Digital Aquatics has expanded their lineup of accessories to their ReefKeeper aquarium controller with the release of a brand new module, the SL2. This tiny little module features individually isolated pH and salinity ports, along with one temperature port and two switch ports that can be used to regulate an auto-top off or perform some other custom program. The salinity probe is built off a conductivity probe with temperature compensation, which is great if you have multiple aquariums in the vacinity or are gearing up for a water change and want to see how salty the new water is. Salinity is given in parts per thousand (PPT) and the entire module is upgradeable via firmware updates. The asking price for this module is set at $80 and should be hitting store shelves soon.

Found on Reefs.com

Don’t trust freshwater top-off systems on your reef aquarium? Have a chronic fear of stepping out of the house only to return later to a giant flood? Well, if you are a ProfiLux owner you’re in luck. GHL is about to launch their newest controller add-on, the LeakSensor. This sensor uses 80 spring-loaded metal contacts to detect water that is conductive, e.g. saltwater, if it spills from your aquarium either through a faulty top-off setup or a leaky aquarium. Once a leak is detected, the sensor tells the aquarium controller to kill whatever equipment it is attached to. These could be return pumps or pumps feeding freshwater to the aquarium.

The good thing about the GHL ProfiLux LeakSensor is that the metal prongs don’t have to be fully submerged in water to detect the leak. A small amount of water is all that is needed to prompt the sensor to start barking orders at the ProfiLux controller. This system isn’t without its limitations unfortunately, as it cannot detect water filtered through a reverse osmosis unit since freshwater is a poor electrical conductor. Fortunately, our aquariums are saltwater, and even if the tank gets inundated with freshwater a spill will still be detected because it will still be conductive.

Another nice feature to the LeakSensor is the fact that multiple units can be linked together to provide even more protection against potential leaks. This will help detect spills in multiple areas, which is good because leaks tend to pop up in random places where we’d never even think to place a sensor if we only had one.

The launch date and official price have yet to be released, but GHL promises them shortly.

Aquatronica, an aquarium controller system distributed by Hydor, has released a new Moonlight LED, model ACQ510-120, that will give aquarium keepers the ability to illuminate their reef at night. The light comes in at 120cm, or just under four feet, and is housed within an anodized aluminum shell. The light was designed with low power consumption in mind, and the blue glow is focused into the aquarium with the help of a methacrylate reflection lens. This LED light can be installed as a stand-alone fixture and independent from the Aquatronica aquarium controller system, and can be controlled with a simple timer for turning it off and on at specific times. Despite this, Aquatronica is also releasing a Moonlight Dimming Module that allows their controller t dim the intensity of the LEDs to create a variety of moon effects. In terms of mounting options, the Moonlight can be installed into a canopy or onto an existing light fixture with the help of screws that utilize the built-in mounts or an included “plastic velcro fixing system”. Currently, this moonlight is only available in Italy, but it should soon see worldwide distribution.

A little more information can be seen below.

UPDATE: We initially thought this light was only available in a four foot model, which left us scratching our heads. Fortunately, that information has been cleared up for us. The Aquatronica Moonlight will be available in three lengths of 2-feet, 3-feet, and 4-feet. Their power consumption is 2w, 3w and 4w respectively. The moonlights will be available Europe by mid-February and the US will get them a month or two after that.

From Aquatronica:

TECHNICAL DATA:

Lenght : 120cm

Led number: 60

Color : Blue (470mn)

power consumption: 4W

Voltage: 12V

Thanks for the update Mike.

LED lighting is in full swing in the aquarium industry, and several brands have already climbed to the top of the hill by implementing a wide array of features that include brand name emitters, multiple and independently controlled channels, dimmability, and wireless controllability among many more. With all of these brands vying for the top spot, most manufactures are constantly trying to 1-up each other by offering even more over the top features, which is always a good thing for the consumers involved. One of the latest fixtures to offer a plethora of features is the Metis Hyperion from Pacific Sun. Improving on the groundwork laid out by other LED fixtures on the market, this 8-channel beast sports six different Cree emitters as well as a couple of different UV-A diodes. Each of the eight channels can be controlled independently through various methods of built-in control that include Bluetooth, WIFI, Ethernet, and even a built-in web server. In terms of external control, the Metis Hyperion is compatible with GHL Profilux, Neptune Apex, and the Pacific Sun X-Screen controller tablet. And to help give us a visual of this control, Pacific Sun has released several screen shots and a video demonstration of the software, which can all be seen after the page break.

As can be seen in the multiple screen shots, the software controlling the Metis Hyperion is rather robust. The program consists of many different tabs that control everything from independent channel intensity, to moonlights, to an advanced start-up and shutdown of the light during daily use.

Here’s a brief walkthrough of the software courtesy of the video. To start the control process users have to connect to the fixture by simply clicking on the “Connection” tab and determine how they want to communicate with the light. Once connected, there’s a huge number of things the user can tweak and adjust to their liking. In the video, the disembodied user adjusts a couple of time settings, which elicits an immediate response from the light that are set to mimic a certain time of the day. Following that, the moon light program is tinkered with, and we have to say this program alone is extremely thorough. Metis Hyperion users can simulate all phases of the moon, which cause the aquarium to glow more or less at night depending on the phase that the software is in. Once set, the phases will follow the natural waxing and waning progressions of the moon.

