should i get a controller?

platax88 · 04/24/2007, 02:57 PM

In the next year i am going on a three week honeymoon and i am trying to prepare the tank for full automation (other than feeding) ... and multiple failsafe approaches.

I ran into an opportunity to purchase an aquacontroller Jr. with 6 X-10 modules and ph probe. Do you guys recommend i get it? I was just thinking that since i dose via a kalk reactor, if PH went up too high it would shut it off, if a heater got stuck and temp went up too high, then some fans could kick in... If temp dropped too low, maybe i can have a back-up heater ready to turn on ...

can i trust these units or am i better off just leaving my sytem alone... as far as cost, it would only cost me ~$100 after i sell off my PH meter, wavemaker strip and digital timer.

I kinda need to make a decision asap, before this deal passes me by. Please help!

Thanks!

rooroo · 04/24/2007, 03:38 PM

I have an Aqua Controller Jr and love it. I am so glad I got it. I have it controlling my auto top off, which is the aquamedic nivumat. I have certain time periods throughout the day when I allow the topoff to turn on, and if the switch is open, then it tops off. Its my failsafe as even though the switch seems pretty foolproof I've twice had it stick open and if it were not for the Aquacontroller turning it off, I would have had a nice flood.

Also, I have mine set up so that if the tank gets too warm the T5s turn off.

I don't have a kalk reactor so my pH probe basically just keeps track and makes it easy for me to check what the pH is. But I know a few people who dose kalk based on the pH, or you can use it to control a calcium reactor.

In any case I highly recommend you get it. It has made my life easier for my tank as I don't top off each day, it reliably turns lights on and off, and reliably keeps the tank at a constant temp. I could potentially go away for 3-4 days and not have anyone check on it if necessary.

Also, get the serial DIN cable for it so you can connect it to your computer. Download Aquanotes Lite for free and make programming it so much easier.

HippieSmell · 04/24/2007, 03:38 PM

Get it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one.

dougchambers · 04/24/2007, 03:38 PM

Our Neptune ACIII was one of the best purchases we've made for our tank. It has made our system much more stable. We picked our controller up before we went on vacation for a week. We were able to check parameters and make adjustments via any computer with an internect connection.

The Junior is a great controller. However, I would not recommend X10 modules. They are prone to multiple problems which could defeat your purpose for automation and stability.

IMHO, I would pick up the controller and buy a DC8 direct connect module instead of using X10.

-Doug

platax88 · 04/24/2007, 03:50 PM

thanks guys ... im gonna go for it! Unfortunately this unit does not have the serial interface ... which i would love! I think i will replace the x-10 too when money permits. what about as a wavemaker... anyone use it for that?

Thanks for all your help

dougchambers · 04/24/2007, 05:32 PM

No serial interface is a different story. Again, if it were me, I would save the money and get the controller you want...

RWillieK · 04/24/2007, 06:16 PM

Premium Aquatics has a special on the brand new AquaController Jr - I ordered on today.

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 10:13 AM

check this awesome deal out... i called and they assured me that it is NEW and the new model (black and backlit) no serial but does include the DC8!!!

I almost bought a used one for like $30 less ... what do you think, should i go for it?

Please note that this is in canadian ... its $198 American

best price i have found

oh and they have great customer service so far

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 10:32 AM

one more thing... i found an opportunity to get an ACII (no backlight) with 10 X-10 for the same price ($200)

What would you do:

new AC jr with dc8 (no serial)

Used ACII with X-10

thank you so much this desicion is driving me crazy!

HBtank · 04/26/2007, 10:58 AM

I could not live without mine

Get the DC8 and PH probe if possible.

I am getting a DC4 to add to mine soon because I insist on it controlling EVERYTHING

THe only reason i really see for getting the other controllers is internet compatibility and other probes (such as ORP). At this point I don't see the need.

