Controler questions (lots and lots of ?????)

S

ScubaLuke

I am thinking about installing a controler on my 55g tank and I am kind of lost on what soem of these things can do. For right now my tank is full of water and live rock but that is about it. I am in the process of building my own stand and think that this would be the perfect time to add alot of things. I am leaning towards the Neptune System AquaController 2. But this is where I get lost. Do I need to get a DC10 or should I get the control modules? What do each of these things do? I think the DC8 acts as a power distibution device, right? If I get that as opposed to the contorl module everything would be in on place and I would not need muiltiple outlets to run my tank, correct? I have lots more question but will stop here for now.

Thanks in advance

Luke
 
Luke,
The DC8 acts like 8 of the X10 modules all built into one unit and powered by one cord (both positive and negative aspects of that). Each of the outlets on the DC8 is named and can be controlled much like you would control the on/off models of the X10 modules. You can combine DC8's to get additional outlets if you like up to some maximum (24 or 32 i think). With the AquaController Jr., you can only use 12 outlets (1 DC8 + 1 DC4), but the more expensive units can control more. The DC8 connects to the Aquacontroller with a 4 wire cable and thus doesn't suffer from the possible interference problems that sometime cause the X10 problems and triggers false on/off commands. From what I can tell many people run the x10 modules as well and don't have too many problems, but it was easier for my use to have the single hardwired unit. Hope that clears it up a little bit.
Doug
 
Thanks, So I would need just the main unit temp, Ph, orp probes and a DC8 to get started. Thanks I can always add more as need but I think the DC8 will handle more then I wll need for a while.
 
Luke,
That would do it. One other minor concern is that the max recommended cable length from the unit to the DC8 is 10ft. It comes with one that's about 6 ft and it's difficult to find a 10' cable, even if they are common. You must have the 2 units that close together and it's not much lenght if you have to wind around something or move the controller higher/out of the way. Otherwise, I like the control better also.

Doug
 
Should I ge tthe Jr or the 2. I do not know if I want to dose Ozone or if it would even be needed in the future. Besdies the limt of switches it can handle that seems the only difference. Any one got the JR and later wished they had gotten the 2 or above?
 
If price wasn't an issue then I would get the 2 or above. It's always nice to have more options available to you.
 
Luke,
I have both the Jr. and the (yet to be installed AC3 Pro) and I like the Jr. for the price/performance. I'd think quite a bit about the differences and whether you may want the orp capability. The Jr. can be obtained bundled with the DC8 for a nice discount that they don't offer if the DC8 is bundled with anything else the last time I checked. Also, if you need just basic functionality/PH you might check out the ReefKeeper I and II from digital aquatics (www.digitalaquatics.com). They will be a bit cheaper than the Jr./DC8 combo and offer a lot of functionality for the dollar. The ReefKeeper II is new, but their service is very good and they seem to listen to their customers in designing new models/enhancements. Just FYI.

Doug
 
I have a AQ III Pro controlling just about everything on my 180g. The only thing not controlled is my two Tunze Streams. I two Heavy Duty DC4's in my canopy for the lights. I used two so that I can divided the load between two different household circuits. I have three DC4's under the tank that pumps and everything else are plugged into. Again dividing the load over the two household circuits. I recommend getting the DC either 8 or 4. No worries about electrical interference.

Also if you think you might expand in the future, (either more equipment or larger tank) think about getting the AQ that would support your future plans.

My tank http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=2449
 
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