this makes it automatically available online for others when trying to help me with a problem.

Check it...
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?k...z9NrIvPg&hl=en

Whys · 04/16/2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WaterKeeper
I lost my favorites list after a computer crash

Google toolbar has its own favorites list that will follow you from computer to computer. It keeps your favorites safe from a crash.

Whys · 04/16/2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stricknine
How about software/equipment that can log all data in real time?

There's a controller with an ethernet port. Can send daily reminders and of course emergency emails. I think you can even set it up for text message to a cell phone. Would be handy for a trip out of town, so long as you have a friend with a house key.

I suspect you can also dump the logs. Probably comes with its own software for generating graphs.

And you thought you were kidding.

PRDubois · 04/16/2009, 12:34 AM

Whys - That is a good idea

stricknine · 04/16/2009, 12:40 AM

Well I know there are PH, Ca, Sg, temp, etc probes out there. Im thinking all probes can have a PC logging these readings constantly, and the user can set params for those, have the program email alerts, even have outputs to control dosing (no different than a printer!). {nevermind, I have it all patented!}.

Im not too far off my rocker, Im sure it is available in a commercial setting, and would probably purchase the homeowner version!

stricknine · 04/16/2009, 12:41 AM

It took me 20 mins to type mu last post!!!

stricknine · 04/16/2009, 12:44 AM

..and I wasn't kidding a bit!

The technology is there already, put it together, make it a business and voila! Pays for half of a 100Gal set up!

Whys · 04/16/2009, 12:45 AM

Stricknine, the controller I mentioned has connections for probes. If you own this patent, you should call a lawyer.

stricknine · 04/16/2009, 01:15 AM

What is the controller out there?

No patent , just didnt want another reefer capitalizing on the great idea!(kidding) A patent would be nice though, also a software designer, chem engineer, instrumentation eng, few techs, what else?

Perfect reef in a box, now that'd be nice!

Whys · 04/16/2009, 01:43 AM

Get an Ecosphere.

Whys · 04/16/2009, 01:44 AM

I don't remember the controller. I did just enough research to realize all I needed was a temp alarm.

PRDubois · 04/16/2009, 01:47 AM

I got an ACjr and now I dont have to guess what shade of red/pink my PH is. PH and Temp are always displayed.

Whys · 04/16/2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stricknine
A patent would be nice though, also a software designer

I know Java.

Send the data to a server, output to a webpage... HECK! Lets go SCADA. You could turn lights, pumps, heaters, and chillers on and off. But what we REALLY need is an electronically controlled water valve!

Believe it or not, I've often thought of buy some lego mindstorms to turn a valve on command.

PRDubois · 04/16/2009, 02:03 AM

Like this:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1614847

04/15/2009, 10:18 AM	#1
JulBranch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 9	Maintenance software Does anyone know of good software program for keeping track of water changes and reef chemistry and fish/invert additions and so on.

04/15/2009, 10:45 AM	#3
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	why not a simple excel program? __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

04/15/2009, 11:11 AM	#5
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	yeah, there's something about the word "freeware" that makes me believe it's not free. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

04/15/2009, 11:18 AM	#6
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	You know I have seen good ones in Excel but I lost my favorites list after a computer crash and can't remember who had them. If I get a little industrious I may work on making one for a future Newbie Corner Article. To do that I'd need to make it more of an application where the actual worksheet would only include the parameters the hobbyist wishes to track but I've done that type of thing before and it only takes a little VBA code to accomplish. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

04/15/2009, 02:22 PM	#7
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	+1 to using excel __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

04/15/2009, 10:19 AM	#2
maxheadroom Clownfish Farmer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Port St. Lucie, FL Posts: 2,071	I've used this one for over a year now. http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefCon/

04/15/2009, 11:07 AM	#4
maxheadroom Clownfish Farmer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Port St. Lucie, FL Posts: 2,071	BTW, reefcon is a free program.

04/15/2009, 05:35 PM	#8
mmedeiros2 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dartmouth, Ma. Posts: 452	The free version of Reef Con works well for all the basic logs needed. __________________ One must always be aware for the unexpected. Mike Current Tank Info: 75 gal. / Sump / Skimmer / 65 Lbs. LR / 2 Cleaner Shrimp / Firefish / Bangi Cardinal / Pearly Jawfish / 3 - Yellow Clown Gobies / Yellow Wrasse / Hermits

04/15/2009, 05:53 PM	#9
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	How about software/equipment that can log all data in real time? I have a spare PC laying around and would love to set up an automated logger in the fish room complete with data logs, maintenance and limit alarms (via email integration), and constant monitoring of all params that are important. That would be a great idea, if it doesnt exist forget the above post. I already have a patent! Might be expensive, but this aint no poor mans hobby! (unfortunately!)

04/15/2009, 05:58 PM	#10
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	How about telling me what you would like to see in a log program. Don't get too complicated as not everyone has Access but I can customize Excel to do a lot of things. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

04/15/2009, 10:42 PM	#11
JulBranch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 9	I downloaded reefcon and trying it out. Seems real involved.

04/16/2009, 12:34 AM	#15
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	Whys - That is a good idea __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

04/16/2009, 12:40 AM	#16
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	Well I know there are PH, Ca, Sg, temp, etc probes out there. Im thinking all probes can have a PC logging these readings constantly, and the user can set params for those, have the program email alerts, even have outputs to control dosing (no different than a printer!). {nevermind, I have it all patented!}. Im not too far off my rocker, Im sure it is available in a commercial setting, and would probably purchase the homeowner version!

04/16/2009, 12:41 AM	#17
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	It took me 20 mins to type mu last post!!!

04/16/2009, 12:44 AM	#18
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	..and I wasn't kidding a bit! The technology is there already, put it together, make it a business and voila! Pays for half of a 100Gal set up!

04/16/2009, 12:45 AM	#19
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	Stricknine, the controller I mentioned has connections for probes. If you own this patent, you should call a lawyer.

04/16/2009, 01:15 AM	#20
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	What is the controller out there? No patent , just didnt want another reefer capitalizing on the great idea!(kidding) A patent would be nice though, also a software designer, chem engineer, instrumentation eng, few techs, what else? Perfect reef in a box, now that'd be nice!

04/16/2009, 01:43 AM	#21
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	Get an Ecosphere.

04/16/2009, 01:44 AM	#22
Whys Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,263	I don't remember the controller. I did just enough research to realize all I needed was a temp alarm.

04/16/2009, 01:47 AM	#23
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	I got an ACjr and now I dont have to guess what shade of red/pink my PH is. PH and Temp are always displayed. __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

04/16/2009, 02:03 AM	#25
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	Like this: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1614847 __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank