Flexi Plug-Review

A big thank you to Jeff at Marine Depot for sending me a new toy to play with.

What it is??
From TAIKONG Technology Ltd.
Simply control aquarium devices through smart phone or tablet.

Unfortunately I do not own an Apple phone but I was able to download the Beta App. on Google Play for my Nexus7.The only difficulty I had on setup was getting the device to reset(flash blue).The "button" if you can call it that; has little to no "feel" so it is hard to tell if you are actually pressing it.Once I got the reset it paired almost instantly.This is a list of supported devices which has grown with the addition to Google play.
iphones 4s,5,5s,5c,,6,6plus,
ipad4th gen.,touch 5th,air,air2,mini,mini2,mini3

System requirements-Bluetooth 4.0 BLE
IOS 7.0 or higher
Android 4.3 or higher


Bluetooth remote control.

Range/speed does not appear to be an issue.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Bluetooth_vs_Wifi

Precise Timer,up to 5 different time setups.Minimum setup to the minute.

Timer setup is 24hours instead of A.M./P.M. The App. would not allow the first time(on time) higher then the second time(off time).So if you were to try to setup a lunar light(which coincidentally was what I was trying to do lol.) it would not allow it.The 5 different times is a head scratcher. How many aquarists turn the same light on/off 5 times in a day?The 2 pronged plug will also eliminate alot of fixtures/devices unfortunately.


During feeding/water change temporarily stop the powerhead/filter for 5,15,30,60, or 120 minutes.

I like this.Shutting down my mechanical filtration(hob) while feeding will be great.

I simply switch off my powerstrip for wc's and don't really see a need for a game of beat the clock.This device would however remember to turn itself back on every time.


Temporarily power on/off.

This would be handy to switch off a heater when you have your filthy claw in the tank or sump.Unfortunately again the 2 pronged plug maybe an issue.

Product page for a full description and photos.
http://www.taikong-aqua.com/product_a.asp?id=229&lang=en


It came well packaged with instructions on the box.




It is compact but may obstruct adjoining outlets on some power strips.



The interface is clean and straight forward.You can name your Flexi plugs.I call mine Sally.



Overall this is an exciting product.Not really sure its usefullness can justify the price but that is really up to the aquarist to decide.I can think of a few non- aquarium related uses for this device.Like plugging a lamp into it that I can turn on for after one of those late night rendezvous.Who knows I may even plug my Christmas tree into it.
Please post your comments/questions I will update this thread periodically.
Available at Marine Depot.Jeff is good people.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Flexi_Pl...arium_Lighting-Flexi-AZ72883-FILTACTM-vi.html

 

Good review vinny. Can you use a converter to convert 3 prong plug to 2 prong?

 

Good point Bill.They will add to the bulk on your powerstrip a little and can become wiggly.
I am certainly not a qualified electrician though.

 

Nice review Vinny.
I had seen similar product utilized in a small home build for lighting and couple other things. Pretty cool stuff.
I bet the next revision of the product allows for the on option at any time.

 

Ty.I am sure it would be a simple fix.

 

ouch.. $65 to control one outlet? that's painful.

 

There's nothing like modern tech but what if you don't have any cell service out in the boonies?

 

Move.

 

I have! One side of the lot to the other!

 

Nice review Vinny, interesting product.