Hello (again)!
I have been following this with great interest before this site was up (I postet a link on nano-reef.com).
I really like what has has happened since.
Great product you put together!!!
I am reef tank noob (not yet started a tank) and still in the phase of gathering all the equipment. I have to admit I have moved on to other controller options for now. First I wanted to keep it simpler. I don't have all-in one controller, only a bluefish mini for lights (hope it is OK to name other brands), rest is independent.
I realized I don't really need the "total control" option. I think independent controllers is actually more fail save and most of the devices don't need to be adjusted or regulated once they do what they should.
But what I really really and deeply miss is the "monitoring" aspect. I would love to have a simple temp (or other probes) and power on/off monitor, that I can check on the web.
Maybe there is another market for monitoring-only equipment? :)
There are alread a few smart-home devices out there that could be abused (power bars, temp sensors, etc. ), but in the end something like the robo-tank is the more sexy solution.
The other thing is, that making a DIY power bar in Germany is a huge pain in the ass (already made a coment in Tilman's build thread). From my research there are just no good components available. I really envy the clean project box with the plugs on top you have on display here...
So, now something related to this topic.
If you ever make a working WiFi shield (or USB, or SD) solution, I will strongly reconsider going for a robo-tank for an upgrade or for a new tank project. The place for my tank is not anywhere near a LAN outlet and I just won't install any more LAN cables in the flat I am currently living in :D
I really love everything about this project, but this is one of the key features for me.
So, keep up all the good work. I'll be following.
Mark
P.S. I can second some comments around here that robo-tank is something the saltwater/reefing community is waiting for.
I too find this whole Apex stuff and their sales strategy totally bonkers.
I think if you advertise a bit more in that direction this coulod be a huge thing...
I have been following this with great interest before this site was up (I postet a link on nano-reef.com).
I really like what has has happened since.
Great product you put together!!!
I am reef tank noob (not yet started a tank) and still in the phase of gathering all the equipment. I have to admit I have moved on to other controller options for now. First I wanted to keep it simpler. I don't have all-in one controller, only a bluefish mini for lights (hope it is OK to name other brands), rest is independent.
I realized I don't really need the "total control" option. I think independent controllers is actually more fail save and most of the devices don't need to be adjusted or regulated once they do what they should.
But what I really really and deeply miss is the "monitoring" aspect. I would love to have a simple temp (or other probes) and power on/off monitor, that I can check on the web.
Maybe there is another market for monitoring-only equipment? :)
There are alread a few smart-home devices out there that could be abused (power bars, temp sensors, etc. ), but in the end something like the robo-tank is the more sexy solution.
The other thing is, that making a DIY power bar in Germany is a huge pain in the ass (already made a coment in Tilman's build thread). From my research there are just no good components available. I really envy the clean project box with the plugs on top you have on display here...
So, now something related to this topic.
If you ever make a working WiFi shield (or USB, or SD) solution, I will strongly reconsider going for a robo-tank for an upgrade or for a new tank project. The place for my tank is not anywhere near a LAN outlet and I just won't install any more LAN cables in the flat I am currently living in :D
I really love everything about this project, but this is one of the key features for me.
So, keep up all the good work. I'll be following.
Mark
P.S. I can second some comments around here that robo-tank is something the saltwater/reefing community is waiting for.
I too find this whole Apex stuff and their sales strategy totally bonkers.
I think if you advertise a bit more in that direction this coulod be a huge thing...
