The Evolution of Ease - Latest Automatic Water Changers.
Don’t Try Harder, Try Smarter - Tank Maintenance Automation.
Okay, so there are worse things in the world other than aquarium water changes. But, no matter how small or large a tank may be, frequent water changes are a drag. As much as we may dread water changes, it literally forms the cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant reef tank.
And so, for decades, aquarists around the world rolled up their sleeves, and grabbed a few extra towels, just in case.
But what if there was a machine capable of thoroughly changing tank water? Sounds good, right? Now, let’s take it a step further. What if this device worked automatically, and continuously? Sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it?
Well, if you aren’t already aware, I’m proud to be the one to tell you this isn’t the delusions of a tired aquarist. Automatic water changers do exist, and if you choose the right one, you’ll never view this mandatory maintenance step the same.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
Just as its name suggests, these attachable devices combine technology and aquarium care best practices into a revolutionary product. While these devices aren’t necessarily new, the latest devices are leaps ahead of predecessors.
There is one glaring problem. With so many options, and being a device you may not fully understand, how can you find the best one? Moreover, what quantifies an automatic water changer as being the best?
First off, I rarely use words like “best” or “greatest” to describe any product. While one product can feature more advanced features and better control options, one may not be the best for someone else.
I do, however, have a passion for identifying products that actually work. As I’ve told my colleagues, friends and novice aquarists, if you’re in the market for an automatic water changer, you should take a look at the Smart AWC Touch by AutoAqua.
So why do I recommend this to those serious about automating their water changes? Well, let’s take a minute to explore its features, functionality and value for both novice and seasoned aquarists.
The Foundation of Function - Smart AWC Touch Key Features.
It goes without saying that its star feature is its automation. When installed, this relatively compact device takes a burdensome chore off your to-do list. A product that streamlines my weekly chores? Yes please!
For some, this reason alone makes it a worthy purchase. But once you dive into its features, you’ll soon wonder why this wasn’t invented earlier.
- Automatic Top Off (ATO) - When activated, the ATO feature ensures a tank sustains optimum water levels.
- Simplistic User Interface - I really appreciated the simplistic control panel and straightforward interface. There’s no technical jargon or complex menu systems. You simply work your way through the control options, easily identify customization buttons and confirm your choices. This within itself is, in my opinion, its most noteworthy feature.
- Optical Sensors - How many people can say their aquarium is monitored through optic technology? Not that many, I can tell you that. Think of this feature as the central nervous system for the entire device. Optical sensors are quickly, and securely, mounted to the tank through powerful magnets. Once activated, these sensors continuously monitor the levels of aquarium water.
- Complete Kit - How many times have you purchased something, only to find out you need to buy four other items separately? I hate that. What originally peaked my attention is its complete package. Everything you need to install, operate and maintain this automatic water changer and ATO comes together.
This isn’t a full list of its features. However, if you’re in a rush to identify an acceptable automatic water changer, the aforementioned features and functionalities should give you an idea of the type of product available.
While these features are impressive, and were the reason I first began working with this product, it’s only a teaser of all Smart AWC Touch offers. So, without further ado, let’s gear up and dive into the depths of this innovative, and affordable, automatic water changer.
Exploring The Realm of Innovation - Smart AWC Touch In-Depth Review.
At first glance, it’s easy to underestimate the power and functionality of the Smart AWC Touch. Its unassuming design hides some of the most impactful technologies in this product sector. Because of its compact measurements and installation flexibility, Smart AWC Touch is quickly gaining a positive reputation among new and experienced aquarists.
Let’s start at the beginning: installing Smart AWC Touch.
Establishing Ease - Installation Complexity.
When I first started my journey into the world of home aquariums, I was surprised how complex certain systems were. I never would of thought I’d be sitting in my living room surrounded by tubing, water and frustrated-looking fish.
Thankfully, installing Smart AWS Touch won’t result in tears and binging on chips while reading the installation manual for the seventh time.
Two-Phase Installation.
I appreciate how installation is simplified into two distinct phases. While the installation manual clearly outlines explicit instructions, it’s essentially as follows:
- Automatic Water Change Installation - Mount black sensor at normal water level, mount blue sensor at the lowest acceptable water level, connect drain tubing, connect drain pump to control panel, place drain tube in your waste water container and placing siphon breaker in your aquarium.
