AI Sol and controller

C

cpace

Premium Member
Has anyone used the AI sol lighting with a controller other than the AI unit?

Units that can control AI:
AI Controller
GHL Profilux
Neptune Apex
Digital Aquatics Reef keeper

Neptune apex is supposed to come with VDM standard (built-in? but not separate unit) from what I can tell looking through other forums, but I don't see where to connect the units to the apex and I can't confirm elsewhere. Do I still need a VDM and if so, would it be better just to get a apex lite + VDM? I understand the different capabilities of the units. Really just plan on trying to use one controller for 2 adjacent tanks (maybe 3), with pH and temp for each, maybe ATO connected to the unit rather than separate, salinity someday as well. Are other lighting systems supported on the same controller? Don't plan on ORP at any point. Dosing would be nice later as well.

Profilux is out of my price range and needs for what I'm looking for. Probably more complex than I will ever get in the hobby.

Reefkeeper seems less preferred by other reefer forums.

From a cost perspective it seems if I'm going to spend the money on the controller, a total aquarium controller would be much better than an advanced single system light controller.

If anyone has any input on the above options, please let me know.
 
Just reading the other LED light thread, didn't want to hijack - link to this AI system: http://reefbuilders.com/2012/05/04/full-spectrum-ai-vega-color/

Not sure if the aquarium controllers could do that, or even if there would be a reason to.
 
I'll try to help with the topics I have experience with. The AI Controller was nice as it was easy to use and adjust. I had a VDM come with the used Apex system I bought so I went with the VDM to control my AI's. I am just getting my feet wet with the VDM/Apex control combo. I have not done any advanced programming for lighting storms, coordinating with the lunar calendar, etc. Just your basic ramp up, on, ramp down, and moonlight timing.

You need a VDM module to control the AI Sol with the Apex. The VDM is a separate module that also includes a few extra variable speed dimming ports but it also has the serial connector that allows the Apex to communicate with the AI Sols over the AI serial interface. You will also need the serial to AI cable (serial port on one end and TRS audio type connector for the AI on the other end). The VDM just plugs into the Apex system the same as any other module on the aquabus. The AI serial interface is not a standard 0-10v dimmer for each channel AFAIK so you wouldn't be able to just hook-up the variable speed dimming ports to a TRS connector and plug it in to the AI.

I've been told by the folks at AI that the Vega will not work with the Apex VDM. Guessing they will have a different control interface so that may factor in to your decision. Even if the Apex could control the Vega, it would also probably take up way too many profiles given the 20 channels with the way I have it setup. Each controllable channel on mine is setup with 3 profiles (ramp up, ramp down, on) plus another one for moonlights.

If you don't need the variable speed ports for anything else, just get the Apex Lite, VDM, and cable.

I will say there are advantages to just using the AI controller. It has a very simple, easy to use interface with your lunar calendar, and storm programs already locked in and I think they run about the same or maybe less than the cost of a VDM and cable. I have not gotten around to trying to duplicate the lunar calendar and all that other jazz with the Apex partly because it looks like there is quite a bit of code and I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to programming. If I didn't already have the VDM, I would have just stuck with the AI controller. I plan on moving my AI controller over to my Solana when I get around to replacing the disco ball with another AI Sol.
 
Thanks for the input. I am probably looking at getting a controller for my system, preferably for the whole thing not just the lights. That really helps me narrow the choice down as the apex is probably unnecessary for my needs right now.
 
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