In comparison to their saltwater LED light system or their noiseless wavemaker, the Ecotech reeflink is perhaps Ecotech’s most versatile controller as it brings everything together. The Ecotech Reeflink is clearly a major upgrade over its predecessor, the Ecotech Marine.
In this Ecotech Reeflink Review, you’ll see why this unit is your gateway to a wireless aquarium setup. Without it, it would be impossible to control your wavemakers or lights wirelessly through a computer, iPad or computer.
Do you really own a product if you can’t control it conveniently? I mean, would you be getting the most out of your wave maker when ignoring all the customization options it comes with? The manual presets that come with the lights are great but they’ll rarely match your mood and vibe.
Through the app (and online), you’re able to program and set Ecotech lights and wavemakers conveniently. This is extremely practical, especially when operating multiple powerheads.
Ecotech Reeflink Review: who’s is it for?
This digital hub was conceived to be an aid to those with Radeon lights and Virtech pumps. As long as it’s from Ecotech, they’ll integrate seamlessly. With the hub, you get to configure your devices from any windows pc or mac wirelessly without having to fumble with the cables.
You can even schedule lights by the hour! Connect via the android or Apple app and make the most out of Ecosmart Live. In the packaging, there’s a USB cable and a power supply unit.
You’ll need to hook up the unit to a computer through the provided USB cable when performing the initial setup. The classic power cord provided plugs into standard wall outlets and you won’t require any adapter. The unit isn’t a space hog either, it will fit behind your tank as long as there are 2 inches of clear space there.
Why we love the Ecotech Reeflink
Must you use Reeflink to access Ecosmart live services? No. But, you’ll fall in love with the flexibility it gives you. With it, you don’t have to hook the Radeon via USB to a computer every time you need to adjust the lighting.
Without it, it would be impossible to configure your aquarium lights from an iPhone, iPad or Android phone as they don’t come with a full-size USB port.
Acting as a gateway, it’s a hub that creates a wireless link between Ecotech branded Aquarium hardware and Ecosmart Live software. With their cloud-based Eco-Smart Live controlling platform, you can monitor your setup from anywhere as long as there’s internet connectivity.
The cloud software runs on web browsers such as Chrome and Safari and so it will work on any device – including smart fridges.
Ecotech Reeflink Setup | Say goodbye to dongles and cables
When connected to a router, the Reeflink translates commands into a way that Radeon lights, Vectra pumps, and wavemakers can understand; effectively eliminating the use of cables.
Pros
- Works every single time.
- Lights, Vectra pumps and wave makers can be controlled from anywhere.
- Cloud-based and you don’t need to install any software on your computer or phone app.
- All settings are stored on the cud and you won’t lose your customization in case of a crash or data loss.
- Easy to use interface – compared to manually connecting to Ecotech devices through dongles.
- Ecosmart Live is easy to install.
See also: Are BiOrb tanks good for fish?
What else do you need in a freshwater fish tank?
Water conditioner
Did you know that some bacteria are beneficial to fish? Without these bacteria breaking down the ammonia in fish excreta and in fish food, aquarium inhabitants would die due to nitrate poisoning.
Ammonia is quite toxic and not even the toughest freshwater fish can withstand its build-up. With the right conditioner, you keep all the harmful bacteria away while encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria colonies.
Fish filter
Though they occasionally make fancy-looking waves, fish filters work in three stages to eliminate biological, chemical and physical hazards.
In the first stage, mechanical filtration takes place where all the physical debris is trapped. Fish excreta and excess food is removed at this stage.
Through the Carbon-based filters in the second stage, all toxins are removed. The third stage makes use of healthy bacteria to break down ammonia ensuring that all the water in the tank is safe for freshwater fish.
See also: What is needed for aquascaping?
Aquarium Heater
Get one with a digital thermometer and LED display or you’ll risk boiling your fish – seriously! All tropic fish thrive best at warm temperatures hence the need to keep water warm.
If you’re thinking that your home thermostat (that’s always on 70 degrees Fahrenheit) will keep your tank warm too, physics doesn’t work that way. They’ll surely survive in room-temperature warm water but they won’t be healthy.
The exact temperature range will vary on the species you are keeping but most heaters operate at between 70 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
An air pump
Fish need oxygen to survive. Without water flow, it would be impossible for the water to be in contact with the air long enough to facilitate gaseous exchange.
If you’re using a submersible heater, the aquarium air pump will facilitate adequate water circulation ensuring that there are no hotspots near the heating element.
Aquarium substrate
Even though they’re primarily an aesthetic element, aquarium substrates are functional in a way too. Aquarium substrates provide a surface on which healthy bacteria can grow.
When growing aquatic plants, their roots will be anchored to this substrate as well. They come in various colors and sizes. If you can envision your “dream” tank, you’ll find the right substrate for it. Piloted gravel pebbles work best in aquariums with live plants
Lighting
There are more light fixtures for aquariums and they defer in technologies too. LED light fixtures are pricier but they last a lifetime. The initial investment may be steep but they’ll certainly outlive your aquarium.
A few LED light fixtures are customizable and programmable too. Traditionally, fluorescent bulbs were used in freshwater tanks but the heat they generated was found to have more downsides than advantages.
Reference
Reefs.com: Ecotech Marine Reeflink – Review
Reef Builders: ReefLink review: Ecotech Marine’s wireless hub just works, well