Nano Reef - tank computer

pszemol · 03/19/2017, 12:27 PM

What computer would you recommend for the nano reef?

I need to control:
- 4 channels of lights
- 2 Tunze pumps
- 2 other pumps (these only for "switch off" during feeding time)

- thermometer would be nice
- pH/Redox would be nice with automatic calc reactor
- dosing would be nice

What controllers do you use for small tanks?

JVan82 · 03/19/2017, 12:31 PM

I have the apex classic, on my biocube 32... love it, will never have a tank without one!

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n2585722 · 03/19/2017, 04:39 PM

I have a 42 gallon hex tank and use the Archon. I do have the ATO storage and fresh salt water storage in thr garage which is 35ft from the tank. The Archon controls the RODI in and pumps in the garage along with everything at the tank.

moondoggy4 · 03/19/2017, 10:33 PM

Apex Jr usually the Tunze pumps have their own controllers so you can save the plugs. Most leds have their own controllers if it is DIY you could get a Bluefish controller I believe that they are called, save some more plugs. The Apex Jr can be expanded.

n2585722 · 03/20/2017, 10:19 AM

Are your lights 0-10v or PWM control? The Archon has 4 0-10v outputs and 2 PWM outputs without the purchase of extra modules. It also has 2 ports that can be configured as either pH or ORP. It also has a temp port. The 0-10v ports can be used for either pump or lighting control. Two of the ports have the same connector as the APC moudle so if the Tunze calbes are purchased you can control up to 2 Tunze's with these two ports. The system comes with either 2 PB4's or 1 PB8. The PB4's are 4 outlet power bars and the PB8 is a 8 outlet power bar. So the power to 8 devices can be controlled with either system. The Archon also has 4 switch inputs. These can be used with float switches, leak detectors or manually triggered switches. The Archon can support up to 255 modules . That leaves plenty of room for expansion as needed.

pszemol · 03/21/2017, 03:51 PM

I am currently using old-fashioned fluorescent lights and only require on/off on the 120VAC (no PWM nor 0-10V dimmers). I am happy with them but upgrade is possible in the future.

Tunze pumps can be equipped with Tunze controller - correct - but I tried it already and it did not give me the configuration range I would like to have.
I would like to turn the pump on for about 20 seconds and then turn it of for 20 seconds. I believe Tunze controller maximum setting was 8 seconds - I resold it already so cannot recheck it.
I would be content with the simplest possible Tunze controller output: just short and open relay contacts, no speed modulation required.

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n2585722 · 03/21/2017, 06:47 PM

OK, I set a 0-10v output to turn on for 20 seconds at 100% and turn off for 20 seconds at 0%. That seems to work without a hitch. The advanced wavmaker function has a separate night mode pump speed also. It would have to be a controllable Tunze to use the advanced wavemaker function. Otherwise it would be turning off and on a power bar output with the wavemaker function. Either will do 20 seconds.

View Poll Results: What brand/model you use?
Neptune - Apex	1	100.00%
Digital Aquatics - Reef Keeper	0	0%
Other	0	0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 1. You may not vote on this poll

03/19/2017, 12:27 PM	#1
pszemol Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: La Grange, IL Posts: 632	Nano Reef - tank computer What computer would you recommend for the nano reef? I need to control: - 4 channels of lights - 2 Tunze pumps - 2 other pumps (these only for "switch off" during feeding time) - thermometer would be nice - pH/Redox would be nice with automatic calc reactor - dosing would be nice What controllers do you use for small tanks?

03/19/2017, 12:31 PM	#2
JVan82 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Valdosta GA Posts: 468	I have the apex classic, on my biocube 32... love it, will never have a tank without one! Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

03/19/2017, 04:39 PM	#3
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	I have a 42 gallon hex tank and use the Archon. I do have the ATO storage and fresh salt water storage in thr garage which is 35ft from the tank. The Archon controls the RODI in and pumps in the garage along with everything at the tank.

03/19/2017, 10:33 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Apex Jr usually the Tunze pumps have their own controllers so you can save the plugs. Most leds have their own controllers if it is DIY you could get a Bluefish controller I believe that they are called, save some more plugs. The Apex Jr can be expanded.

03/20/2017, 10:19 AM	#5
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	Are your lights 0-10v or PWM control? The Archon has 4 0-10v outputs and 2 PWM outputs without the purchase of extra modules. It also has 2 ports that can be configured as either pH or ORP. It also has a temp port. The 0-10v ports can be used for either pump or lighting control. Two of the ports have the same connector as the APC moudle so if the Tunze calbes are purchased you can control up to 2 Tunze's with these two ports. The system comes with either 2 PB4's or 1 PB8. The PB4's are 4 outlet power bars and the PB8 is a 8 outlet power bar. So the power to 8 devices can be controlled with either system. The Archon also has 4 switch inputs. These can be used with float switches, leak detectors or manually triggered switches. The Archon can support up to 255 modules . That leaves plenty of room for expansion as needed.

03/21/2017, 03:51 PM	#6
pszemol Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: La Grange, IL Posts: 632	I am currently using old-fashioned fluorescent lights and only require on/off on the 120VAC (no PWM nor 0-10V dimmers). I am happy with them but upgrade is possible in the future. Tunze pumps can be equipped with Tunze controller - correct - but I tried it already and it did not give me the configuration range I would like to have. I would like to turn the pump on for about 20 seconds and then turn it of for 20 seconds. I believe Tunze controller maximum setting was 8 seconds - I resold it already so cannot recheck it. I would be content with the simplest possible Tunze controller output: just short and open relay contacts, no speed modulation required. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/21/2017, 06:47 PM	#7
n2585722 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Tx Posts: 1,072	OK, I set a 0-10v output to turn on for 20 seconds at 100% and turn off for 20 seconds at 0%. That seems to work without a hitch. The advanced wavmaker function has a separate night mode pump speed also. It would have to be a controllable Tunze to use the advanced wavemaker function. Otherwise it would be turning off and on a power bar output with the wavemaker function. Either will do 20 seconds.