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 11:04 AM

thanks HBtank -- i have a ph probe already and it comes with the DC8 ... dont have a need for ORP

RWillieK · 04/26/2007, 11:38 AM

The new model purchased at Premium Aquatics does come with the serial upgrade - I received mine today.

You do need the adaptor though, from Mini Din to Serial.

Robbie

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 11:42 AM

Im just wondering if the extra $50 + the adaptor is woth the serial option.

what are the benefits of the serial port?

1. easier programming through AquaNotes (but not neccessary)
2. Download graphs of PH and Temp fluctuations

Anything else?

HBtank · 04/26/2007, 12:07 PM

I personally don't mind programming it from the display and don't really need the graphs IMO, though it is a cool novelty.

I do have the serial port but just have not seen the need to buy the cable, even being a techy kind of guy.

Now if I had the ability to have internet access I would use it for trips, alarms. But that is a much more expensive unit/addition.

Personally, at this point I would have rather put the money on a DC4 than a serial port... Those outlets fill up quick!

dougchambers · 04/26/2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by platax88
one more thing... i found an opportunity to get an ACII (no backlight) with 10 X-10 for the same price ($200)

What would you do:

new AC jr with dc8 (no serial)

Used ACII with X-10

thank you so much this desicion is driving me crazy!

Don't forget that the ACII is not supported for firmware updates. All these new Feed mode, Power outage, and other features will not be availble with the older ACII platform.

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 12:16 PM

ok ... im gonna skip on the serial and get the new AC JR. with the dc 8.

Im having a hard time understanding how you can write the code with the display... i downloaded the manual, time to read!

thanks again!

RWillieK · 04/26/2007, 12:18 PM

You can also update the firmware with the serial cable connection.

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 12:28 PM

apparently the ac jr WITHOUT the serial port still accepts firmware updates through the temp input ... you need a cable of course.

David Grigor · 04/26/2007, 01:34 PM

It depends on how good of deal your getting. X10 is a big turn off for me and I would insist on a DC8 to go with it.

Likely by the time you figure in the cost of purchasing a DC8 to go with the used Jr. your probably better off just buying new....

platax88 · 04/26/2007, 01:49 PM

yup .. here is what im going with

New AC JR. and 8 Direct Connect for $200... can't beat that!

HBtank · 04/26/2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by platax88
ok ... im gonna skip on the serial and get the new AC JR. with the dc 8.

Im having a hard time understanding how you can write the code with the display... i downloaded the manual, time to read!

thanks again!

Don't worry about programming, after a few minutes it will seem easy. It is just a matter of scrolling and selecting.

greghigham · 04/28/2007, 08:31 PM

In case you have yet to see the comparison chart that Robby G put together after *much* research on the various controllers, have a peek here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=997688
This chart has been very helpful as I plan my controller purchase.
G

RWillieK · 04/28/2007, 08:49 PM

After reading through the chart Robby G put together, I decided on the AC Jr over the Reefkeeper - the AC Jr is much more capable.

Robbie

drummereef · 04/28/2007, 10:12 PM

Besides water and glass my Aquacontroller Jr was the best investment I've made for my reef period.

Rich_1833 · 04/28/2007, 10:32 PM

I cant seem to get the link can someone help.

04/24/2007, 02:57 PM	#1
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	should i get a controller? In the next year i am going on a three week honeymoon and i am trying to prepare the tank for full automation (other than feeding) ... and multiple failsafe approaches. I ran into an opportunity to purchase an aquacontroller Jr. with 6 X-10 modules and ph probe. Do you guys recommend i get it? I was just thinking that since i dose via a kalk reactor, if PH went up too high it would shut it off, if a heater got stuck and temp went up too high, then some fans could kick in... If temp dropped too low, maybe i can have a back-up heater ready to turn on ... can i trust these units or am i better off just leaving my sytem alone... as far as cost, it would only cost me ~$100 after i sell off my PH meter, wavemaker strip and digital timer. I kinda need to make a decision asap, before this deal passes me by. Please help! Thanks!

