System Controller & Ca Reactor recommendations

serpentman · 08/11/2006, 11:07 AM

I am researching controllers as I would like additional backup and automation. Are the any recommendations. I know Neptune makes a good unit. I am also considering this one:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...e=othercontrol

Its not really "sexy" but looks to have a lot of useful function for a reasonable price.

Furthermore, I am looking at adding a Calcium Reactor in the near future as well. Any recommendations on a good one thats reasonable priced (not necessarily the cheapest)?

bertoni · 08/11/2006, 07:01 PM

You might want to check in the Lighting, Filtration, and Equipment forum. I don't have any experience with controllers or calcium reactors, so I can't help much.

crumbletop · 08/11/2006, 07:43 PM

The drawback of the lighthouse (the linked controller) is it is not expandable and only has 4 controllable outlets. It is supposed to be very easy to set up, though.

The aquacontroller line is very nice. For the same price as a lighthouse you can get an AC Jr with a DC8 (8 controllable outlets). The AC Jr. is expandable to 12 outlets total. They have other controllers with more functionality (more $).

The Reefkeeper 2 is another one to take a look at. It has 8 controllable outlets but is not expandable, and is not as customizable as the AC Jr. (about the same cost).

There are also controllers by Aquatronica that some use and like. The Aquatronica is very expandable but is lacking on some of the features of the higher-end Neptune systems.

If cost is not a problem, IKS is supposed to make a very nice controller.

For the controllers in the price range of the lighthouse, you basically have the AC Jr. with DC8, the Lighthouse, and the RK2.

serpentman · 08/11/2006, 08:21 PM

I liked the online capabilty as I travel and like the idea of being able to dial into the tank. Does the AC unit have this capacity.

crumbletop · 08/12/2006, 05:39 AM

The AC Jr. with the serial port option along with the free version of Neptune System's Aquanotes software is supposed to allow you to do this. What that means is the AC Jr. has to hook up directly to a PC that is connected to the internet, and the computer must stay on. The AC III Pro has a built-in web server. Premium Aquatics has a group buy on the AC Jr. with Serial port option:

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

For hookup to the web, the lighthouse is supposed to be very easy. The AC Jr. is more difficult because it involves hooking it to a PC. HTH

08/11/2006, 11:07 AM	#1
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	System Controller & Ca Reactor recommendations I am researching controllers as I would like additional backup and automation. Are the any recommendations. I know Neptune makes a good unit. I am also considering this one: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...e=othercontrol Its not really "sexy" but looks to have a lot of useful function for a reasonable price. Furthermore, I am looking at adding a Calcium Reactor in the near future as well. Any recommendations on a good one thats reasonable priced (not necessarily the cheapest)?

08/11/2006, 07:01 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	You might want to check in the Lighting, Filtration, and Equipment forum. I don't have any experience with controllers or calcium reactors, so I can't help much. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

08/11/2006, 07:43 PM	#3
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	The drawback of the lighthouse (the linked controller) is it is not expandable and only has 4 controllable outlets. It is supposed to be very easy to set up, though. The aquacontroller line is very nice. For the same price as a lighthouse you can get an AC Jr with a DC8 (8 controllable outlets). The AC Jr. is expandable to 12 outlets total. They have other controllers with more functionality (more $). The Reefkeeper 2 is another one to take a look at. It has 8 controllable outlets but is not expandable, and is not as customizable as the AC Jr. (about the same cost). There are also controllers by Aquatronica that some use and like. The Aquatronica is very expandable but is lacking on some of the features of the higher-end Neptune systems. If cost is not a problem, IKS is supposed to make a very nice controller. For the controllers in the price range of the lighthouse, you basically have the AC Jr. with DC8, the Lighthouse, and the RK2. __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.

08/11/2006, 08:21 PM	#4
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	I liked the online capabilty as I travel and like the idea of being able to dial into the tank. Does the AC unit have this capacity. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

08/12/2006, 05:39 AM	#5
crumbletop Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 4,718	The AC Jr. with the serial port option along with the free version of Neptune System's Aquanotes software is supposed to allow you to do this. What that means is the AC Jr. has to hook up directly to a PC that is connected to the internet, and the computer must stay on. The AC III Pro has a built-in web server. Premium Aquatics has a group buy on the AC Jr. with Serial port option: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...Category_Code= For hookup to the web, the lighthouse is supposed to be very easy. The AC Jr. is more difficult because it involves hooking it to a PC. HTH __________________ "Misers get up early in the morning; and burglars, I am informed, get up the night before." - GK Chesterton Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA RR. 20 gal sump. 6x54W T5. AquaController Jr.