Reefing app?

[Cinnimin]

Hi all, I just had an idea earlier and wanted to put out some feelers of interest from fellow hobbyists if this is worth looking into.

Every once in a while I look for a app where I can build a fish tank because I get bored, or get the urge to reef scape when I can’t afford another tank nor have the room for it. If you have looked for a tank app also, you would know just how unrealistic and awful looking the current ones on the market are. If I were to source/create a hyper realistic tank building app that relies on (sped up) realistic coral growth and conditions, with real life consequences (such as tank pests if you do not quarentine/dip or fish fighting if personalities are not compatible) would you have interest or know of people who would find this interesting?

I think it could be a useful planning tool as well, you could input your personal tank size and rockscape and plan coral placement and livestock compatibility. It can also be a good education tool and have loads of fun facts or a spot for those of us unable to currently get a tank while in housing limbo but still get to experience those joys of seeing your coral grow in real time (or even faster if you pay).

Is this worth looking into as a full project? I do foresee some unique challenges and it would take a long time to create something in the caliber of full creative freedom so let me know if I should look into this!

 

[chadfish]

This is a big undertaking but a great idea. I have no idea how to help with something like that, but it sounds fun, interesting and useful.

One challenge I see is trying to turn it into a realistic simulator, only because so much of the hobby is a black art with so many cause/effect unknowns.

 

[LaxFrags]

I think that’s a great idea, I’d buy the game! It would definitely be hard but if it came out great I’d love to see it and play it

 

[thrillreefer]

Like a reef tank Tomagachi?? Sounds cool!

And it might get the masses more interested and/or knowledgeable about reef ecosystems/corals/etc which is an eventual plus for tackling ocean problems through policy.

 

[ChrisV]

I think if you do this, it will be important to decide if you want it to be a reef tank tomagachi, or a reef tank planning tool that includes features that are useful planning tools for aquarists.

I could be wrong, but I would expect limited crossover between the audiences. A planning tool that allowed a user to define the tank size, approximate the shape of their home aquascape, and project the growth form of corals once they grew out could be something I would use. There are many corals that have highly variable growth forms based on conditions, but some do not. Most stags look like stags, most solitaryensis look like dinner plates, etc. It's likely quite easy to project the growth of LPS. There are other corals that are just harder to know about based on species or strain. As you no doubt know, water flow and lighting are huge factors.

So me personally, I would be interested if I could approximate my home aquascape and use it as a planning tool.

As for a tomagachi,... Well, I already have a reef tank for when I want to play god.