04/24/2007, 03:38 PM	#3
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	Get it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

04/24/2007, 06:16 PM	#7
RWillieK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 594	Premium Aquatics has a special on the brand new AquaController Jr - I ordered on today. __________________ Five out of Four People have Trouble with Fractions. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon display, 40 gallon sump, 20 Gallon Fuge, AquaController Jr w/ Serial upgrade, Velocity T2 Return, Modified ASM G2 Skimmer, 2 x 150w 14K MH, Coralife Ca Reactor, DIY Kalk Reactor

04/26/2007, 10:58 AM	#10
HBtank Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 2,957	I could not live without mine Get the DC8 and PH probe if possible. I am getting a DC4 to add to mine soon because I insist on it controlling EVERYTHING THe only reason i really see for getting the other controllers is internet compatibility and other probes (such as ORP). At this point I don't see the need. __________________ 80g Aiptasia dominated reef tank.. with fish and now a bunch of berghia! Current Tank Info: 80g tank, re-starting a reef after a zoanthid nudibranch plauge, followed by months of steady and unstoppable STN/RTN, crashed; stayed FOWLR for a couple years, currently an aiptasia dominated reef tank with fishies and BERGHIA

04/26/2007, 11:38 AM	#12
RWillieK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 594	The new model purchased at Premium Aquatics does come with the serial upgrade - I received mine today. You do need the adaptor though, from Mini Din to Serial. Robbie __________________ Five out of Four People have Trouble with Fractions. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon display, 40 gallon sump, 20 Gallon Fuge, AquaController Jr w/ Serial upgrade, Velocity T2 Return, Modified ASM G2 Skimmer, 2 x 150w 14K MH, Coralife Ca Reactor, DIY Kalk Reactor

04/24/2007, 03:38 PM	#2
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	I have an Aqua Controller Jr and love it. I am so glad I got it. I have it controlling my auto top off, which is the aquamedic nivumat. I have certain time periods throughout the day when I allow the topoff to turn on, and if the switch is open, then it tops off. Its my failsafe as even though the switch seems pretty foolproof I've twice had it stick open and if it were not for the Aquacontroller turning it off, I would have had a nice flood. Also, I have mine set up so that if the tank gets too warm the T5s turn off. I don't have a kalk reactor so my pH probe basically just keeps track and makes it easy for me to check what the pH is. But I know a few people who dose kalk based on the pH, or you can use it to control a calcium reactor. In any case I highly recommend you get it. It has made my life easier for my tank as I don't top off each day, it reliably turns lights on and off, and reliably keeps the tank at a constant temp. I could potentially go away for 3-4 days and not have anyone check on it if necessary. Also, get the serial DIN cable for it so you can connect it to your computer. Download Aquanotes Lite for free and make programming it so much easier.

04/24/2007, 03:38 PM	#4
dougchambers Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,882	Our Neptune ACIII was one of the best purchases we've made for our tank. It has made our system much more stable. We picked our controller up before we went on vacation for a week. We were able to check parameters and make adjustments via any computer with an internect connection. The Junior is a great controller. However, I would not recommend X10 modules. They are prone to multiple problems which could defeat your purpose for automation and stability. IMHO, I would pick up the controller and buy a DC8 direct connect module instead of using X10. -Doug

04/24/2007, 03:50 PM	#5
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	thanks guys ... im gonna go for it! Unfortunately this unit does not have the serial interface ... which i would love! I think i will replace the x-10 too when money permits. what about as a wavemaker... anyone use it for that? Thanks for all your help

04/24/2007, 05:32 PM	#6
dougchambers Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,882	No serial interface is a different story. Again, if it were me, I would save the money and get the controller you want...

04/26/2007, 10:13 AM	#8
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	check this awesome deal out... i called and they assured me that it is NEW and the new model (black and backlit) no serial but does include the DC8!!! I almost bought a used one for like $30 less ... what do you think, should i go for it? Please note that this is in canadian ... its $198 American best price i have found oh and they have great customer service so far

04/26/2007, 10:32 AM	#9
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	one more thing... i found an opportunity to get an ACII (no backlight) with 10 X-10 for the same price ($200) What would you do: new AC jr with dc8 (no serial) Used ACII with X-10 thank you so much this desicion is driving me crazy!