The next feature explored is the simple adjustment of the eight independent channels of the fixture. By moving the sliders up and down in the program, the intensity of each color can be adjusted until the ideal color spectrum is achieved. This type of intensity control is not new to the hobby, as EcoTech and AquaIlluminations both have something very similar to this in their own modules. Following the intensity adjustment demo, the “PAR Table” is then explored and it’s an area where we think the software really flexes its muscles. Up to ten time intervals can be independently programmed, with each one starting at a different time and with a different color output of the fixture. This portion of the software provides the most advanced dawn-to-dusk effects seen in the hobby today and does a much better job of mimicking the intensity changes that occur naturally through the day. And of course, if you tinker with too many settings and realize you don’t like the look or the effect, you can always hop on over the next tab to restore the software to the default settings.

And here are the remainder of the images (click to enlarge).

The Reef Angel controller, the aquarium industry’s first open source aquarium controller, is adding a new product to their surprisingly inexpensive and robust lineup. The new item is a RF Expansion module that allows the controller to communicate with EcoTech Marine’s VorTech pumps with the EcoSmart wireless drivers. The module not only allows the controller to talk with the pumps and operate in all of the standard flow modes, but it also offers up two new modes exclusive to Reef Angel, a storm and a custom wave mode. We are assuming the “Storm” mode will create a wildly turbulent and randomizing water flow to pummel your reef, and when coupled with the storm function on the Radion LED, it will make for an interesting display. The Reef Angel RF Expansion module is currently available to pre-order for $100, but a release date has yet to be announced.

This story originally from Marine Engineers and the module can be found at Reef Angel.

If you’ve spent anytime trolling marine aquarium forums, you’ve probably seen some examples of how tech-savy hobbyist are using mobile devices to take advantage of their Internet accessible aquariums. Accessing your aquarium from the Internet is often made possible by “Apps” (programs that run on mobile devices and tablets) created specifically to meet the needs of reef hobbyist, and while there are seemingly millions of Apps for iPhone and iPads, there are only a handful dedicated to helping hobbyist manage their aquariums. I started to think about what the ideal reef aquarium app would look like, and since it doesn’t exist yet I’ve decided to write my wish list for such an App. Of course I would want all of these features neatly packaged in a high definition interface and all for around a $5 price tag.

Below is our wishlist, and we invite you to add to it.

1) Universal iOS app (iPad & iPhone optimized).

2) Android version also available.

3) Livestock database with built-in and customizable fields plus picture attachments.  Ability to display, sort and search database.  Ability to export database for backup.

4) Equipment database with built-in and customizable fields plus picture attachments.  Ability to display, sort and search database.  Ability to export database for backup.  Replacement and maintenance notifications  for each piece of equipment on database.

5) Multiple aquarium support.

6) Monitor and control of Neptune Systems and Digital Aquatics controllers.  Data logging and graphing capabilities.  Program editing and backup/restore of multiple program versions.

7) Aquarium picture/video gallery with netcam support for live streaming video.

8 ) Aquarium parameters testing database with the ability to manually input test results as well as automatic import of parameters being monitored by aquarium controller. Graphing capabilities for testing results by day, week, month and year.  Testing reminder notifications.  Ability to export database for backup.

9) Customizable maintenance and supplement dosing schedule with notifications.

10) Various reef calculators built-in (water volume, supplement calculators, etc.)

At the moment I am able to take advantage of most of these features by using 5 separate apps, but the ultimate and complete reef aquarium app would make it easier and much more elegant to maintain and enjoy my aquarium with my smartphone or tablet.  Well, what are you waiting for?  Get to programing!

On a side note, I want to take a moment to praise and pay respects to the man who made the whole Apps thing possible. Rest in peace Steve Jobs.

GHL has recently revealed screenshots of their new web interface designed specifically for their robust ProfiLux 3 aquarium controllers. The interface has been in development for over a year, and has an expected release date sometime later this month or next. This projected date is assuming no major issues with the software or feedback from beta testers, which are still playing with the new software.

While the screenshots provided by GHL are pretty fuzzy and lack any specific detail, they do reveal multiple pages with graphs, controller readout information, and adjustable settings. The GHL ProfiLux web interface is best used with Mozilla Firefox, which comes as no real surprise since it’s one of the most popular web browsers available, and there appears to be a mobile version of the browser as well. The software was apparently built with the iPhone in mind, and other popular mobile platforms will likely be supported in the future, or at least that’s our assumption.

And finally, the best feature of all…the price. The new GHL ProfiLux 3 web interface will be 100% free according to GHL distributors. Several more images after the page break.

For months we’ve been drooling over images of the all new ProfiLux Touch, and now we’ve finally gotten to feast our eyes on a tutorial video of the device. The aptly called Touch, isn’t an aquarium controller, but rather a color touch screen interface with the GHL ProfiLux 3, the only controller in which it is currently compatible. The Touch has a 4.3″ screen that can show different readings of the aquarium at a quick glance and allow users to change settings in the controller. Additionally, a built-in speaker alarms users when certain parameters become out of whack or time tables are exceeded, such as forgotten water changes…and those are very easy to forget, believe me.

