Controllers, controllers, controllers.

So I have been looking at controllers lately. Wave makers, PH, dosing pumps, ATO... Enough to make you go crazy.

Right now I unplug everything. I was going to get a simple power rack with switches to turn off equipment.

I'm getting a Tunze ATO today.

I was looking at Bulk Reef Supply's dosing pumps to do my two part. Digital timers are $20 ea., so $40.

There are various control centers that are a bit pricey and over my head. I can buy all this stuff separately and have cords everywhere, but I was wondering if there were any simple control centers out there that could help me consolidate.

Also, I work rotating shifts. I don't feed the same time all the time. So don't really need timers for that. My lights of course are on timers.

 

I would recommend getting an Aquacontroller 3 if you want to control a calcium reactor. If you only want to control your equipment as glorified timers, then get a Aquacontroller Jr. Timers are cheaper but they aren't as robust as a controller and do fail. I have a Jr and it really takes the hassle out of wondering what the pH of the tank is among other benefits.

 

Luna brought those up too, and that was sort of the point of the post.

For right now, I don't really see a Ca Rx. I would like to auto mate a 2 part from BRS. That seems the easiest.

But ya, why buy a bunch of timers when I can put that money towards something more useful. I really need to look at those ACs more.

 

also look at digtal aquatics reefkeeprs i have one and really like it.

 

One thing about the Aquacontroller 3 is that you can set it up so you can check on it/control it from a web page anywhere you have internet access, you just plug your controller into your internet router (assuming you have one of course) and then you never have to worry about anything. You can also setup all sorts of alerts so it can send you a text message or an email I believe if it notices your temp is getting too high/low, ph too high/low etc. It will also notify you if it loses power when the power comes back on.
It's such a nice security feature, and if you have an iphone you can get an iphone app to do it all from your iphone!
I just have the Jr right now and it's great but I will definitely be upgrading to the 3 for that functionality alone.

 

You will not be disappointed with the ACIII. There is just about nothing you can't do with it.

 

I run a Profilux and Love it. It appears to be a bit expensive at first but once you figure out everything is does and the savings of all the timers, PH monitors, Chiller/Heater controllers it works out to be relatively inexpensive.

Base model is $599.00 and come with power bars PH and temp controllers. I know there is more it comes with but can;t remember right now.

J

 

The first question you need to ask yourself is what kind of equipment you have now and in the future. All controllers(C) basiclly do the same thing, depending which model you get. In my case, I bought the Aqua-Controller JR with serial port, PH probe, a DC-8 and a DC-4 b/c I dont have any kind of reactors or high-end equipment, nor do I plan on having them. I love this thing, I wish that I had bought it yrs ago and am not even using it to its potential.
Ac Jr........$150.00
DC8.........$150.00
DC4(hd)....$130.00 hd=heavy duty but you dont need it, get the reg 4
PH probe(lab grade).....$67.00 Reg. probe.....$45.00

Total........$497.00

Thats new from MarineDepot, you probably can get it cheaper used. Hope this helps. Luna

If you are planning on having all kinds of equipment, then start looking at the more complex units.

 

I got my Jr at a LFS at a great price. They also sell them online. I'm a huge MD fan, but in these times, any dollar saved is good right?
Neptune AquaController Jr Combination Packs
I bought the Jr package with pacakge 2. They sell the DC-4 for $90, DC-4HD for $140.
When I get my 150G up and running, I'll be getting an AC3, since I am planning on running a Ca reactor in that one.

 

Thanks guys. I don't need the capabilities of the AC 3. Too bad the Jr. does not have 2 inputs for float switches. I know, a good reason to go to the AC3. Seems like a good piece. I will probably buy the Jr instead of the 2 timers. I can add on from there. I can't stand how my light timers can't keep time.