Comparison

AquariumControl vs Algae Scanner for Aquariums

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AquariumControl

Features
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This is the client app for the open source Aquarium Control project. The pairing of the app with the controller and the workflow are described here: https://youtu.be/TI59Z_V8Q-A For experimenting, you can use the demo server. Go to "Select Controller" and create a new controller with the following parameters: server address: vps2483992.servdiscount-customer.com Port: 80 Username: demo Password: demo After creating the controller profile,Β select the controller. Then all features of the controller will be available in the main menu of the app.

About

Algae Scanner for Aquariums

Features
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Algae Scanner helps aquarium owners identify common algae from a photo, understand likely causes, and choose the next practical step without guessing. Take one clear photo of the growth in your tank. Get a likely match, confidence and severity, the conditions that may be feeding it, and clear actions to try first. PHOTO-BASED ALGAE IDENTIFICATION Use your camera or photo library to scan algae directly in your aquarium. The app compares visible patterns and returns a likely match along with practical guidance for your tank. FOR FRESHWATER, PLANTED, AND REEF TANKS Whether you keep a freshwater planted tank or a saltwater reef aquarium, Algae Scanner helps you investigate outbreaks with aquarium-specific context. COMMON ALGAE PROBLEMS Identify likely green hair algae, black beard algae, brown diatoms, cyanobacteria, green spot algae, green water, fuzz algae, or other common growths. WHAT YOU GET - A likely algae match from your photo - Confidence and severity to help prioritize - Likely causes, such as light, nutrients, flow, CO2, organics, or unstable maintenance - Practical next steps to try before making random changes - Scan history to revisit past results Algae Scanner is built to help you move from "What is this?" to a clearer next move for your aquarium. IMPORTANT Photo-based results are suggestions, not guarantees. Accuracy can vary with photo quality, lighting, water clarity, and mixed growth. Use the result as a starting point alongside your own tank observations. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

AquariumControl4 screens
Algae Scanner for Aquariums4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AquariumControl at none against Algae Scanner for Aquariums's 2. Algae Scanner for Aquariums's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 8 months) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Algae Scanner for Aquariums sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. AquariumControl asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AquariumControl ships an update every 8 months, Algae Scanner for Aquariums every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
AquariumControl versus Algae Scanner for Aquariums: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAquariumControlAlgae Scanner for Aquariums
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 9 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS17.015.1 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size13 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUwe MartinSzymon Niemiec

In-app purchases

None

AquariumControl

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Algae Scanner for Aquariums

Subscriptions2
  • Premium3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Premium$29.991 Year

Questions

Is AquariumControl free?
AquariumControl is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Algae Scanner for Aquariums free?
Algae Scanner for Aquariums is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AquariumControl or Algae Scanner for Aquariums have ads?
Neither AquariumControl nor Algae Scanner for Aquariums shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AquariumControl or Algae Scanner for Aquariums?
AquariumControl ships an update every 8 months, and Algae Scanner for Aquariums every 9 days. Most recently, AquariumControl was updated on November 4, 2026 and Algae Scanner for Aquariums on November 4, 2026.

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