AqualitePro v 0.3.3: Aquarists’ Calculator (Python)
Contents:
Introduction
What’s New
Requirements
Running on Mac OS
Running on Windows
Modules
Using AqualitePro
Known Bugs
Development & Disclaimer
Contact Me
Introduction
AqualitePro is a simple python script designed for aquarists. The main module is AqualitePro.py. There are currently 7 additional modules for it that do approximately 5 different calculations (see ‘Modules’ below).
AqualitePro is different from other programs for several reasons. First of all, it very small and the code is clean enough for even beginning python users to understand (in fact, it might be useful for a tutorial!). It has no special features or automated anything - it does not remember anything about your aquariums. It allows the aquarist to take the lead, and does not offer suggestions or demand water changes, etc. This makes it unusually portable and versatile. I designed it this way because I have many aquariums and ponds currently set up, and I am always adding new ones and removing existing ones. This simple bit of code helped me do basic calculations without overwhelming me. This is why AqualitePro is just an aquarium calculator, not an aquarium manager.
The Substrate Calculator is a unique feature that allows aquarists to estimate the amount of gravel or sand needed when setting up a new tank, based on the actual specific gravity/weight/volume of the media used. This is helpful when setting up a new aquarium.
What’s New:
Aqualitepro v. 03.2 (5/13)
fixed minor bugs with volume menus
corrected text & added text to improve clarity
Aqualitepro v. 03.2 (5/10)
fixed minor bugs
Aqualitepro v. 03.1 (7/08)
added figure volume module
fixed minor problems
Aqualitepro v. 03.0 (4/08)
allows for additional conversions
added new modules
extracted lighting and conversions to separate modules
removed lighting guide
fixed small code problems
Aqualite v. 01 (5/07, original version)
As of 4/08, AqualitePro does NOT provide information regarding substances such as kalkwasser, iron, formalin, or other additives. This feature may or may not be included in future releases.
As of 4/08, AqualitePro is only available in python. Future ports to other programming languages may include more portable versions (calculator, handheld, etc).
As of 4/08, AqualitePro is only available in English. Future languages may include Spanish, Japanese, and other translations.
As of 4/08, AqualitePro does not provide any information about specific brands. The advice is generalized, and no product or theory is specifically endorsed. Common indications of substrates are based solely on generally agreed upon uses, and are not designed to recommend any particular use or practice. General husbandry, such as acclimation and quarantine, is strongly recommended and almost universally recognized as important for all aquarists. Future releases may or may not continue this tradition.
As of 4/08, Morgan H is working on a stocking advisor module that lists locations of many popular species for biotope planning.
Requirements
Python (this version created on Mac Python 2.5)
about 50 kb free space
Running AqualitePro on Mac OS
You can launch the program through Darwin/terminal (recommended). Terminal is located in HD/Applications/Utilities of OSX, unless you moved it. To use AqualitePro through terminal, open terminal and change directory (‘cd ’) to where the program is located. Tell the terminal to open the program through python by typing ‘python aqualitepro.py’. (Use spaces between commands and their targets, like ‘cd filename/filename’ or ‘python file.py’.)
It you're still confused, here is an example.
Last login: Fri Apr 25 13:12:09 on ttyp1
Welcome to Darwin!
[cpuname:~] user% cd desktop/aqualitepro
[cpuname~/desktop/aqualitepro] user% python aqualitepro.py
AqualitePro can also be used by double-clicking the main module (AqualitePro.py) and running the program from within IDLE/python shell. This will let you have a good look at the clean source code. You can also run this program through the Python launcher.
Running AqualitePro on Windows:
To run AqualitePro through the terminal, open the terminal (Start menu, run, type 'cmd') and enter the directory. If the AqualitePro folder is on your desktop, enter 'cd desktop/aqualitepro' then press enter. Once you are in the right file/directory, just type the name of the program 'aqualitepro.py' and you will run AqualitePro.
It you're still confused, here is an example.
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.
C:\Documents and Settings\owner> cd desktop/aqualitepro
C:\Documents and Settings\owner\Desktop\AqualitePro> aqualitepro.py
For those folks who love their Windows GUI, save the file to the hard disk and left click on 'Aqualite.py'. Choose 'Open With...' then 'Browse'. Find where you installed python, like on you local hard disk (usually c:). Find and select 'python.exe'.
AqualitePro can also be used by double-clicking the main module (AqualitePro.py) and running the program from within IDLE/python shell. This will let you have a good look at the clean source code. You can also run this program through the Python launcher.
Running Aqualite Using Python Launcher
Control+Click (OSX) or Right Click (Windows) and select Open With. Then find and choose the Python Launcher.
Modules
AqualitePro comes with eight modules, plus the main modules. Each module provides a different set of equations and all can be accessed through the main module or independently. All the code needed to run Aqualite.py is contained in these modules.
lightingmodaqualite.py
figures watts per gallon and watts per liter
estimates wattage needed for desired watts per gallon/liter
salinitymod.py
estimates cups of salt needed for marine and brackish aquariums
estimates amount of salt needed for medicinal needs (external protozoa treatment, etc)
displays the ranges of salinity in ppt and sg for each
substrmodaqualite.py, subinch.py, and subcent.py
estimates the lbs/kilos of substrate needed to cover an aquarium of user specified size
weights for: pea pebbles, aragonite, fluorite, dry sand, wet/live sand, peat, and soil
includes basic uses and indications for each
tempmodaqualite.py
converts Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvins
volmodaqualite.py
converts liters, gallons, and imperial gallons
figures the rough weight of an aquarium of specified size
displays conversions of gallons per hour (liters per hour, etc)
figurevolumemod.py
figures the amount of gallons/liters an aquarium of specified size will hold
figures tank/bowl volume
Using AqualitePro
AqualitePro is easy to use and provides all the information you’ll need to use the program on the screen. There is not presently a GUI or standalone app/exe of aqualitepro. However, as terminal programs go, it’s easy and requires virtually no knowledge of programming.
AqualitePro is free and open source. Anyone can use the program, as long as basic open source rules are respected. Because the program is in the python programming language, python open source license rules apply.
If you need python or an update, visit the official python website:
http://www.python.org/download/
As of 4/2008, open source rules and licensee information can be found here:
http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd
http://www.opensource.org/licenses/PythonSoftFoundation.php
As of 4/2008, this project can be found here:
https://sourceforge.net/
https://sourceforge.net/projects/aqualitepro
Known Bugs
4/08 - entering non-numbers (letters or symbols) or failing to enter anything into a field that asks for numbers will cause program termination
Development & Disclaimer
AqualitePro is managed by Morgan H. As of 4/08, this project is open and development continues. E-mail me for questions concerning the project.
AqualitePro is a simple script and has no risk of damaging anything when properly used. However, I cannot be responsible for misuse of the program. AqualitePro is designed for use by beginner-advanced aquarists, but can be used by anyone. Morgan H, sourceforge.net, opensource.org, and any other linked/affiliated parties cannot be held responsible for loss of property resulting from use of AqualitePro (such as invertebrate death due to temperature/salinity changes, etc).
Contact Me
Suggestions always welcome.
mhazell@socket.net
morgan_h@users.sourceforge.net