04/26/2007, 11:04 AM	#11
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	thanks HBtank -- i have a ph probe already and it comes with the DC8 ... dont have a need for ORP

04/26/2007, 11:42 AM	#13
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	Im just wondering if the extra $50 + the adaptor is woth the serial option. what are the benefits of the serial port? 1. easier programming through AquaNotes (but not neccessary) 2. Download graphs of PH and Temp fluctuations Anything else?

04/26/2007, 12:07 PM	#14
HBtank Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 2,957	I personally don't mind programming it from the display and don't really need the graphs IMO, though it is a cool novelty. I do have the serial port but just have not seen the need to buy the cable, even being a techy kind of guy. Now if I had the ability to have internet access I would use it for trips, alarms. But that is a much more expensive unit/addition. Personally, at this point I would have rather put the money on a DC4 than a serial port... Those outlets fill up quick! __________________ 80g Aiptasia dominated reef tank.. with fish and now a bunch of berghia! Current Tank Info: 80g tank, re-starting a reef after a zoanthid nudibranch plauge, followed by months of steady and unstoppable STN/RTN, crashed; stayed FOWLR for a couple years, currently an aiptasia dominated reef tank with fishies and BERGHIA

04/26/2007, 12:16 PM	#16
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	ok ... im gonna skip on the serial and get the new AC JR. with the dc 8. Im having a hard time understanding how you can write the code with the display... i downloaded the manual, time to read! thanks again!

04/26/2007, 12:18 PM	#17
RWillieK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 594	You can also update the firmware with the serial cable connection. __________________ Five out of Four People have Trouble with Fractions. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon display, 40 gallon sump, 20 Gallon Fuge, AquaController Jr w/ Serial upgrade, Velocity T2 Return, Modified ASM G2 Skimmer, 2 x 150w 14K MH, Coralife Ca Reactor, DIY Kalk Reactor

04/26/2007, 12:28 PM	#18
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	apparently the ac jr WITHOUT the serial port still accepts firmware updates through the temp input ... you need a cable of course.

04/26/2007, 01:34 PM	#19
David Grigor Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Brooklyn Center, MN USA Posts: 4,951	It depends on how good of deal your getting. X10 is a big turn off for me and I would insist on a DC8 to go with it. Likely by the time you figure in the cost of purchasing a DC8 to go with the used Jr. your probably better off just buying new.... __________________ Neptune Systems 2016 Marine Aquarium Hobbyist of the Year Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef show tank

04/26/2007, 01:49 PM	#20
platax88 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,961	yup .. here is what im going with New AC JR. and 8 Direct Connect for $200... can't beat that!

04/28/2007, 08:31 PM	#22
greghigham Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Francisco bay area Posts: 79	In case you have yet to see the comparison chart that Robby G put together after much research on the various controllers, have a peek here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=997688 This chart has been very helpful as I plan my controller purchase. G

04/28/2007, 08:49 PM	#23
RWillieK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 594	After reading through the chart Robby G put together, I decided on the AC Jr over the Reefkeeper - the AC Jr is much more capable. Robbie __________________ Five out of Four People have Trouble with Fractions. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon display, 40 gallon sump, 20 Gallon Fuge, AquaController Jr w/ Serial upgrade, Velocity T2 Return, Modified ASM G2 Skimmer, 2 x 150w 14K MH, Coralife Ca Reactor, DIY Kalk Reactor

04/28/2007, 10:12 PM	#24
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Besides water and glass my Aquacontroller Jr was the best investment I've made for my reef period. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

04/28/2007, 10:32 PM	#25
Rich_1833 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mascoutah Ill ( near SAB) Posts: 357	I cant seem to get the link can someone help.