Mega $$$ Controller

ianward · 02/19/2006, 12:23 PM

So If a Guy (or gal) had TON'S of $$ What controller out there would you get, assuming you need web monitoring??

Ti · 02/19/2006, 02:54 PM

que?

ianward · 02/19/2006, 04:33 PM

Ok obviously not clear enough.

I need a controller/ monitor that has the ability to access my network and allows me to check up on the tank while I am away via the internet.

I have seen two that will do this but I don't want to miss any others out there.

So if you know of any that will do this please let me know.
Cheers

moonpod · 02/19/2006, 04:45 PM

The easiest is the ACIII pro b/c it has a built in web server

The IKS is probably the most "mature" and famous but for remote monitoring you either need to dedicate a computer or a cell phone (it can send sms)

The aquatronica can do it but again you need to dedicate a computer

Maybe the ELOS bioctopus

ianward · 02/19/2006, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the imput.

I assume the ACIII pro is the neptune unit, which looks good but will not work with MS XP home edition ??

The only other unit I know of is the Premium Aquatics Lighthouse.
It does PH, ORP, temp and internet all for only 300 clams.

I will check into the IKS systen if I can figure out where their web site is at.

The search continues.........

ianward · 02/19/2006, 05:56 PM

Right then, found the IKS site, they don't do web monitoring.

moonpod · 02/19/2006, 06:38 PM

the IKS does if you hook up an external computer. It's essentially the way you used to do it on the ACII.

The lighthouse is actually a very interesting option. A buddy has one and said it was god awfully easy to hook up. I think the downside of the lighthouse was that I think there is limited expandability. If you want a "built in" web server actually currently the lighthouse and the ACIII are your ONLY options. The downside of the ACIII IMO is that you either use x10 (which I do not trust) or the Direct Connect modules (which were way squirrelly for me, but others have had better luck). For both of those units currently, I don't like the limited monitoring options, but they cover the basics well.

Again, there are multiple options if you can dedicate a computer.

RobbyG · 02/22/2006, 12:02 PM

The Aquatronica is very stable and the plugs work 100% reliable. The only missing thing is the Webserver/Ethernet. They are promising an addon module for that in the next 3 months.
BTW it can still work remotely now, but a dedicated PC is needed .

Mercer · 02/22/2006, 12:05 PM

How many probes can the Aquatronica have? If more are made in the future, could you just plug them into your current Aquatronica?

moonpod · 02/22/2006, 12:08 PM

That's the aquatronica's strength. Essentially endless expandability. You can put 6 probes I believe into every plug bar and you can have pretty much endless plug bars.

The IKS allows only up to 8 probes (10?) but you can have whichever ones you want.

The Neptune units specify the probes.

The Biotopus I dunno, but it sounds more like the Aquatronica or the IKS.

Mercer · 02/22/2006, 12:10 PM

Does it have simple programming? Like, if halides=on&temp>79f=cut halides

moonpod · 02/22/2006, 12:15 PM

which one?

That's where the aquatronica is a bit squirrely. the programming is all there, just not as intuitive and easy as the IKS or Neptune. Again, not that hard, but not as easy.

I dunno the biotopus

tacocat · 02/22/2006, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by moonpod
the IKS does if you hook up an external computer. It's essentially the way you used to do it on the ACII.

The lighthouse is actually a very interesting option. A buddy has one and said it was god awfully easy to hook up. I think the downside of the lighthouse was that I think there is limited expandability. If you want a "built in" web server actually currently the lighthouse and the ACIII are your ONLY options. The downside of the ACIII IMO is that you either use x10 (which I do not trust) or the Direct Connect modules (which were way squirrelly for me, but others have had better luck). For both of those units currently, I don't like the limited monitoring options, but they cover the basics well.

Again, there are multiple options if you can dedicate a computer.

Squirrely? Please elaborate.

moonpod · 02/22/2006, 01:49 PM

Again just my experience and I gotta say that curt tried to fix the problem, but essentially I was constantly blowing the fuse in the thing. I couldn't reliably control my lighting b/c the fuse couldn't take the startup draw of either a M80 or eballast consistently

durango_doug · 02/22/2006, 02:03 PM

i wouldn't say the aquatronica programing is squirrely. it's just different because you don't enter commands. you just select from a menu what you want it to do.

Bebo77 · 02/22/2006, 03:48 PM

I like the Aquatronica better than the IKS because you can contol a lot more things(outlets). IKS i think really lacks in that dept.

horkn · 02/22/2006, 09:39 PM

if you had $$ to spend, get a micrologix 1100 from allen bradley.

then get your programmer to set it up, and hook everything to it.

its ethernet ready, so you can monitor and change settings from any web enabled device.

my gf works for AB, and i work in purchasing for a wastewater systems integration firm. we use tons of AB items everyday. I plan on having our main programmer set up one for me in the near future...when i get my big tank

but, just the micrologix 1100 PLC runs near 500 dollars our cost...but, you can add on as many outlets as you want on it

so, for many the ones that are available for aquarium use already seem a cost effective solution....how reliable are the aquatronicas though- i dunno. i guarantee that the AB units are way more reliable, and I know they have a great support network.

moonpod · 02/22/2006, 11:32 PM

Of the aquarium units I've used, the only one I've had any issues with is the x10 and DC of the neptune (and octopus/aquadyne) units. Probes can have interference issues irrespective due to placement.

