Info on Biotopus II

[Fatboy]

I've been reading some good reviews about this controller and I would like to get some more information about it.

I do travel a lot and I need a system that I can access from any computer and also, that could send me a message if something is wrong. My current controller can't do that.......

1.- Can you supply the controller in 220 Volts ? Same thing with the powerstrip.

2.- If I don't want to place the computer in the wall, is there any type of stand supplied by Elos that I could use ?

3.- What kind of computer program is used to store the information ? Can all the information be taken in order to make graphs ? Does Elos supply that program ? Where I can see some screen shots ? Does it have an extra cost or is supplied together with the computer ?

4.- What's the lenght of the probe cables ?

5.- Can you send me a PM with a quote for a Bio II computer including pH,ORP, Temperature and Conductivity probe (and all necessary solutions), Multiplug, Biolink SMS, Float switch

6.- When is the webserver going to be ready ?

7.- Any other options that I would need ?

Thanks.

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7681301#post7681301 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fatboy
I've been reading some good reviews about this controller and I would like to get some more information about it.

I do travel a lot and I need a system that I can access from any computer and also, that could send me a message if something is wrong. My current controller can't do that.......

1.- Can you supply the controller in 220 Volts ? Same thing with the powerstrip.

2.- If I don't want to place the computer in the wall, is there any type of stand supplied by Elos that I could use ?

3.- What kind of computer program is used to store the information ? Can all the information be taken in order to make graphs ? Does Elos supply that program ? Where I can see some screen shots ? Does it have an extra cost or is supplied together with the computer ?

4.- What's the lenght of the probe cables ?

5.- Can you send me a PM with a quote for a Bio II computer including pH,ORP, Temperature and Conductivity probe (and all necessary solutions), Multiplug, Biolink SMS, Float switch

6.- When is the webserver going to be ready ?

7.- Any other options that I would need ?

Thanks.
I'll answer these questions the best I can and then I will pm you on the rest:
1. No problem. These controllers are made in Italy so the 220v is easy. What type of plug do you use? The European version comes with a "multi use plug" for different regions and this will likely be the one you need.
2. The controller has a mounting bracket and you can order a stainless steel stand like the ones you see in our catalog or in the "interzoo pictures" thread in this forum.
3. You can use a program that you can see pictures of (in it's beta version) on page 4 of the biotopus II thread in this forum. The pictures are from the beta version but the full version will be for sale shortly (approx. september). I will give you a better idea of when it wil be ready soon, because the guys back in Italy are on Holiday at the moment . This software also will be for pocket pc's and the bluetooth option will be available with this, as well. All of this was on display at Interzoo and you will see pictures in the above mentioned thread.
4. A little over 2 meters (81inches)
5. I will do that. Really from what you have asked for it will be the SMS kit and the conductivity module. The SMS kit includes: controller, multiplug, float switch, SMS module, temp probe, ph probe with all solutions and cleaning solution, mounting bracket, manual.
The conductivity has the calibration solutions, as well.
6. On all upcoming news I will wait until I talk to Italy to give you a better estimate and email you about this.
7. Depends on your system. I suppose you could always use another multiplug or add some dosing pumps for the dosing pump controls built in, moonlight so you can use the dimmable function built in, lux meter (for fun), additional ph, orp. Just depends on what you want to do. When I pm you, just let me know what you want to do with your system and we will build it around your needs.
Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks.

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

Thanks for your fast answer. I'm looking foward to receive your quote........

I live in Chile and here the plugs are similar to the ones used in Germany (but the legs are not so thick as the germans or european in general). For example, Aquatronica supplies a powerstrip that is made for both types of plugs (the german and the one for south america). Anyway, this shouldn't be a problem since we have adaptors that we can use.

I don't know what other options I could use right now, since I'm covered with my lights (I have a Sfiligoi Infinity lamp with ACLS controllers), but for sure in the future I will have some ideas.

