Aquarium controllers-worth it?

The Reefer91 · 06/26/2006, 07:26 PM

i was looking at the Aquatronice controller, and thought about how nice that would be. being able to control everything like that. those of you who have aquarium controllers(any kind) do you think they are worth the price?

TitansFan · 06/26/2006, 07:49 PM

I love mine. I have the neptune jr. It does all my lighting timers. It watches heat and cuts off lights and pumps accordingly if ever needed. I can track my takes temp and ph. When I do water changes or feed it sure beats the heck out of looking for plugs to undo to turn off skimmer, pumps, and powerheads. A few buttons pushed and I turn off what I want. I don't know how computer adept you are... but.. I run the free version of aquanotes on a laptop hooked up to the controller. When I am out of town or at work I use a program called VNC and can connect to my laptop and check reef stats. I consider it one of those things once you have you wonder how you did before not having it. If you have the cash to splurge its worth it.

xtrstangx · 06/26/2006, 08:06 PM

My RK2 is awesome. It has been a very very good purchase.

Avast Marine · 06/26/2006, 08:14 PM

Neptune Jr. is awesome!

andyjd · 06/26/2006, 09:08 PM

AcJr here and u really like it

Kaiser Tang · 06/26/2006, 09:16 PM

I have the the ReefKeeper 2 and it's worth every penny. Whether you go with the RK2 or the Jr., you'll be very happy. They make things much easier and more organized. Plus, it's one more tank gaget to mess with.

turtlespd · 06/26/2006, 10:08 PM

it changed my life!

reefnewbie54321 · 06/26/2006, 10:13 PM

I am planning on purchasing the Neptune Jr.

I would have ended up spending a decent amount of cash on Timers and a WaveMaker a Light/Moon Light Controller ect. So I figured just spend the money for an All-In-One Controller.

hammerwall · 06/26/2006, 10:53 PM

Neptune Jr is fantastirino. I love that controller with every bit of my heart. I don't know how I ever got along without it. I know if my fish were able, they would jump out of the tank and hump my leg for this great addition to the tank. Just my 6 cents

Hop · 06/26/2006, 11:16 PM

I have the Neptune AquaController Jr. and love it. I'll probably keep it as is, running my lights and heaters and add a AC pro in the wet room to control lighting needs in there and run a Ca reactor, monitor ozone etc...

funman1 · 06/27/2006, 12:06 AM

If I could afford the one AC3 with the cat5 ethernet jack, I would just stare at my computer screen and "watch" my tank from a browser. and enjoy the fact I could control the lighting ect from half a world away!!!

Muhahahaha
That's the ultimate god complex for your tank.
(I can control the lighting days, temp, and water flow and I'm 6,000 miles away!!!)

Daytime, nighttime, opps is the moon shining while the sun is too? Wait, now there is no waves, what is going on!?!?!
Muhahahaha

~Steve~

Bebo77 · 06/27/2006, 12:07 AM

i have the aquatronica and i really like it.. one of the best investments i made....

The Reefer91 · 06/27/2006, 06:23 AM

see, when i go off to collage in 4 years, i want a device that will be able to take care of most everything aside from water changes and feeding. i like the aquatronice as it can control pH, Salinity, Tempature, and has wavemaker, light timer, tide simulator, auto-top off, high and low water alarms, and programable alarms for whatever else. i think it's worth 450$

PrangeWay · 06/27/2006, 07:23 AM

Before I got one I thought they weren't. But yes they are. They are awesome and almost essential. You don't realize how handy it is not to have to plug/unplug things, and have everything easily controlled and automated till you do it

PW

ZoeReef · 06/27/2006, 07:59 AM

Whenever I read about these catastrophic tank crashes of tanks that costs tens of thousands of dollars while people were on vacation etc, I am always surprised they didn't have some type of controller on it to notify them.

Recently Eric Borneman, one of the great aquarists of our time, had someone maliciously tamper with his tank's water supply while he was at work by pumping out salt water and replacing it with fresh (he had a shed behind his house with his equipment). He left for work and when he got home he found his tank that was clear in the morning when he left, was a white fog filled with dying fish and corals. I was really sad when I read that. And I felt it was a shame he did not have some type of controller on it to notify him of out of bounds parameters. For me, it is relatively cheap insurance. It lets me know what really goes on in the tank.

I have an ACIIIPro and the history of events it records (when the heater is on...when it is off...) and email notifications make it so worthwhile. Not to mention the ability to accurately control lights according to sunrise and sunset, moon cycles, seasonal temp variations, feed cycle etc. I'm sure the aquatronics you are looking at will have many of these same features. I would encourage you to get a good controller.

