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Review: Kactoily Smart 7-in-1 Aquarium WiFi Monitor

As an avid aquarium hobbyist, I’m constantly seeking tools that simplify maintenance and ensure the health of my aquatic inhabitants. Recently, I had the chance to review the Kactoily Smart 7-in-1 Aquarium WiFi Monitor, a product that promises comprehensive monitoring and easy remote access. After several weeks of extensive use, here are my thoughts.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The device arrived neatly packaged, with clear instructions for installation. Included in the box were the main monitor, replaceable probes, calibration powder for pH, and adhesive mounts. It has a compact design and robust build quality, suggesting durability.

Setup and Installation

Installation was straightforward, involving probe calibration and then placing it securely in the aquarium and connecting the monitor to my Wi-Fi network via the Tuya Smart app. While the app interface was intuitive, I initially encountered slight connectivity hiccups, resolved by switching to a 2.4Ghz supported network.

One minor dislike was the provided adhesive mount, I don’t think it will hold as firmly as expected over time. A sturdier screw mount bracket would significantly enhance reliability, ensuring the device remains secure. I ended up designing and 3D printing my own simple mount.

Performance and Accuracy

After calibration, the monitor began providing data on seven key parameters: pH, ORP, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Salinity, Specific Gravity (SG), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

• Temperature & pH: Readings were impressively consistent with my existing trusted devices, varying minimally by about 0.1-0.2 units for pH and within half a degree Celsius for temperature.

• Salinity and Specific Gravity: Salinity readings were close enough to my refractometer.

• ORP: Initially, ORP values fluctuated, stabilising after approximately a week. This break-in period is typical of ORP probes, something to keep in mind for new users.

The remote monitoring capability via the Tuya app works as expected and quite convenient, enabling real-time stats directly to my iPhone.

Areas of Improvement

While generally pleased, there are a few areas where enhancements would benefit users:

• Calibration Powder: The device comes with calibration powder exclusively for pH measurement. Extending this to other parameters such as salinity would facilitate easier and more reliable calibration.

• Mounting Bracket: As previously mentioned, the current sticky adhesive mount could be improved. A secure screw-based mount would offer a more stable, long-term solution.

• Open API Integration: For hobbyists like myself, who prefer aggregating aquarium data independently or using third-party management systems, an open API would significantly extend usability, allowing integration of data with other water parameters that the device doesn’t track, such as nitrates, phosphates, and ammonia.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Real-time monitoring of certain water parameters.
• Easy-to-use remote monitoring and alerts.
• Compact design suitable for tanks of various sizes.
• Replaceable probes, extending overall lifespan and ease of maintenance.

Cons:

• Limited calibration support beyond pH.
• Mounting method lacks sturdiness.
• No open API for advanced data integration.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Kactoily Smart 7-in-1 Aquarium WiFi Monitor has notably simplified my aquarium maintenance routine. The device excels at providing immediate, accurate data and user-friendly remote monitoring. Despite minor drawbacks, particularly around mounting stability and calibration scope, the benefits clearly outweigh these issues, making it a highly recommended tool for serious aquarists seeking convenience and peace of mind.

For more details or to purchase the Kactoily Smart 7-in-1 Aquarium WiFi Monitor, visit their official product page or use my affiliate link for a 15% discount.