Table of Contents
Why do you need an aquarium computer at all?
Let's start with the basics. Why is it even necessary to get one aquarium computer to purchase?
To do this, we have to put ourselves in the natural habitat of the fish and quickly realize that this is sometimes very difficult to reproduce. Fish are happiest when you can replicate their habitat as faithfully as possible. However, this requires a number of regulations and controls. We will take a closer look at the possibilities using the various techniques.
Light control via aquarium computer
Let's start with an area of application, where Aquarium computers are indispensable today. The Lighting control is usually no longer done with a simple timer, but today has many far-reaching functions. This involves, for example, not just switching off the light suddenly, but rather dimming it slowly, or switching to a special night light. This is exactly what new lighting controls allow. Functions such as dimming certain lamps and outputs or switching to a night light are no problem, as are the different switching times to take a lunch break. But not only different channels, which can usually be switched independently, are available, but also moonlight phases. Also a very good function for imitating nature.
Sunrise or sunset can also be simulated with good lighting control. There are also certain modes where you can simulate thunderstorms and even lightning. Of course it has to be here too Lighting fit. Furthermore, rainy days and even clouds can be simulated. In addition, if the computer has temperature monitoring, you can also create a dependent controller. This makes it possible to change the lighting when the temperature drops. Let's summarize important functions again:
- Day and night switching times are different
- Simulation of rainy days
- Simulations of thunderstorms
- Simulation of clouds
- lunar Calendar
- Many channels
- Different switching times
- Automatic dimming
The manufacturers certainly have other functions in store that only affect the light. however, these seem to be the most important.
Filter and pump controls with an aquarium computer
Auch aquarium filter have a lot more technology in stock today. Various models such as pumps from Eheim, for example, already have the option of being connected to the PC via USB in order to read out performance data and the degree of contamination. In addition, there are also functions that regulate the flow through the aquarium water. The flow rates are not always the same here and should be modeled and simulated as in nature.
With the larger pumps, you can control several flow pumps independently of each other. So you can also for that seawater pool programming modes. So you can simulate low tide or high tide. It is also possible to simulate different wave durations and wave types. This function is not used in fresh water, but you should still use it there for a change in things flow regard. In nature, this is not always the same. Be it in flood phases with a lot of rain or in dry periods.
A reduction in the filter performance over the night is also possible with such a control. In addition, some manufacturers also display the current level of contamination and advise when it is time to clean the filter.
Everything about an aquarium filter
Measure and regulate water values with an aquarium computer
Checking and constant monitoring of the water values is extremely important. Not only the temperature has to be kept in view, but also other values. The PH value or the conductance of the water is also very important aquarium water. You can find out what this is in our Guide to chemistry in the aquarium.
Let's start with controlling and regulating the temperature first.
Temperature control with an aquarium computer
Anyone who has carefully read our article on heating in an aquarium also knows that the most important thing here is the different Systems consisting of heating element and floor washer and even still out of a chill to reconcile. All systems must have the same Temperature sensor being controlled. Aquarium computers are also used for this purpose. Be it in a simple DUO control or with several channels. Here, too, things such as the night-time reduction or the regulation in summer are integrated with regard to the floor floodlight.
The Temperature can also be regulated, for example in the case of sick fish, according to a certain schedule. In this way, it is also possible to control targeted fluctuations.
All about heating in the aquarium
Regulation and measurement of the PH value with an aquarium computer
You should also keep an eye on the PH value. Here it is particularly important to check the value when working with an automatic CO2 system. Good aquarium computers also offer the option of permanently measuring the PH value CO2 supply to settle. In addition, the alkalization can also be regulated automatically. This not only achieves very nice plant growth, but also manages to change the PH value at will.
The whole thing is measured by appropriate probes, which have to be placed in the water. However, these probes only have a certain durability, which you have to consider.
Regulation and measurement of the redox value and redox potential
What is that anyway redox value? The redox value ultimately provides information about the reduction processes in the aquarium water. Above all, the conversion processes, such as those from nitrite to nitrate or from ammonia to nitrite, are measured. Therefore, this value gives an indication of how heavily or weakly the water is polluted. The redox value increases as a result of these conversions. The higher the redox value, the cleaner the water should be. The lower the more polluted the aquarium water. This value can therefore also be used to draw conclusions about water changes. There are also modern devices available today that can measure this value.
Measurement of the conductance in the aquarium
The conductivity is also a very important value when it comes to water treatment. With the automatic measurement using a computer or measuring device, one can also derive consequences for the water quality. Usually the water is salted accordingly or by osmosis treated in order to obtain the desired conductance values.
Level measurements of the water with an aquarium computer
You can also have the level, or rather the water level, of your aquarium monitored automatically. This helps you especially when you derive from it Water change or would like to derive or calculate the necessary evaporation.
Measure air temperature and humidity
The air temperature and humidity can be measured with a high-tech computer. This can be necessary, for example, when working with cooling in the aquarium. In this way, you can quickly draw conclusions about how the aquarium water will heat up or cool down.
Interfaces, alarms, forwarding and lots of accessories
Above all, we want to go into more detail about the alarms in terms of water values. What happens, or rather what can I program, when a certain value runs out of the limit? Will alarms be sent to me too?
The manufacturers have also come up with a lot of ideas for this. be it one Alarm transmission via app or SMS and even integration into the cloud. This means that long-term measurements can also be monitored and analyzed afterwards. The measured values are constantly measured and recorded.
It is also possible to check via tablet or smartphone app and you will be informed immediately if something no longer fits. This also gives you a certain level of surveillance from afar and is also safe on your next vacation.
Finally, a few words about the manufacturers of aquarium computers. Surely the most famous are here GHL, Aquatlantis, Aqua Medic, JBL and Dennerle to call. Everyone has certain advantages and disadvantages here, whereby GHL, for example, has a fairly wide range of devices in its selection. The control options are also very diverse here.
Of course there are also aquarium computers which can be connected to the home PC and thus allow even more functions and evaluation options. This requires interfaces such as serial or USB.
At what aquarium size does an aquarium computer make sense?
Certainly some will ask themselves this question. Surely one will for one 54 liter or 60 liter tank do not need a full aquarium computer yet. A good one is usually enough here Temperature control to have and also to install a bio CO2 system. All other values are then measured by hand.
At a 300 or 400 liter aquarium it already looks different. Here it can make sense to fall back on certain regulations.
The stocking can also be a decisive help when it comes to the question of an aquarium computer. With high-quality ornamental fish, more emphasis should be placed on control. After all, there is a lot at stake here.
A fixed value, from when such a system is worthwhile, cannot be determined exactly.
You can ask all questions in the forum