- Auto Top Off Installation - Mount black sensor at normal water level, connect refill tube, connect pump cable to the main control panel and connect the included controller power cord to a wall outlet.
That’s pretty much it. Of course, you’ll likely run across unique obstacles based on your tank and its setup, but for most, it’s as easy as following a colorfully illustrated manual.
While installation is relatively straightforward, how does Smart AWC Touch fare once it’s powered on? Let’s crank up the voltage and see whether it’s as promising as it suggests.
The Power of Touch - Controller Design.
The controller is, in my opinion, one of the most well-designed out of any competitor. There’s no flashy elements or intense design choices. Its straightforward and clearly identifies options current status reports. And let’s be real, touchscreen technology is cool enough.
When powered with the included adapter, there’s a total of seven icon buttons to choose from. Even for those of us who aren’t technology literate will find the controller easy to decipher. Buttons include:
- ATO - Turns the automatic top off function on or off.
- AWC - Choose between three options: manual, auto or off.
- Curved Arrow - Controls three functions: AWC activation, AWC pause/resume and alarm dismiss.
- SET - Confirm setting option when running an automatic water change in automatic or manual mode.
- Up Arrow - Increase speed and/or time.
- Down Arrow - Decrease speed and/or time.
- Home Icon - Controls five specific functions, which include returning to main page, resume process, system reset, alarm dismiss and activating the LCD display from sleep.
Overall, this is a well-designed interface. Whether you’re technology savvy, or still think beepers are too advanced for you, Smart AWS Touch won’t have you standing in utter confusion. But still call your more tech savvy friend for help or, to at least, showoff your new fangled tank system.
Gentle Communication - Status Reports.
How many times have you stood watching your tank pumps wondering what they’re actually doing? Smart AWC Touch rose in my ranks as soon as I discovered its thorough reporting system. Just because it automates an unsavory chore doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be in complete control.
Located on the display is the status report indicator screen. Much like its controller interface, clearly defined icons indicate system activity in realtime. In total, five icons clearly relay the status of major systems. These include:
- ATO Status - Shows whether automatic top off function is on or off.
- AWC Status - Has three display options for off and on in manual or auto modes.
- Speed - The five speed levels display refill pump speed for AWC mode.
- Pump Status - There are seven icons that can display here based on pump activity. These include whether it’s connected, turned on, paused or if there is a QST alarm.
- Timer Status - You’ll use this display only during AWC auto mode.
A healthy aquarium is a result from attentive aquarists. Smart AWC Touch simplifies the encompassing task of aquarium system awareness.
Quick Security Technology - Advancements in Protection.
What’s the biggest downside of automatic water changers? No, it’s not some major design flaw or common error. Instead, it’s their reliability and stellar performance. Let me explain.
Because these devices eliminate a very specific worry, which is having unhealthy water, it’s possible to completely toss away concerns until it’s too late. What do I mean? I’m talking about system failures and not noticing soon enough.
There’s a host of problems linked to this possibility, but instead of discussing those, let’s discuss how Smart AWC Touch prevents this hypothetical scenario from ever realizing.
Equipped with Quick Security Technology, or QST, Smart AWC Touch activates advanced real-time protective measures from potentially catastrophic system failures. Utilizing the latest sensor technology and dynamic algorithms, as soon as a failure potential begins, the controller delivers both audible and visual alarms.
These alarms can prevent overfilling, underselling or notify you of a potential serious issue within your tank. For example, there’s a leak in your tank and during the last AWC cycle, it refilled for longer. As you can imagine, the implications of not having this security measure are far reaching.
Simplifying Tank Maintenance for Convenience and Efficiency.
No matter what type of saltwater aquarium you have, or what its size may be, Smart AWC Touch is capable of transforming how you think about tank maintenance. While this isn’t the only acceptable automatic water changer on the market, through experiences shared by myself and other aquarists, it’s highly recommended.
If you’ve never bought an automatic water changer, I understand how confusing the shopping process can be. However, you have something I never did: the ReefHacks team. Whether you have a question we are here to help!
by Yuliya for ReefHacks.