Aquarium Software

[KEN PINARD]

Any body have a good suggestion for Aquarium Software?

I don't have much money and I don't know enough about aquariums yet to write
my own. So I would like your advice as to what software is out there. I
found a couple, but, the effectiviness of the web pages may not reflect the
usefulness to hobbists.

I currently have 30g tank and I want to get a second larger one later this
year. (trying to save up for it)

Thank you,

Ken

[GloFish]

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 02:11:30 GMT, "KEN PINARD" >
wrote:

>Any body have a good suggestion for Aquarium Software?
>
>I don't have much money and I don't know enough about aquariums yet to write
>my own. So I would like your advice as to what software is out there. I
>found a couple, but, the effectiviness of the web pages may not reflect the
>usefulness to hobbists.
>
>I currently have 30g tank and I want to get a second larger one later this
>year. (trying to save up for it)
>
>Thank you,
>
>Ken
>


Ken,

I've just started looking myself. I have found numerous free programs
out there, but they all vary greatly. A few are free with nags, but
offer a paid moe with more features and pictures.

Personally, I am trying to find a decent logging app, that will
display results as graphs, I want ready access to my history of
water conditions, and fish/plant stats as well.

If anyone else has a favorite, let us know!

Tony

[MartinOsirus]

there is 1 called aqualog - but I never used it . It is free.

[KEN PINARD]

This what I found. There were a lot of other sites, but they were
discontinued or false links (snatchers use old links to get you to their ad
sites).

I put my quick evaluation on them, if anyone has any experiance I would
appreciate hearing about it. So far, aquraix has my best vote.

http://joejaworski.com/aqualog/ ' Simple application
http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefCon/Download.ASP ' Looks Nice but hard to
use
http://www.aquarix.com/en/default.asp ' 25 euros but looks pretty nice.
Fish/plant lookup modifiable,
http://www.seasky.org/aquarium/sea3f.html

http://aquarium-fish.com/ ' not yet available march 2003 it says, not much
hope
http://www.thepetprofessor.com/secShopping/fish/software/Software.asp?submenuId=1&level2=fish '
if you can find out hwo to buy this it is inexpensive, the web site goes in
circles
http://www.hotdownloads.com/index.php3?job=3&id=32700
http://www.aquasite.com/aquaminder/

http://www.craigcentral.com/mystuff.asp ' not for winXP
> >I don't have much money and I don't know enough about aquariums yet to
write
> >my own. So I would like your advice as to what software is out there. I
> >found a couple, but, the effectiviness of the web pages may not reflect
the
> >usefulness to hobbists.
> >
> >I currently have 30g tank and I want to get a second larger one later
this
> >year. (trying to save up for it)
> >
> >Thank you,
> >
> >Ken
> >
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I've just started looking myself. I have found numerous free programs
> out there, but they all vary greatly. A few are free with nags, but
> offer a paid moe with more features and pictures.
>
> Personally, I am trying to find a decent logging app, that will
> display results as graphs, I want ready access to my history of
> water conditions, and fish/plant stats as well.
>
> If anyone else has a favorite, let us know!
>
> Tony

[Bubbles Jackson]

haven't tried this; please let me know if you do...

i think there's a light version with less features but free?

http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefConPro/


KEN PINARD wrote:
> Any body have a good suggestion for Aquarium Software?
>
> I don't have much money and I don't know enough about aquariums yet to write
> my own. So I would like your advice as to what software is out there. I
> found a couple, but, the effectiviness of the web pages may not reflect the
> usefulness to hobbists.
>
> I currently have 30g tank and I want to get a second larger one later this
> year. (trying to save up for it)
>
> Thank you,
>
> Ken
>
>

[Ken Pinard]

I have checked RefConPro out and Aqurix 4.0.

I like the features in both.

Aquarix
Pros:
A great deal more detail on fish/plant species.
Nicer Interface
Allows Multiple Pictures
More adjustable for Trace Elements
Lots of data about each species is fine if you need it.
Ability to add additional entries to the reference information
Additional cost anaylsis available. Better if you are raising fish for
sale.
Tank volume calculator
exports fish, plant, water conditions to comma delimited files

Cons:
The database is stored in a prapietory format.
Designed to have multiple fish inputted together, does not lend itself
to tracking single fish.
Based in Germany, so if you prefer European formats, it is set up
correctly. The US setting work s (mostly)
Multiple tanks must be in different databases. They had some way of
combining the files. But since it was in the directory structure it was hard
to remember where things were coming from.

Cost: 25 Euros (about $32)

RefConPro
Pros:
Has a free version
Has a less expensive single purchase version (version with updates is
about $8 more than Aquarix)
Allows for multiple tanks in one database. Easy to switch between them.
A move feature to move fish from one tank to another. Keeps all the
history for the fish with the transfer.
Fairly easy to use. I like the maintenance schedule better.
Has a separate personal reference library so you can keep your entries
if the application updates.
Has a accessable database format (hidden for the uninitiated, but, I'm a
programmer and I was able to see what format was being used. For me this is
important. I like to create my own reports and additional applications.
Provides up front Tank statistics for easy reference.
Has an easy to use health tracking feature for sick fishes.
Built in conversion program for measurements
X-10 interface (I assume this is good, but I don't know how to use it)
Lots of reports

Cons:
Has less fields for additional data on fish/plants than does the
Aquarix. I used the comment field to put the information I wanted.
A little slow in navigation between tool bars (low occurance activity
actually)
Only one built in export ability (water conditions).

Cost:
Free Light Version
$19.95 Single purchase no updates
$39.95 Purchase and updates.

My opinion is that I may go ahead and get the RefConPro. It has less of the
techincal names than Aquarix (but I can't pronounce those anyway). I thought
the Pro version was the minimum features that I wanted. The export ability
of RefConPro is limited. But, I can use it directly so it is not a problem.
The Aquarix program looks better and probably is more complete at this time.
To me it is like buying a 4 wheel drive SUV to drive to the local store down
the block.

Just my opinions. I like both applications. Both would work and about the
same cost. Both are worth checking in to.

Ken Pinard


"Bubbles Jackson" > wrote in message
...
> haven't tried this; please let me know if you do...
>
> i think there's a light version with less features but free?
>
> http://www.infinitysoft.net/ReefConPro/
>
>
> KEN PINARD wrote:
> > Any body have a good suggestion for Aquarium Software?
> >
> > I don't have much money and I don't know enough about aquariums yet to
write
> > my own. So I would like your advice as to what software is out there. I
> > found a couple, but, the effectiviness of the web pages may not reflect
the
> > usefulness to hobbists.
> >
> > I currently have 30g tank and I want to get a second larger one later
this
> > year. (trying to save up for it)
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >

[GloFish]

On Sat, 14 Feb 2004 08:49:11 GMT, "Ken Pinard" >
wrote:

>I have checked RefConPro out and Aqurix 4.0.
>



I've now tried out both. I like both, but am drawn to ReefCon 200/LT
the most (free version...)

Both are full of features, both have more than I want. I liked the
graphing/charting in ReefCon better.

I'm probably going to build a database for my solution. All I am
really looking for is a history of water tests, with notes on it for
maintence (water/filter changes) and when new fish are added or die.

Until then, I think I am going to do this the hard way, and keep the
logs in both of these, just in case.....

Tony