Automated test sys: Without breaking $$

[Parsells Reef]

I’ve gotten back into the hobby after a 10 year break and I’ve been using two different test strips and verifying the data through ChatGPT so I don’t have to worry about trusting my eyes

I’m kind of blown away that when I left the hobby Neptune Apex was the best system for testing your phosphates, nitrates, calcium, magnesium, and to find out other than hydros there’s really nothing out there?

Even though we’ve had a massive advancement in technology in the past 10 years using AI, nano chips, computer systems, Elon Musk lol, terabytes from megabytes there is no cost-effective option….. which blows my mind!!

So my question is, is there anything out there any of you are using that does not break the wallet other than Hannah which you have to buy individual test testing kits, which are still gonna be around the four to $500 range just to test your water seems kind of crazy to me…..

Any suggestion suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If you know of anyone that’s custom building these at a cost-effective way please share. I’d love to get some feedback.

Thank you in advance

 

[Saltyreef]

Theres a handful of devices that test all parameters but its going to be expensive because this hobby is about spending money not making money. The research and development is limited unless it can be widely used throughout other industries. There are a lot of testing methods. Some just only use ICP. The only things i have hanna for are nutrients and alk. I use salifert for the others. Keeps it cheap and the most accurate for me.

 

[jabberkaycee]

I also just got back into the hobby after a long break. What a sticker shock, huh? The more you spend on automation, the more time you end up spending on tinkering with your automation! Welcome back!

 

[Kckblake23]

It’s crazy that we don’t have a cheaper option then $1000 min. Specifically what are you guys using? Maybe I don’t need all the tests automated.

 

[DaJMasta]

There are cheaper options for some testing, but they require being bought into the controller, so it's not by much.

Manipulation of chemicals in a repeatable way is understood, but not super easy, and it usually involves a lot of mechanics and sensors, the first of which are prone to failures. If they were on the volume scale of printers, for example, they could be heavily optimized and refined, but even many modern printers have a reputation for having problems.

The closest you can get cheaply is Hannah checkers or other colorimeters with a magnetic bead stirrer, otherwise if you have pumps and solenoids and purge lines you are looking at a much higher price tag.

 

[slingfox]

The Aquawiz is worth looking into if you are into automated testing. Fantastic reviews on it from home reefers as well as the hardcore SPS coral farmers.

 

[exnisstech]

It’s crazy that we don’t have a cheaper option then $1000 min. Specifically what are you guys using? Maybe I don’t need all the tests automated.

I don't know that anyone needs automated testing but folks love their gadgets and fiddling with things. I've never felt a need to test more than once a week unless I'm tracking consumption then testing alk every other day is sufficient for my needs. I'm a simpleton and only test nitrate, phosphate and alk weekly and calcium every few months but I've never had to make adjustments to calcium.

 

[Naturalreef]

After using all other manufacturers automatic testing, the aquawiz is my favorite. Expensive entry fee, zero reagent. Let me repeat that, zero reagent!

low maintenance cost. yearly pumps are $11 a piece if i recall, monthly alk calibration with your favorite manual test kit. Though i have gone a few months with very minimal drift. ph probe which app uses to monitor delta of optimal ph i.e co2 in tank water.

Also has a automatic dosing pump which i use with TM all for reef. Build quality for the money is the only gripe i have with it.

 

[slingfox]

After using all other manufacturers automatic testing, the aquawiz is my favorite. Expensive entry fee, zero reagent. Let me repeat that, zero reagent!

low maintenance cost. yearly pumps are $11 a piece if i recall, monthly alk calibration with your favorite manual test kit. Though i have gone a few months with very minimal drift. ph probe which app uses to monitor delta of optimal ph i.e co2 in tank water.

Also has an automatic dosing pump which i use with TM all for reef. Build quality for the money is the only gripe i have with it.

I wish they sold a slightly cheaper version without the dosing pump capability. That would be more economical and require less maintenance. I know many just ignore the dosing capability so only a small issue I suppose.