More and more, aquarium controllers are starting look like app-heavy mobile devices, and with good reason too. They are easy to use! Virtually everyone reading this has an iPhone or Droid powered smartphone, each with its own custom collection of applications. Aquarium controller manufacturers realize the popularity of touch screens, and are moving their products in that direction. Heck, you can even control your aquarium with the right smartphone app and a properly setup and compatible aquarium controller.

Elos has been creating quite a bit of buzz with their latest offering to the aquarium world. Very recently, the aquarium and aquarium equipment manufacturer unveiled their new E-Vision controller, which is set to replace the already popular Biotopus line of aquarium controllers. The new E-Vision steps way out of the box as far as aquarium equipment is concerned (at least aesthetically). This highly modularized system is headed by a very iPhone inspired touch screen that features app-like icons in the user interface. Individual parts can be purchased and incorporated into the controller without having to buy the whole system, with the entire setup consisting of the following modules:

• Clima – temperature module
• Tempo – timer module
• LED dimmer – dimmer module for compatible LED lamps
• ORP – module for controlling and monitoring ORP probes
• pH – module for controlling and monitoring pH probes

More details, images and even a video after the page break.

Despite the perceived robustness of the E-Vision controller, the LED dimming module will only dim compatible Elos LED lamps. This is a great way to promote other Elos products, but not including other LEDs doesn’t seem very wise to me. I realize that building the compatibility between the E-Vision and several LED fixture producers would be time consuming and riddled with difficulties, but given the fact that so many people use LEDs and there are so many brands, you’d think Elos would at least target the most popular LED brands. Perhaps future LED dimming modules will be available from specific aquarium LED fixture producers, but that’s not readily apparent right out of the gate.

The web interface found in the Elos E-Vision appears to be very well developed, allowing users to communicate with the devices from all over the world. As can be seen in the video below, the owner of Elos can be seen dimming the lights on his tank back at the company’s headquarters in Verona, Italy. The impressive part is that he was in Singapore at the time. Now, I realize other aquarium controllers offer a similar interface, allowing users to communicate with their controllers via the net. That still doesn’t make this aspect of the Elos E-Vision any less impressive, and it’s a feature we’re excited to see.

For more information, please visit Elos Reef.

Digital Aquatics recently released a massive list of firmware updates for their ReefKeeper Elite and ReefKeeper Lite aquarium controllers and several modules. The firmware updates are designed to fix bugs that end users have been experiencing, and will also add functionality to the system. A few of the new features include improved “Advanced Light” and “Advanced Pump” functions, added IP address to the NET module’s status, added ability to program, edit and save functions via the NET module, and updates to support the latest Aqua Illuminations firmware.

Like we mentioned above, the new firmware is a massive update. Because of this, a factory reset is required for the head unit and NET module. This means users will have to reprogram their controller and modules unfortunately, but the added features and fixed bugs are well worth it.

Below is a complete list of the added functions and fixed bugs. You can also visit the Digital Aquatics forum for more information.

Get the new firmware via myReef: – If you already have myReef, then you can get started now!
myReef (v75)
• Features:
• Added support for the Adv Pump Function
• BUGs:
• Fixed potential bug when programming Adv Light Function for the first time
• Moved the “Program” button in the update window for customers with lower resolution displays

RKE Head unit (2.04)
•Features:
•Improved the Advanced Light Function (See ALC)
•Improved Advanced Pump function for the APC
•Added IP address to the Net module’s Status (hit enter on status)
•BUGs:
•Fixed the option to use Storm Mode with the Adv Light Function
•Fixed alarm notifications to the NET module
•Removed Logging, greatly improved system performance

RKL Head unit (2.05)
• Features:
• Changed the Advanced Light Function. (See ALC)
• Added option for viewing the IP address to the Net module’s Status (hit enter on status)
• Added the ability to remove ghost modules without a factory reset
• BUGs:
• Fixed bug with functions using setpoint
• Fixed Module status light issue
• Fixed a bug that caused multiple unknown modules to enumerate with the same ID
• Removed min/max/avg feature

NET (B2.06) We advise not using the NET module with FireFox 4 at this time due to a browser compatibility issue with this new version; because of this issue this firmware is rated as a release candidate.
*Requires both firmware and webpage updates.
• Features:
• Added the ability to program, edit and save functions via the NET module
• BUGs:
• Fixed potential issue with module naming

ALC (2.06)
• Features:
• Updated the SDO output to support the latest Aqua Illuminations firmware
• Support for improved lunar cycle
• Improved ramping
• AI: White and blue LEDs are now independently controllable with timer and intensity
• Responds to storm mode with cloud cover and lightning
• BUGs:
• Support for 3 color AI Fixtures (royal blue and blue are controlled together)
• Reported channel values update in real-time

MLC (2.05)
• Features:
• Support for improved lunar cycle
• Improved Ramping