Thanks again for the fast reply. Please quote also the stainless stell stand.

Don't worry about shipping to South America since I ship all my purchases to my head office in Texas.

[Fatboy]

By the way..... do you have pictures of the mounting brackets ?

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

I've been thinking on how I could install the controller in my tank and maybe I would be needing more than 2 meters of cable for the probes....... are there any extension cables available ?

[elosusa]

Take a look at the other biotopus II thread on this forum and RobbyG and MoneyPit came up with solution for his in wall installation that may give you some ideas.. All of the connections are standard cables and connections and extensions can easily be made. Keep in mind that this controller was designed to work in large facilities as well as personal aquariums, so the cable length is one thing that is very easy to work around. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[xpo186]

Would it be possible for me to get a quote via PM or email as well?
I was thinking of getting one of the Aquacontrollers for my tank (in progress), but when I saw the Biotopus II, I knew I had to get that instead!

I'd be interested in monitoring and control of temp (two stage), pH, and ORP. Other functions I'd definitely use would be control of display lights, moonlights (cycles), and pumps. Not sure if I'd take advantage of the remote access features, but definitely would be a cool thing to possibly have in the future! Also, as mentioned above, I think some kind of graphing feature for monitored parameters would be an extremely helpful tool (to see changes and trends as a tank matures).

What would the price of the "base unit" be? Could I add on with the probes and controllers over time as I need them? Where about in NorCal is your retail location?

[xpo186]

Oh yeah... the lux meter is an awesome feature as well!

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7694656#post7694656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xpo186
Would it be possible for me to get a quote via PM or email as well?
I was thinking of getting one of the Aquacontrollers for my tank (in progress), but when I saw the Biotopus II, I knew I had to get that instead!

I'd be interested in monitoring and control of temp (two stage), pH, and ORP. Other functions I'd definitely use would be control of display lights, moonlights (cycles), and pumps. Not sure if I'd take advantage of the remote access features, but definitely would be a cool thing to possibly have in the future! Also, as mentioned above, I think some kind of graphing feature for monitored parameters would be an extremely helpful tool (to see changes and trends as a tank matures).

What would the price of the "base unit" be? Could I add on with the probes and controllers over time as I need them? Where about in NorCal is your retail location?
xpo I will pm you. There is two basic units that I carry, the control kit and the SMS kit. You can add on as you need options. If you look at the other thread, I believe there is a few screen shots of the beta version of the pc software and that will be released next with a few other "toys" to add on to the controller. I don't have a price on a stand alone SMS module but I will likely have a few extras on the next shipment. Wave pumps , circulation pumps and service pumps are all standard settings as well as dosing pumps. The dimming moonlight function is also built in and you can set it up for a lunar cycle in the biotope mode very easily. Nor cal retailers are The Aquatic Gallery and Aquarium Concepts and both of their addresses are in this forum under their name. I'll pm you.

[xpo186]

Thank You!!!

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

As you know, I do travel a lot and I need to be able to monitor my tank from a distance. The SMS is a great future, but I would still like to have the ability of monitoring my tank thorugh the web.

With the webserve that is coming, could I have access to all the parameters the computer is taking ? I would like to do something like what appears in this page http://www.danj.com/reef/status.php

[Fliger]

Hey Fatboy, I have a $299 Premium Aquatics Lighthouse that comes with a built-in webserver. SunnyX (current TOTM) runs the same controller, and he has linked the data onto his website. Its an extremely limiting controller and won't do half the functions you want - but for very little money it can compliment your BioII (or whatever you end up buying). Check out his website, you can even see graphs/settings. You can't change anything remotely using the Lighthouse and it has no alerts - but its a cheap way to get your info online.

http://www.thesunnyreef.com/

I bought mine for this reason, figuring when the BioII comes out with the server, I'd just sell my Lighthouse. But I actually kinda like it. It looks like something out of "2001: A Space Odyssey" or like an old Apple III. ;-)

Just a thought.

