ANOTHER Ozone & Controller Question!

[old95er]

Please help me understand how Controller/monitors work with generators/reactors. . .

In trying to set up my system with flexibility and ease of use/service, it seems that getting separate units is the way to go.

However, not having used any of these devices, I am not sure how they work together.

Right now, I have a need for an ozone generator for water quality and animal health. I have read enough to know that. IThe plan is to plumb it to the JG fitting on my EV180.

The next step will be for PH control through a calcium reactor(when the tank needs it)

Ultimately I would like to have a computer, like the Neptune AC III.

Please correct me if I am misguided. . .


The deluxe Aquazone/Red Sea units seem OK, but for less than $400 I can get an generator and separate controller/probe. Is that a correct assumption?

in the future can I can connect the generator/probe to the AC3 (or other computer)?

In the short term can I save some coin on the controller or generator, and upgrade in the future?

If I got an all in one, like the RedSea, then I would need to start over when I get an AC3, right?

I apologize for my ignorance, but Iam a little overwhelmed by the options, and I would like to do this once. . .

Thanks!!!

Will all controllers and probes and generators work with each other? Are there standard connections??

[sditch]

First thing is I would not get the Red Sea all in one. I prefear to keep a seprate ozone generater and monitor. I would look at the Ozotech 200mg ozone generater. I have one and it is the real deal and is ajustable.

I went with a ACIII right of the back because I did not want to waste anytime and I have no regreats. The unit works very well and does way more then just monitor ORP and PH.

My next choice was to get a PH\ORP monitor and controler but i wanted to option to replace all my other timers and have fan control for my temp.

As long as you go with a Ozotech and good ORP monitor\controller you should be in good shape.

[jmaneyapanda]

I had a Red Sea, and it operated fine, so I wouldnt agree that Red Seas are junk. But that being said, I have stopped using it 24/7 after about a year. I still run it occasionally, but only for a couple days at a time.

Personally, I think the ORP controller are a waste of money. I just set it real low (15-30 mg/hr), and the dosage is so low, it never turned off, and my ORP never went above 400. If you have the AC III, and it will control ORP, go ahead and use it, but I wouldnt spring the extra coin. Just set it low, and forget about it.

[old95er]

Thanks for the suggestions. . .

sditch: I want to wait a little before I get the ACIII, trying to not spend all my coin in one month!

jmaneyapanda: I have read that it may be dangerous to add ozone without a controller. How do you monitor ORP? If you have a monitor, isnt the controller part of it?

I guess the last questions still is, do all probes, controllers, generators use interchangeable connections? SO couls I mix brands together??

Thanks again for your insights

[sditch]

You get a Milwaukee SMS510 ORP Controller for about $100 dollars on ebay or on the Internet. The Pinpoint is also a good unit and sells on MarineDepot. I hear they are good controllers but have never owned one.

I would always get a ORP monitor when using Ozone but like everything eles some people don't, some do. It's subjective to some but a must to others.

There are alot of factors when using ozone on how much you dose, it really deapends on how much air your skimmer is pulling in and the efficeceny of your ozone production.

Here is some good reading from reef keeping on Ozone:



Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry


Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3


Good Luck....

[old95er]

Thanks again, I have been doing alot of reading. . .It seems that the way to go is as you suggested. . .separate controllers and generators.