ACjr vs timer, temp controller & ph monitor

Kayadad · 07/04/2007, 01:19 PM

Well my tank is getting close to being ready for sps. I still need a timer for my lights, a temp controller, and a better way of checking ph then drops and trying to read colors.

I can pick up an ACjr for just under $300 that will do all of this, plus a little more. It allows me to graph my ph and temp over time.

or

I can but a timer for my lights $15, a temp controller (heater and fans) ~$100, and a ph monitor $50. For a total of $165.

How important is it to be able track ph and temp over time?

What would you choose?

I can afford both, but the extra money could be used elsewhere like a frag pack or a 2 part dosing setup.

thanks,

michael

xtm · 08/10/2007, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kayadad
I can but a timer for my lights $15, a temp controller (heater and fans) ~$100, and a ph monitor $50. For a total of $165.

How important is it to be able track ph and temp over time?

What would you choose?

It's important IMO, so you can see throughout the day if you've had dangerous spikes or dips and correct the problem asap.

IMO I would choose the Lighthouse controller over those two, especially If monitoring is your top priority since it has a built-in webserver and you can monitor and control your tank from the internet, but that's just me.

The only drawback to the Lighthouse is the limited controllable outlets (4) compared to the ACJR's DC8.

crumbletop · 08/10/2007, 05:30 AM

I'm not aware of a decent temp controller for $100. You'll need a dual stage for heater + fans which I think runs more like $150. The pH monitor is also closer to $90 for a decent one. For my tank, I would have needed more than one timer.

If you are making the choice at this stage before you buy all of the individual parts, IMO it is a no brainer. Get the AC Jr. Tracking pH and temp over time are somewhat useful in certain circumstances -- but the main advantage is controlling lots more than what you mention. Pumps, multiple lights, cutting off the lights if the temp climbs too high, shutting down the skimmer when you feed, ...

MJAnderson · 08/10/2007, 08:05 AM

After owning the ACjr for a while I'm not sure I'd buy it again. Is there anything you're doing that you need the programming (kalk reactor? MH lights and you live in AZ?). The problem with it is that when you rely too much on one device, you open your tank up to additional risk. I've had my PH meter and 2 temp probes go bad in a year. Last temp probe caused my tank to drop to 75 from 80 before I caught it. The DC8s don't register low voltage items, so in order to use a dosing pump you sometimes have to plug in another device with it just to up the power draw.

When I first got mine I did a ton of programming with it. After the failures, I bought additional equipment in addition as backup. I guess I'm safer having 2 of everything, but now my ACjr. is just a complex timer and tracking device.

Any automated device is only as good as it's weakest link and with the ACs it's the probes.

RichConley · 08/10/2007, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by crumbletop
I'm not aware of a decent temp controller for $100. You'll need a dual stage for heater + fans which I think runs more like $150. The pH monitor is also closer to $90 for a decent one. For my tank, I would have needed more than one timer.

A Ranco is like $60

xtm · 08/10/2007, 10:31 AM

This site has good info/reviews on different controllers in the market: www.aquariumcontrollers.com

Per my 'own' research, basically it boils down to this:

ACJR - very flexible, highly customizable.. mostly for power users who have patience to tinker with parameters all day.
RK2 - Looks aesthetically pleasing. Good features too.
Lighthouse - Very underrated controller that is almost unknown to many. Overall a good controller.. especially good for reefers who travel a lot because of the web access. Has ORP. Only problem is the limited device it controls.

afelder · 08/10/2007, 10:31 AM

I like the ability to have everything on one unit that comes with the AC JR. I don't like having to have so many individual units to dela with things. JMO

crumbletop · 08/10/2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MJAnderson
After owning the ACjr for a while I'm not sure I'd buy it again. Is there anything you're doing that you need the programming (kalk reactor? MH lights and you live in AZ?). The problem with it is that when you rely too much on one device, you open your tank up to additional risk. I've had my PH meter and 2 temp probes go bad in a year. Last temp probe caused my tank to drop to 75 from 80 before I caught it. The DC8s don't register low voltage items, so in order to use a dosing pump you sometimes have to plug in another device with it just to up the power draw.

When I first got mine I did a ton of programming with it. After the failures, I bought additional equipment in addition as backup. I guess I'm safer having 2 of everything, but now my ACjr. is just a complex timer and tracking device.

