tell me what to buy/ controller

toonascott · 10/13/2006, 09:23 PM

I want to buy the best temp/ph/lighting/wavemaker controller in the world. Price is no object.

clsanchez77 · 10/13/2006, 09:32 PM

If it were me, I would go with AquaController III Pro $789.95 here: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=NS1171

I don't know if it is considered the best but I have the Junior and like it very much. The ACIIIPro monitors and controls temp, pH, OPR, Conductivity, DO, can control up to 30 devices in combination of X-10 and/or direct connect, simulates sun, lunar and seasonal temp cycles, has a couple of wavemaker options, has switch inputs, has data logging capabilities and a webserver.

Chris

Pyrrhus · 10/14/2006, 12:36 AM

That would probably be the IKS or Biotopus II

ken6217 · 10/14/2006, 06:22 AM

I just went though the same thing. I was choosing between that one and the Aquadyne 4000. I was told by two places if you need tech advise then go with the Aquadyne. There is always someone to help you. With the Neptune, it is a much smaller company and will not get that kind of service. Also I had the original Octypus 2000 (Aquadyne) about 9 years ago and back then I remember calling them and they were very helpful. The people there new the product well and they were hobbyiest as too which was helpful. I bought the Aquadyne 400 yesterday after ordering the Neptune first.

With all that said, they are both excellent, but but I hear than the Neptune might have more features. Even though for me, I am sure that both of the units will offer more than I need.
Ken

toonascott · 10/14/2006, 08:20 PM

thanks for the advice everyone, my 75 gallon reef is way too labour intensive at the moment. I need this controller badly.

atkinsg · 10/14/2006, 09:27 PM

I have a Neptune AC3 and I love it. If you want to learn more about them, there is a Neptune forum in the sponsor list.

dougchambers · 10/14/2006, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken6217
I just went though the same thing. I was choosing between that one and the Aquadyne 4000. I was told by two places if you need tech advise then go with the Aquadyne. There is always someone to help you. With the Neptune, it is a much smaller company and will not get that kind of service.

While I can't speak to the service at Aquadyne, the service from Neptune is second to none! They have a Vendor forum on this board and provide an incredible amount of support for their products. Just take a look at their forum.

For us, we went with the Neptune AquaController III. It controls everything in our system and still has room for more. The programming is basic but very powerful. Another added benefit with the ACIII and ACIIIPro are the built-in webserver. We have access to our controller from any Internet connection anywhere in the world. I get daily pages with status updates and notification of alarm conditions. IMHO - With any controller you look at, make sure you get direct connection modules and stay away from X10.

One thing.... You say your 75g is too labor intensive. What types of things are you expecting the controller to do for you?

-Doug

goda · 10/16/2006, 07:32 PM

pc controlled is the way to go from what you were telling me

you can x10 alot of things using home automation softwhere and apparently there is a way to even have PH and ORP and temp controll as well

this is the next step for my tank ( plus one of those auto waterchangers we were talking about)

clsanchez77 · 10/17/2006, 06:52 AM

Goda, ACIII will do everything in your post...plus more

Quote:

thanks for the advice everyone, my 75 gallon reef is way too labour intensive at the moment. I need this controller badly.

Statements like that always concern me

Acroholic · 10/17/2006, 07:59 AM

I also recommend the ACIII Pro, for numerous reasons..including the fact that I can access it from my phone (blackberry) from anywhere at anytime. And as far as Neptune's customer service is concerned it is 1st class top notch...like Doug stated 2nd to none!
But what exactly do you think a controller can do for you to lessen the necessary hands on labor connected with running a successful reef tank?

dougchambers · 10/17/2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by clsanchez77
Statements like that always concern me

I have to agree. I was currious my self but haven't seen a response as to why the system is too labor intensive...

10/13/2006, 09:23 PM	#1
toonascott Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: delray beach Posts: 141	tell me what to buy/ controller I want to buy the best temp/ph/lighting/wavemaker controller in the world. Price is no object. __________________ 40g CPR skimmer Nova Extreme T5HO 75g ASM skimmer Current T5HO 180g ASM skimmer Current Tank Info: 40g,75g,180g Reef and Fish

10/14/2006, 12:36 AM	#3
Pyrrhus Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,713	That would probably be the IKS or Biotopus II __________________ Severe Knowledge In Plumbing

10/14/2006, 08:20 PM	#5
toonascott Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: delray beach Posts: 141	thanks for the advice everyone, my 75 gallon reef is way too labour intensive at the moment. I need this controller badly. __________________ 40g CPR skimmer Nova Extreme T5HO 75g ASM skimmer Current T5HO 180g ASM skimmer Current Tank Info: 40g,75g,180g Reef and Fish

10/14/2006, 09:27 PM	#6
atkinsg Chemist/Software Dev Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 312	I have a Neptune AC3 and I love it. If you want to learn more about them, there is a Neptune forum in the sponsor list. __________________ GTA Current Tank Info: 125 gal Reef, 45 gal sump, 20 gal fuge, SRO XP 2000, Apex, 1X250 MH + 2 Maxspect Razors, Ca Reactor

10/17/2006, 07:59 AM	#10
Acroholic Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hypoluxo, Fl. Posts: 1,000	I also recommend the ACIII Pro, for numerous reasons..including the fact that I can access it from my phone (blackberry) from anywhere at anytime. And as far as Neptune's customer service is concerned it is 1st class top notch...like Doug stated 2nd to none! But what exactly do you think a controller can do for you to lessen the necessary hands on labor connected with running a successful reef tank? __________________ "I don't always know what I'm talking about, but I know I'm right!" -Muhammad Ali Current Tank Info: 180 Diamante Oceanic, 3 400w 10k Hammy's w/IceCaps, 2 140w URI super actinics, AC III Pro, 30g sump, 30g refug, 1/3hp chill, PM Skimmer/kalkreactor/calcium reactor/effluent, 2 Tunze 6060's, 2 Gorman Rupp 1115's, 25w UV

10/13/2006, 09:32 PM	#2
clsanchez77 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Metairie, La Posts: 822	If it were me, I would go with AquaController III Pro $789.95 here: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=NS1171 I don't know if it is considered the best but I have the Junior and like it very much. The ACIIIPro monitors and controls temp, pH, OPR, Conductivity, DO, can control up to 30 devices in combination of X-10 and/or direct connect, simulates sun, lunar and seasonal temp cycles, has a couple of wavemaker options, has switch inputs, has data logging capabilities and a webserver. Chris

10/14/2006, 06:22 AM	#4
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	I just went though the same thing. I was choosing between that one and the Aquadyne 4000. I was told by two places if you need tech advise then go with the Aquadyne. There is always someone to help you. With the Neptune, it is a much smaller company and will not get that kind of service. Also I had the original Octypus 2000 (Aquadyne) about 9 years ago and back then I remember calling them and they were very helpful. The people there new the product well and they were hobbyiest as too which was helpful. I bought the Aquadyne 400 yesterday after ordering the Neptune first. With all that said, they are both excellent, but but I hear than the Neptune might have more features. Even though for me, I am sure that both of the units will offer more than I need. Ken

10/16/2006, 07:32 PM	#8
goda Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: fortlauderdale florida area Posts: 1,874	pc controlled is the way to go from what you were telling me you can x10 alot of things using home automation softwhere and apparently there is a way to even have PH and ORP and temp controll as well this is the next step for my tank ( plus one of those auto waterchangers we were talking about)