Aquaduck · 06/27/2006, 08:00 AM

I love my Aquacontroller III. The peace of mind knowing that I can get an alert on my cell phone if things get out of wack is priceless. I can browse to the controller on my cell phone and check my tank, and remotely turn devices ON/OFF if need be.

The Reefer91 · 06/27/2006, 11:21 AM

i was just looking at the neptune systems aquacontroller 3(not pro) and i think it's worth it. i don't think i could afford the aquacontroller 3 pro.

mike89t · 06/27/2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by andyjd
AcJr here and u really like it

Same here. Best thing I bought for the tank.

Mine controls the heaters, lighting, powerheads and constantly displays current pH and temp.

I never have to worry about a heater sticking on because I program my AcJr to turn off all heaters at a specific temp. If my temp gets to high I programed it to start turning off lights.

For the price the AcJr is well worth it.

Wombat_101 · 06/27/2006, 07:00 PM

Go with the ac jr. Can do all the things you mentioned above and is $319.

RC has a deal currently with Premium Aquatics

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...&Category_Code

My friend just got 1 and I need to get one.

mike89t · 06/28/2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wombat_101
Go with the ac jr. Can do all the things you mentioned above and is $319.

RC has a deal currently with Premium Aquatics

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...&Category_Code

My friend just got 1 and I need to get one.

That's the deal I used.

Added the lab grade Ph probe and DC8 controller.

06/26/2006, 07:26 PM	#1
The Reefer91 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,250	Aquarium controllers-worth it? i was looking at the Aquatronice controller, and thought about how nice that would be. being able to control everything like that. those of you who have aquarium controllers(any kind) do you think they are worth the price? __________________ Dan "Every day we fade little by little, 'till there's nothing left of us but the lies we've sown." Current Tank Info: 20g L display: 2x65watt Coralife light, Octopus 150 needle wheel protein skimmer, 1 Koralia 2 and 2 powersweeps, and a DIY sump/fuge.....120G in the works!!!

06/26/2006, 08:14 PM	#4
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	Neptune Jr. is awesome! __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

06/26/2006, 09:16 PM	#6
Kaiser Tang Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 1,314	I have the the ReefKeeper 2 and it's worth every penny. Whether you go with the RK2 or the Jr., you'll be very happy. They make things much easier and more organized. Plus, it's one more tank gaget to mess with. __________________ "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: Marineland 150 XH Reef w/ 55 AGA Sump, Oceans Motions Super Squirt, Ecotech Marine Vortech, Current Prime 1/3 hp Chiller, 200 lbs. LR, 175 lbs. LS, 800 watts PFO MH and 440 watts IceCap VHO. Softies, LPS, and Clams!

06/26/2006, 10:53 PM	#9
hammerwall Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Ne Posts: 157	Neptune Jr is fantastirino. I love that controller with every bit of my heart. I don't know how I ever got along without it. I know if my fish were able, they would jump out of the tank and hump my leg for this great addition to the tank. Just my 6 cents __________________ 24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? --Stephen Wright Current Tank Info: 75 reef /super hard corals

06/26/2006, 11:16 PM	#10
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	I have the Neptune AquaController Jr. and love it. I'll probably keep it as is, running my lights and heaters and add a AC pro in the wet room to control lighting needs in there and run a Ca reactor, monitor ozone etc... __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

06/26/2006, 07:49 PM	#2
TitansFan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spring Hill, TN Posts: 1,364	I love mine. I have the neptune jr. It does all my lighting timers. It watches heat and cuts off lights and pumps accordingly if ever needed. I can track my takes temp and ph. When I do water changes or feed it sure beats the heck out of looking for plugs to undo to turn off skimmer, pumps, and powerheads. A few buttons pushed and I turn off what I want. I don't know how computer adept you are... but.. I run the free version of aquanotes on a laptop hooked up to the controller. When I am out of town or at work I use a program called VNC and can connect to my laptop and check reef stats. I consider it one of those things once you have you wonder how you did before not having it. If you have the cash to splurge its worth it.

06/26/2006, 08:06 PM	#3
xtrstangx Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Shawnee, Kansas Posts: 4,568	My RK2 is awesome. It has been a very very good purchase.

06/26/2006, 09:08 PM	#5
andyjd International Nomad Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dunedin, NZ Posts: 1,147	AcJr here and u really like it

06/26/2006, 10:08 PM	#7
turtlespd Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rosemead,CA Posts: 2,090	it changed my life!

