EvolvAqua Aquarium Monitor

[RockyProndoa]

Since I am a fan of automation and cool gadgetry...has anyone seen or used this product before?

EvolvAqua Spectra 1 | Smart Aquarium Photometer & 24/7 Monitoring

AND SOLD HERE:

Spectra 1 Smart Photometer

Seems to be EU-based only at the moment...but man, I can't help but wish I could get my hands on one of these

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

INTERESTED lol

 

[RockyProndoa]

INTERESTED lol

I know right!?

I'm going to email them and express my interest for those of us in the little 'ole USA who are always last in the aquarium industry to get things that perhaps they would like a 'US-based tester' or whatever else I have to do to get my hands on one of these. Nothing will come of it, but it will at least scratch the itch a bit hopefully.

 

[JayP]

So the CO2 monitoring is via optical monitoring of a drop checker? I would like to hear from experts on how accurate that could be.

 

[RockyProndoa]

So the CO2 monitoring is via optical monitoring of a drop checker? I would like to hear from experts on how accurate that could be.

I would imagine, at a minimum, far more so than the human eye. I don't even bother using one for that very reason because it only gets you in the ballpark and instead I rely on the 'ole pH drop method. I don't believe it to be some new groundbreaking science, but I do like technology and gadgetry, AND if it reinforces my pH drop methodology, then it's at least fun for my peace of mind.

To your point though, I think their idea is to eliminate reading color cards (think API test kits) and put an actual number value to it instead. As to how valuable knowing an exact number actually is, I'm not entirely sure.

 

[CincyScaper]

Based on how I have used the drop checker, I think it would be a nice tool, if you are using it mainly for a trend than actual value.

 

[renesis]

Pretty clever use of the drop checker! I really need to make some time to get back to my spectro project, the same sensor I used could easily do this too.

 

[EvolvAqua]

I know right!?

I'm going to email them and express my interest for those of us in the little 'ole USA who are always last in the aquarium industry to get things that perhaps they would like a 'US-based tester' or whatever else I have to do to get my hands on one of these. Nothing will come of it, but it will at least scratch the itch a bit hopefully.

Unfortunately, the US has different electrical and radio-frequency standards that must be met; while the Spectra could potentially comply with these, undergoing further laboratory testing would be very costly. Let's not even talk about customs and the hassle that comes with it. The other problem is that it can currently be used with water tests from three manufacturers (JBL, Salifert, Yokuchi). Are any of these available for purchase in the US? You can send an email to photon@evolvaqua.com.

 

[Yugang]

@EvolvAqua congratulations with this new device, and I believe many hobbyists could benefit from it.

I’d like to point out that I doubt the claimed 3 ppm accuracy for CO2 measurements is realistic. It doesn’t reflect real-world conditions where CO2 levels fluctuate throughout the day and this device would need several hours to track the curve. It will be even slower than traditional drop checkers, as it is less optimised for diffusion at water/gas interface. Nevertheless, I still consider it a useful tool for getting an approximate reading and overcoming some challenges of existing drop checkers.

PM me if you want some opinion how the CO2 measurement can be further optimised.

 

[EvolvAqua]

@EvolvAqua congratulations with this new device, and I believe many hobbyists could benefit from it.

I’d like to point out that I doubt the claimed 3 ppm accuracy for CO2 measurements is realistic. It doesn’t reflect real-world conditions where CO2 levels fluctuate throughout the day and this device would need several hours to track the curve. It will be even slower than traditional drop checkers, as it is less optimised for diffusion at water/gas interface. Nevertheless, I still consider it a useful tool for getting an approximate reading and overcoming some challenges of existing drop checkers.

PM me if you want some opinion how the CO2 measurement can be further optimised.

With adequate flow, the Spectra is approximately 20-60 minutes behind the current, true CO2 concentration. However, at low KH levels, this still provides a much more accurate reading than what you could calculate based on pH and KH. In addition, certain active soils will distort the KH measurement, so you will get an incorrect value for the CO2 concentration. In my opinion, under high-tech conditions, the Spectra1 provides the most accurate CO2 concentration results.

 

[Yugang]

With adequate flow, the Spectra is approximately 20-60 minutes behind the current, true CO2 concentration.

Yes, high flow speeds up diffusion. However, the EvolvAqua’s design isn’t optimised for speed like a traditional drop checker and no one assumes a drop checker is only 20 minutes behind. We typically assume several hours and for the EvolvAqua there’s no credible physical explanation for it being faster given the tube’s suboptimal design. While I won’t delve into the specifics underpinning the 3 ppm accuracy claim, I simply want to say it’s probably unrealistic in real-world situations.

Even with a relaxed spec it definitely has it value for many hobbyists in my opinion. When I would use it, I would just monitor when the readings stabilise, and take that as a best guess. For most of us that is good enough, and we don't need a 3 ppm claim as per the sheet.

To avoid misunderstanding, I like this new device. Just point out that the CO2 specs should be taken with a grain of salt in my opinion.