Any automated device is only as good as it's weakest link and with the ACs it's the probes.

LOL, can't catch a break can you? It seems like your tank is "the anomalous one". You have algae that nothing eats, and a controller that doesn't work well through multiple tries/replacement parts...

MJAnderson · 08/10/2007, 11:26 AM

Working on the algae problem. Got a frag system set up, moved all the corals and turned the lights off. I sit and watch the little red felt bastards die a slow death in the dark. Was my own fault buying cheap LR off a local reefer who swore it would go away as soon as I put it into a tank without phosphate issues.

07/04/2007, 01:19 PM	#1
Kayadad Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: State of Jefferson Posts: 345	ACjr vs timer, temp controller & ph monitor Well my tank is getting close to being ready for sps. I still need a timer for my lights, a temp controller, and a better way of checking ph then drops and trying to read colors. I can pick up an ACjr for just under $300 that will do all of this, plus a little more. It allows me to graph my ph and temp over time. or I can but a timer for my lights $15, a temp controller (heater and fans) ~$100, and a ph monitor $50. For a total of $165. How important is it to be able track ph and temp over time? What would you choose? I can afford both, but the extra money could be used elsewhere like a frag pack or a 2 part dosing setup. thanks, michael

08/10/2007, 05:30 AM	#3
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	I'm not aware of a decent temp controller for $100. You'll need a dual stage for heater + fans which I think runs more like $150. The pH monitor is also closer to $90 for a decent one. For my tank, I would have needed more than one timer. If you are making the choice at this stage before you buy all of the individual parts, IMO it is a no brainer. Get the AC Jr. Tracking pH and temp over time are somewhat useful in certain circumstances -- but the main advantage is controlling lots more than what you mention. Pumps, multiple lights, cutting off the lights if the temp climbs too high, shutting down the skimmer when you feed, ... __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

08/10/2007, 10:31 AM	#6
xtm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panorama City, CA Posts: 4,703	This site has good info/reviews on different controllers in the market: www.aquariumcontrollers.com Per my 'own' research, basically it boils down to this: ACJR - very flexible, highly customizable.. mostly for power users who have patience to tinker with parameters all day. RK2 - Looks aesthetically pleasing. Good features too. Lighthouse - Very underrated controller that is almost unknown to many. Overall a good controller.. especially good for reefers who travel a lot because of the web access. Has ORP. Only problem is the limited device it controls. __________________ Function before fashion Current Tank Info: 120g SPS Tank (48x24x24)

08/10/2007, 10:31 AM	#7
afelder Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 1,160	I like the ability to have everything on one unit that comes with the AC JR. I don't like having to have so many individual units to dela with things. JMO __________________ Thought For The Day.... "In the Torah it says "love thy neighbor as thy self". The Buddha says there is no "self". So maybe you are off the hook." All animals are created equal some are more equal than others.~Orwell Current Tank Info: NEW 70 gallon rr with a 25 gallon sump Bermuda 3-C that skims rings around a RS80 and 2 koralia 4 & 2 tunze 6045 eheim 1262 return 6x39 watt t-5

08/10/2007, 08:05 AM	#4
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	After owning the ACjr for a while I'm not sure I'd buy it again. Is there anything you're doing that you need the programming (kalk reactor? MH lights and you live in AZ?). The problem with it is that when you rely too much on one device, you open your tank up to additional risk. I've had my PH meter and 2 temp probes go bad in a year. Last temp probe caused my tank to drop to 75 from 80 before I caught it. The DC8s don't register low voltage items, so in order to use a dosing pump you sometimes have to plug in another device with it just to up the power draw. When I first got mine I did a ton of programming with it. After the failures, I bought additional equipment in addition as backup. I guess I'm safer having 2 of everything, but now my ACjr. is just a complex timer and tracking device. Any automated device is only as good as it's weakest link and with the ACs it's the probes.

08/10/2007, 11:26 AM	#9
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	Working on the algae problem. Got a frag system set up, moved all the corals and turned the lights off. I sit and watch the little red felt bastards die a slow death in the dark. Was my own fault buying cheap LR off a local reefer who swore it would go away as soon as I put it into a tank without phosphate issues.