Tech tech and yet more tech.

[atoll]

OK so am a Ludite. Am a fit and forget when it comes to reefing.

First it was pumps with god know how many settings then lights. We have an app for just about everything these days. Personally I have limited tech. Lights and wavemaker pumps that I have setup then don't touch. I use a kalk stirrer with a very limited app for records not that it needs it IMO.

We have computer water testing and dosing. The latest it an App controlled skimmer. What? Do you really need an App controlled skimmer.? Is it tech for the sake of it? Is it yet another want rather than a need?

I fitted my skimmer, set it running with just one manual control and apart from clean the cup when needed and the pump once in a blue moon its a fit and forget. When I had a Nyos 160 skimmer I thought it was madness to have 3 manual controls. I sold it. Now it's got an App control.

Are we in danger of loosing the hands on experience and becoming a slave to the tech? Whatever next, a robot that does everything from controlling the aquarium to mixing and doing water changes for you. All thats left is for you to add fish and corals and sit back?

I know people will defend the tech they have after all they have spent hundreds if not thousands on. However, I think a lot is tech for techs sake. You may well feel differently. Your money your choice.
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[exnisstech]

I think tech has become a hobby within the hobby. It seems like many enjoy their gadgets more than the tanks they are running. Which is great if that's your thing since hobbies are supposed to be fun. I find much of the technology frustrating not fun. Probably an age thing. I think it's funny (to me) when folks are searching for the right controller for their first ever tank that doesn't even have water in it yet. App controlled return pump or skimmer? Nah set it and forget it. Lights the same but mine do run on apps since most LEDs do these days.

 

[George03]

25 gallon cube. Fully automated and smart devices. All I have to do is clean.

 

[atoll]

I think tech has become a hobby within the hobby. It seems like many enjoy their gadgets more than the tanks they are running. Which is great if that's your thing since hobbies are supposed to be fun. I find much of the technology frustrating not fun. Probably an age thing. I think it's funny (to me) when folks are searching for the right controller for their first ever tank that doesn't even have water in it yet. App controlled return pump or skimmer? Nah set it and forget it. Lights the same but mine do run on apps since most LEDs do these days.

I think your right, a hobby within a hobby. Many people's tech won't end with their tanks. Tech itself is certainly a hobby in it self. Tech also needs to be maintained.

 

[atoll]

25 gallon cube. Fully automated and smart devices. All I have to do is clean.

Where's the fun in that?

 

[Subsea]

For us old school reefers, inquiring minds want to know why things happen, not push a button and nurvina, instant gratification.

It reminds me of the song “In the Year 2525 everything is in the pill you took today”.

PS: I can envision flat screen tv for a reef tank.

 

[Ef4life]

It’s easy to explain why everything has an app now, it’s to take and sell your data.

Pretty much all modern tech on a reef tank is unnecessary, but the very reliable automation of dosing, top off, automatic water changes etc can cut down the day to day hassle of keeping an aquarium, and the stability and consistency when utilizing them properly can bring an aquarium to the next level in growth and color.

But like op said, there is too much tech imo, especially for gear you set and forget. It’s ballooning the already high cost of reef keeping, and newbs buy in because they think they need it to be successful. But many tanks that are highly automated run into issues with the automation long term by having to maintain it.

 

[rtparty]

Why can't someone be in tune with their tank AND be into the tech? I would actually argue that someone with the auto testing is likely more in tune and hands on with their tank than someone manually testing. I would bet those using dosers are far more in tune than someone hand dosing daily.

My skimmer uses a Sicce pump and it has an app. You know what is awesome? It has settings to start at lower speed after a power outage so the sump level isn't too high to make it overflow. If you have an Apex or other controller you can do this but if you don't, the pump has that ready to go. That is a super nice feature.

But I also see the other side of it because most apps from these companies suck and make things a total pain.

 

[atoll]

My first piece of tech, if you can call it that, was a DIY ATU.This I made with a float switch a car 12v windscreen washer pump and a scalextrics 12 transformer.

 

[George03]

Where's the fun in that?

I'm not retired yet?! Necessity for sanity. I just started a home brewing build, do bass boat fishing, pamper a C4, a house, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 birds, 6 chickens a reef tank. And that is just the 4 legged livestock.

 

[atoll]

I'm not retired yet?! Necessity for sanity. I just started a home brewing build, do bass boat fishing, pamper a C4, a house, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 birds, 6 chickens a reef tank. And that is just the 4 legged livestock.

Retired??? Where's the fun in that.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Numbers would mean nothing to me if I didn’t know how to apply them , I don’t rely on tech but I do like the tools