Puratek reef controller

[Mattiejay6]

So I have been reading up on the cool gizmos from MACNA and on thing that I have found intriguing is this controller I haven't heard of.

 

http://puratek.com/products/insight-monitor-controller/insight-247-home

 

Reef builders had nothing but good things to say about it. Said it has some features that really stand out like a water voltage meter that detects if any electricity is leaking into the water.

 

This thing comes with a lot of good things. I know neptune has come out with a bunch f new add ons but this seems like a really good competitor.

 

Anyone else have any insight?

 

 

Here is what reef builders said:

 

" Puratek was born out of a company with roots in designing controllers for IT data centers. With a strong background in automation and disaster prevention, they branched into Aquarium controllers. They distinguish themselves from other controllers by several facets. For one, the web interface is managed by them. This allows them to push out firmwares to controllers, integrate additional features not immediately available from locally hosted controller interfaces, and develop a reefkeeping online presence that incorporates popular trends like social media. You can grant admin access to friends, and share stats.

 

 

They have something for every niche. The web interface allows those without controllers to log chemistry data, equipment information like serial numbers and part numbers, and keep tabs on maintenance schedule. Take it a step further, and you can add 5 of their controllable web cams. That’s right, five! Point them at your tanks, your sump, your plumbing, etc. If you’ve already invested in a controller from another brand, the webcams and web interface still has something to offer you. Leak detector alarmed? Point one of the web cams around remotely and see what’s up.

 

Take it another step further, and they have a standalone top-off unit, and also a controller (which the top-off seamlessly integrates with). The top-off unit has the option of your typical float switches OR non-intrusive level sensors that mount on the outside of the sump with an adhesive. It works with sumps up to 1/2″ thick, but sensors for thicker acrylic/glass are in the works. The controller has the usual capabilities we are accustomed to, but has some distinguished features as well. One of the more interesting products is a stray voltage probe. When some worn out powerhead or cracked heater starts leaking voltage, the controller can alert you. Their power strip also acts as the ‘breakout box’ you normally see with other controllers. The power strip is rated for 14 amps and equipped with a surge suppressor. Oh and they already have native integration with AquaIllumination, Kessil, and Tunze. Puratek came out of nowhere throwing heavy punches. Time will tell how the product develops and how the overall user experience is. But it sure does look promising."

 

 

Read more: http://reefbuilders.com/2013/08/29/puratek-controller-reef-scene-background/#ixzz2dl1OOMPt

[Coral Hind]

This product sounds pretty cool and competition is always good. I'm a little worried about the web interface which is managed by them.

[Mattiejay6]

What makes you worried about the web interface?

[Mattiejay6]

I think I would prefer a computer program then a web interface inches Internet is down etc.

[Coral Hind]

Also worried about their outages or possible security issue of their server.

[DaveS]

I saw the booth but didn't spend a ton of time there.  Just from the displays they set up, it does seems like a more sophisticated controller.  That had it set up with a bunch of float switches and other input devices that you don't typically see on an Apex. 

 

But at the end of the day the real test will be usability.  Even the Aquacontroller/Apex is borderline too complicated for some hobbyists to use (as evidenced all the posts we see here asking for help).  I think Apex was a big breakthrough with the simplified the configuration screen for common tasks.

[DuckmanReef]

The Apex is moving to a server set up as well.  I'm not sure how server based it will be, but it seems like the current trend.

[AlanM]

Sounds good, but puratek.com looks thoroughly hacked to me. My browser shows lots of nonsense about casinos before their CMS content. Not a good sign for a "cloud" aquarium controller company.

[howaboutme]

Sounds good, but puratek.com looks thoroughly hacked to me. My browser shows lots of nonsense about casinos before their CMS content. Not a good sign for a "cloud" aquarium controller company.

 

Looks fine to me now. It's not CMS, it's a wordpress template. They didn't protect the /admin link..which is what you should do first thing.

Edited September 5, 2013 by howaboutme

[AlanM]

Looks fine to me now too.

[Mattiejay6]

Oh boy.. Well hopefully someone will review their product soon..

 

Crazy about their website.