PLC's are intriguing, but I don't have the know how to put one together. There are a few available I believe. There have been threads about em before

RobbyG · 02/23/2006, 07:28 PM

They all have flaws, if your looking for that perfect controller you might as well forget it. While I love the Aquatronica and it has never failed me yet, I still have little issue's like pH probe problems and power outage issue's. None of these problems have had any effect on my tank and they are not nearly as huge as some of the problems I have heard of with the Neptune units. But don't go and get an Aquatronica if your expecting some sort of 100% perfect controller.

Psyire · 02/23/2006, 07:35 PM

No controller is 100%.

An Allen Bradley PLC with the proper hardware, programming and tuning would be close. But that would cost a truckload of money, literally.

Treg · 02/23/2006, 08:54 PM

I've seen a few Allen Bradley PLC's have failures also.

They use to be used in the cotrol panals for very large high speed overhead doors we sell and installed. The manufacture replaced the AB's with Mitsubishi PLCs, Cheaper but not any more reliable.

I really like my Aquatronica also.

horkn · 02/23/2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Psyire
No controller is 100%.

An Allen Bradley PLC with the proper hardware, programming and tuning would be close. But that would cost a truckload of money, literally.

the starter of this thread said money was no object.

horkn · 02/23/2006, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Treg
I've seen a few Allen Bradley PLC's have failures also.

They use to be used in the cotrol panals for very large high speed overhead doors we sell and installed. The manufacture replaced the AB's with Mitsubishi PLCs, Cheaper but not any more reliable.

I really like my Aquatronica also.

what exact plc from AB was that?

and what exact plc from mitsubishi? i guarantee the AB wasnt NEMA spec, even so, i know the mitsubishi one isnt. Mitsubishi isnt made to NEMA specs, only IEC.

comparing mitsusbishi plcs to AB will make it cheaper, but theres no way a mitsubishi competes apples to apples with an AB plc as far as durability, and backing...

theres a reason we ( at my job)only spec AB plcs, and SLCs for our wastewater treatment plants we design and service. other stuff just doesnt last.

cwegescheide · 02/23/2006, 10:32 PM

What "Issues" have you had with the Neptune?? I just ordered the ACIII and you've got me a little concerned!!! Please elaborate!!!!

Thanks,
Chris

Treg · 02/23/2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by horkn
what exact plc from AB was that?

comparing mitsusbishi plcs to AB will make it cheaper, but theres no way a mitsubishi competes apples to apples with an AB plc as far as durability, and backing...

Ohh I agree. We've had more issues with the Mitsu's than the ABs and were dissapointed to see the manufacture make the switch (AB plc is now a special order item). But when I say a few failures I'm talking a hand full out of Hundreds in several years...

02/19/2006, 12:23 PM	#1
ianward Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 281	Mega $$$ Controller So If a Guy (or gal) had TON'S of $$ What controller out there would you get, assuming you need web monitoring??

02/19/2006, 02:54 PM	#2
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	que? __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

02/19/2006, 04:45 PM	#4
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	The easiest is the ACIII pro b/c it has a built in web server The IKS is probably the most "mature" and famous but for remote monitoring you either need to dedicate a computer or a cell phone (it can send sms) The aquatronica can do it but again you need to dedicate a computer Maybe the ELOS bioctopus __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/19/2006, 06:38 PM	#7
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	the IKS does if you hook up an external computer. It's essentially the way you used to do it on the ACII. The lighthouse is actually a very interesting option. A buddy has one and said it was god awfully easy to hook up. I think the downside of the lighthouse was that I think there is limited expandability. If you want a "built in" web server actually currently the lighthouse and the ACIII are your ONLY options. The downside of the ACIII IMO is that you either use x10 (which I do not trust) or the Direct Connect modules (which were way squirrelly for me, but others have had better luck). For both of those units currently, I don't like the limited monitoring options, but they cover the basics well. Again, there are multiple options if you can dedicate a computer. __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/22/2006, 12:02 PM	#8
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	The Aquatronica is very stable and the plugs work 100% reliable. The only missing thing is the Webserver/Ethernet. They are promising an addon module for that in the next 3 months. BTW it can still work remotely now, but a dedicated PC is needed . __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/19/2006, 04:33 PM	#3
ianward Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 281	Ok obviously not clear enough. I need a controller/ monitor that has the ability to access my network and allows me to check up on the tank while I am away via the internet. I have seen two that will do this but I don't want to miss any others out there. So if you know of any that will do this please let me know. Cheers

02/19/2006, 05:32 PM	#5
ianward Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 281	Thanks for the imput. I assume the ACIII pro is the neptune unit, which looks good but will not work with MS XP home edition ?? The only other unit I know of is the Premium Aquatics Lighthouse. It does PH, ORP, temp and internet all for only 300 clams. I will check into the IKS systen if I can figure out where their web site is at. The search continues.........

