by AquaNerd | Mar 8, 2016 | Fish, Reef, Science, Tanks, Technology
Innovators and entrepreneurs are always busy finding ways to tweak, streamline and improve existing technologies. And while this kind of progress is most obvious in the world of computers, smart phones and cars, aquariums come with their fair share of gadgets too. If you love to stay up-to-date on the coolest new trends, here’s a look at some of the latest advancements in aquarium tech, from simple but effective gadgets to sophisticated sensors and machines. Mess-Free Feeding Feeding by hand is not hard, but it can be messy, especially if you are feeding your fish on the run and don’t have time to stop to wash the fishy smell off your hands before heading off to work. If this describes your life, you’d by AquaNerd | Nov 20, 2013 | Fish, Science
At MACNA this year, we were introduced to the aquarium hobby’s first controller friendly automatic fish feeder with Neptune Systems’ Automatic Feeding System. The AFS was a big hit at the conference, and priced at $99, this Apex accessory is a welcome sight for those ultimate aquarium control freaks looking to automate and customize their feeding process. And thankfully the wait for the Apex AFS is finally over. We just got word from Neptune Systems that it will start shipping out to retailers starting today. Probably the safest and easiest fish feeder to use, the AFS is compatible with the Apex, Apex Lite, and Apex Jr. AquaControllers and communicates via the AquaBus-mini. The feeder can handle various types of dry foods, such as pellets and flakes, and both the amount and frequency of the feeding activity can be adjusted to better suit your aquarium inhabitants’ needs. In addition to that, the food is stored in a “Stay Dry” system that keeps the moisture out the food as fresh as possible. by AquaNerd | Sep 10, 2013 | Equipment, Fish, Industry
Neptune Systems had quite the busy MACNA weekend. Besides their day one user workshop and the announcement of wireless Radion support, AI wireless support (more on that later), and Apex Fusion, they also released their new Automatic Feeding System (AFS). The AFS is the first controllable automatic fish feeder to make it to the aquarium industry, and with all of the safeguards and control functions built into the Apex controller, it will likely be the easiest and safest to use. On top of that, the feeder can be programmed to add food to the tank not only on a frequency interval, but also based on various water parameters, really eliminating the possibilities of feeding at the wrong time. The Neptune Systems AFS can handle various types of dry foods, including pellets or flakes, which can be dosed in varying amounts and frequency. You can feed as little as zero times up to as many as you’d like. Additionally, because the feeder is controlled, it can be programmed to skip a feeding if a certain water parameter is out of whack, and water pumps and skimmers can automatically be shut off during the feeding time if necessary. It truly is one of the last pieces to full aquarium automation, and a welcome site for hobbyists who vacation frequently or just want to set up a fully controlled system. The AFS connects via the Apex AquaBus-mini Cable and is compatible with the Apex, Apex Lite, and Apex Jr.