06/26/2006, 10:13 PM	#8
reefnewbie54321 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 1,263	I am planning on purchasing the Neptune Jr. I would have ended up spending a decent amount of cash on Timers and a WaveMaker a Light/Moon Light Controller ect. So I figured just spend the money for an All-In-One Controller.

06/27/2006, 12:06 AM	#11
funman1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 4,898	If I could afford the one AC3 with the cat5 ethernet jack, I would just stare at my computer screen and "watch" my tank from a browser. and enjoy the fact I could control the lighting ect from half a world away!!! Muhahahaha That's the ultimate god complex for your tank. (I can control the lighting days, temp, and water flow and I'm 6,000 miles away!!!) Daytime, nighttime, opps is the moon shining while the sun is too? Wait, now there is no waves, what is going on!?!?! Muhahahaha ~Steve~ __________________ Professional Pyro: NO REALLY; I get PAID to blow stuff up!! ~Steve~ Current Tank Info: 12G NANO

06/27/2006, 12:07 AM	#12
Bebo77 Premium Nonpaying Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lost Posts: 14,377	i have the aquatronica and i really like it.. one of the best investments i made.... __________________ 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

06/27/2006, 06:23 AM	#13
The Reefer91 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,250	see, when i go off to collage in 4 years, i want a device that will be able to take care of most everything aside from water changes and feeding. i like the aquatronice as it can control pH, Salinity, Tempature, and has wavemaker, light timer, tide simulator, auto-top off, high and low water alarms, and programable alarms for whatever else. i think it's worth 450$ __________________ Dan "Every day we fade little by little, 'till there's nothing left of us but the lies we've sown." Current Tank Info: 20g L display: 2x65watt Coralife light, Octopus 150 needle wheel protein skimmer, 1 Koralia 2 and 2 powersweeps, and a DIY sump/fuge.....120G in the works!!!

06/27/2006, 07:23 AM	#14
PrangeWay Duke of Monte Fisto Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 722	Controllers Before I got one I thought they weren't. But yes they are. They are awesome and almost essential. You don't realize how handy it is not to have to plug/unplug things, and have everything easily controlled and automated till you do it PW __________________ Dumbest Quotes Ever..... "Great color, great growth" closely followed by "all water parameters fine"

06/27/2006, 07:59 AM	#15
ZoeReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 1,066	Whenever I read about these catastrophic tank crashes of tanks that costs tens of thousands of dollars while people were on vacation etc, I am always surprised they didn't have some type of controller on it to notify them. Recently Eric Borneman, one of the great aquarists of our time, had someone maliciously tamper with his tank's water supply while he was at work by pumping out salt water and replacing it with fresh (he had a shed behind his house with his equipment). He left for work and when he got home he found his tank that was clear in the morning when he left, was a white fog filled with dying fish and corals. I was really sad when I read that. And I felt it was a shame he did not have some type of controller on it to notify him of out of bounds parameters. For me, it is relatively cheap insurance. It lets me know what really goes on in the tank. I have an ACIIIPro and the history of events it records (when the heater is on...when it is off...) and email notifications make it so worthwhile. Not to mention the ability to accurately control lights according to sunrise and sunset, moon cycles, seasonal temp variations, feed cycle etc. I'm sure the aquatronics you are looking at will have many of these same features. I would encourage you to get a good controller.

06/27/2006, 08:00 AM	#16
Aquaduck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Waterloo, Ont. Canada Posts: 1,076	I love my Aquacontroller III. The peace of mind knowing that I can get an alert on my cell phone if things get out of wack is priceless. I can browse to the controller on my cell phone and check my tank, and remotely turn devices ON/OFF if need be.

06/27/2006, 11:21 AM	#17
The Reefer91 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,250	i was just looking at the neptune systems aquacontroller 3(not pro) and i think it's worth it. i don't think i could afford the aquacontroller 3 pro. __________________ Dan "Every day we fade little by little, 'till there's nothing left of us but the lies we've sown." Current Tank Info: 20g L display: 2x65watt Coralife light, Octopus 150 needle wheel protein skimmer, 1 Koralia 2 and 2 powersweeps, and a DIY sump/fuge.....120G in the works!!!

06/27/2006, 07:00 PM	#19
Wombat_101 Reefer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 281	Go with the ac jr. Can do all the things you mentioned above and is $319. RC has a deal currently with Premium Aquatics http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...&Category_Code My friend just got 1 and I need to get one.