02/19/2006, 05:56 PM	#6
ianward Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 281	Right then, found the IKS site, they don't do web monitoring.

02/22/2006, 12:05 PM	#9
Mercer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 274	How many probes can the Aquatronica have? If more are made in the future, could you just plug them into your current Aquatronica?

02/22/2006, 12:08 PM	#10
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	That's the aquatronica's strength. Essentially endless expandability. You can put 6 probes I believe into every plug bar and you can have pretty much endless plug bars. The IKS allows only up to 8 probes (10?) but you can have whichever ones you want. The Neptune units specify the probes. The Biotopus I dunno, but it sounds more like the Aquatronica or the IKS. __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/22/2006, 12:10 PM	#11
Mercer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 274	Does it have simple programming? Like, if halides=on&temp>79f=cut halides

02/22/2006, 12:15 PM	#12
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	which one? That's where the aquatronica is a bit squirrely. the programming is all there, just not as intuitive and easy as the IKS or Neptune. Again, not that hard, but not as easy. I dunno the biotopus __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/22/2006, 01:49 PM	#14
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	Again just my experience and I gotta say that curt tried to fix the problem, but essentially I was constantly blowing the fuse in the thing. I couldn't reliably control my lighting b/c the fuse couldn't take the startup draw of either a M80 or eballast consistently __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/22/2006, 02:03 PM	#15
durango_doug Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Missoula, Mt. Posts: 300	i wouldn't say the aquatronica programing is squirrely. it's just different because you don't enter commands. you just select from a menu what you want it to do.

02/22/2006, 03:48 PM	#16
Bebo77 Premium Nonpaying Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lost Posts: 14,377	I like the Aquatronica better than the IKS because you can contol a lot more things(outlets). IKS i think really lacks in that dept. __________________ Gabriel Current Tank Info: 300 Gal Envision Tank(98Lx30Wx26T) 120 Gal SoCalCreations Sump, Deltec TC2560, 2 LumenarcsMini 1 Reg on a light mover W Radiums 250& 400, Gallaxy ballasts, Red Dragon 10m3 return W/ 2 WavySeas, 2 6155 Tunze streams

02/22/2006, 09:39 PM	#17
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	if you had $$ to spend, get a micrologix 1100 from allen bradley. then get your programmer to set it up, and hook everything to it. its ethernet ready, so you can monitor and change settings from any web enabled device. my gf works for AB, and i work in purchasing for a wastewater systems integration firm. we use tons of AB items everyday. I plan on having our main programmer set up one for me in the near future...when i get my big tank but, just the micrologix 1100 PLC runs near 500 dollars our cost...but, you can add on as many outlets as you want on it so, for many the ones that are available for aquarium use already seem a cost effective solution....how reliable are the aquatronicas though- i dunno. i guarantee that the AB units are way more reliable, and I know they have a great support network. __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

02/22/2006, 11:32 PM	#18
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	Of the aquarium units I've used, the only one I've had any issues with is the x10 and DC of the neptune (and octopus/aquadyne) units. Probes can have interference issues irrespective due to placement. PLC's are intriguing, but I don't have the know how to put one together. There are a few available I believe. There have been threads about em before __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

02/23/2006, 07:28 PM	#19
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	They all have flaws, if your looking for that perfect controller you might as well forget it. While I love the Aquatronica and it has never failed me yet, I still have little issue's like pH probe problems and power outage issue's. None of these problems have had any effect on my tank and they are not nearly as huge as some of the problems I have heard of with the Neptune units. But don't go and get an Aquatronica if your expecting some sort of 100% perfect controller. __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/23/2006, 07:35 PM	#20
Psyire Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,870	No controller is 100%. An Allen Bradley PLC with the proper hardware, programming and tuning would be close. But that would cost a truckload of money, literally.

02/23/2006, 08:54 PM	#21
Treg Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,739	I've seen a few Allen Bradley PLC's have failures also. They use to be used in the cotrol panals for very large high speed overhead doors we sell and installed. The manufacture replaced the AB's with Mitsubishi PLCs, Cheaper but not any more reliable. I really like my Aquatronica also.

02/23/2006, 10:32 PM	#24
cwegescheide YOU have been ignored! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 5,231	What "Issues" have you had with the Neptune?? I just ordered the ACIII and you've got me a little concerned!!! Please elaborate!!!! Thanks, Chris