[Fatboy]

Fliger,

Thanks for the info..... that doesn't look like a bad alternative right now. Your input has been of great help.

I've been talking a lot to Jesse and it looks like I'm going to be buying the SMS kit pluse the conductivity module.

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

If the electric power goes out, will the SMS module send you a message to your mobile indicating that there's no energy ?

[TheMoneyPit]

could I have access to all the parameters the computer is taking
Until the web server is available you are able to have the SMS send daily reports once a day or more often if you prefer. You can also text message the controller to send readings when you want them and of course it will contact you if any parameters deviate from set thresholds. It is a great controller.

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

I will give you a call tomorrow. Regarding the SMS, the bands in Chile are 850, 900, 1800 and 1900.

[Fatboy]

Fliger,

You are a bad influence............ after reading all your reviews, I couldn't resist to buy the Biotopus II and the complete Purist Line.

Is a good thing my wife doesn't know you because if not, she would kill you :D

[Fliger]

Thats scary because I still don't own the BioII and I haven't tried the Purist stuff yet. :lol: It does make a lot of sense though (RB+Zeo). I like that it doesn't "take you to the brink". To be honest I would have tried the Zeovit but I'm starting a business and don't really have the time to learn Zeovit.

Now my hands are wet, I'm redoing the tank and you never realize how many SPS you have until you have to take every one out of your tank. :lol:

My wife still thinks frags cost five bucks and I'll bet if you asked how much my old BK cost, she would have said $500. Then again I don't look at her furniture, clothes, make-up. :D I just told her since most of her furniture came from Italy, so can my tank.

I can't WAIT to see your system. They make a beautiful tank, that is for sure.

[Fatboy]

Jesse,

Take a look at the left side of the tank......... :D

http://img400.imageshack.us/img400/2694/imagen101iz7.jpg

[Fliger]

At what? The co2 canister? :lol:

[TheMoneyPit]

No.... The Biotopus II...

[TheMoneyPit]

Duh...! I didn't see the laughing face...

[Fatboy]

Even that I'm still missing the Redox and Conductivity probes, I'm very happy with the Biotopus II.

http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/8718/imagen105me3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It is so easy to set up and it has tons of features.

The SMS module is working like a charm (I tried it last night.... currently disconnected while I find were I'm going to finally install the antenna) and I think that the controller will be complete when the Ethernet module becomes available.

What I like the most in this controller, is that you can see all the values at the same time. In my old Aquatronica, values were shown once at a time and you had to wait for ever to take a look at an specific value.

Now I need to get some type of tubing that will allow to put all the cables that are hooked to the controller together and make them look as one.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3272/imagen106vk2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Fliger]

Looks awesome! I wish that stand was hollow though so the cords would go down the center. I have some speaker stands that do that, looks seemless.

HD sells some plastic tubing in all different diameters. Its usually over by the heavy guage wire and electrical. It works great.

[Fatboy]

Thanks for the tip Fliger........... I think I'm going again to the US at the end of August and I will make sure to stop at HD.

[elosusa]

Check out mcmaster.com and go to page 735. The braided cord covers are nice because when you are done feeding the cords through them you can pull them and zip tie the ends and they will form to fit the cords. When you need to remove a cord you will simple need to clip off the small zip ties at both ends and they will expand so you can remove one or all of the cords. The other option would be to use the "easy open wrap around" style and it has velcro and slit running lenghtwise so you have much easier access. Fatboy, how did you mount the B2 to that stand? The stand we had at Interzoo looks very similar to this but if I remember correctly, it had tabs on the back so you could run the wire down the back and zip tie to the tabs. In order to make a hollow stand you would need either thicker tubing or a cut down the entire back so you could either fit the plugs or run all the wires through the cut. I think I might have to make a new B2 stand because I have a few more ideas:) Everything looks great. Talk to you guys later.