Fishbit

In January 2015, I was lucky enough to get in on the Fishbit Kickstarter launch of the first ~30-35 beta units. It was very interesting be able to talk one-on-one with the Fishbit team and to give input and get regular updates as the product was being developed. I've been using my Fishbit since September and I have wanted to do a short write up and share some pictures, but I just haven't gotten around to it. There was write up on reefs.com about a month ago and it mirror's many of my first impressions: An evening with the Fishbit monitor. - Reefs.com

Fishbit will be launching a new Kickstarter campaign this week, so if figured now would be a great time to share. www.facebook.com/getfishbit

I received my Fishbit controller on 09/12/15.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a Apple device so I couldn't use it right away. Fishbit took care of me and immediately sent me a personalized iPod touch! My kids love the iPod too Once I had the iPod, I set up the controller and it was a breeze! It took only a few minutes and was really easy.

I received the Fishbit monitor on 12/01/16.

I installed it on my 50 gallon tank, and it took less than 10 minutes--the probes were calibrated right out of the box. I also have a Digital Aquatics Archon on this tank.

The Fishbit monitor takes pH, salinity, and temperature readings regularly. The readings have been surprisingly stable and accurate when I spot check using manual tests. The Fishbit is the easiest and most reliable controller I've ever used*, but since the beta version doesn't monitor water level, I still use the Archon for my ATO and to turn the skimmer off when the water level in my sump is high. I can't wait to use the first production version since it will have water level built in along with a number of other new features.

*My controller experience is primarily with Digital Aquatics RKL, RKE & Archon. I have never used an Apex so I can't make any comparisons there.

 

I'm not sure how much they will retail for, but I pledged at the $349 level for the beta. That was a bargain when I considered the cost of any controller with a salinity probe alone. Between the salinity probe, inductive power concept, the positive press coverage, and the opportunity to try something new, I was sold. The pledge included some other swag (which I wasn't expecting) and also the retail version when available. I never imagined the iPod part. Each time I talked with Nathan at Fishbit by phone or e-mail, I felt like I was the most important customer. I know I wasn't, but the feeling is priceless.

 

Thomas Brown video with an inside look at the people behind Fishbit:

 

Fishbit just launched on Kickstarter this morning and they are already well on the way to reaching the goal. The "Early Fish" special is going fast.
Fishbit: Your Aquarium Made Simple

It made the headlines on Reef Builders:
Fishbit controller and monitor come out of Beta, ready for primetime - Reef Builders | The Reef and Marine Aquarium Blog

They used me and my daughter in their "Tank-imonials" video.

 

Yes, they are independent. One can be used without the other.

 

Fishbit has almost reached 50% of their Kickstarter goal in the first week. I hope they can keep up the momentum. They set up a word of mouth reward system, so if you want to make a pledge and you want to give me credit, then use this link to make your pledge:
Fishbit: Your Aquarium Made Simple
I would be happy to donate the rewards back to the club as cash. I bet if we could get 8 or more pledges through the link, we could get a Fishbit controller or monitor for the Fall Fest raffle.