AquaController III?

Mattfish · 01-13-2008, 03:59 AM

I've been considering a controller/monitor for a while. The ACIII seems to make the most sense to me, but I may also be rationalizing a need for a toy where it doesn't exist. Our water is regularly good. Getting a temp readout is already being done - our chiller shows it to me digitally. The pH constant monitoring has value, and ORP would also be a new but helpful constant indication of tank/water health. Sure, controlling a few other things to save some power - maybe turning the chiller and it's pump as well as the fuge lights for a few hours, having it automatically logged, and available to a personal web site, etc. But it can't monitor Nitrate, Calcium, and Alkalinity automatically. Nor will it help regulate my calcium reactor (or can it?)

Aside from the $1,100 we're talking about, opinions on value and importance? If it's a sensible thing, then I'll do it, but I'm wondering if having it will make much of a difference......

Scott Osborne · 01-13-2008, 06:30 AM

I think that controllers are completely worth it. When I get back from church I will explain why.

aquaboy · 01-13-2008, 07:51 AM

If you want to get an aquacontroller, wait for the elite, its supposed to have the things that your looking for, but comes with big price tag

ReefSparky · 01-13-2008, 07:53 AM

Wow Matt, that's a lot of money. I can't give you any advice because I've spent too much money on things I've not really needed, but just wanted.

However, since you asked. . LOL. . .BUY IT!! I can own one vicariously thru you!!

As long as you promise to report regularly on how it's helping, how it's nifty, what it does well, what it doesn't do well, how it was worth it, and how it's opened your eyes to parameters which maybe evaded you in the past, you have my blessings.

Otty · 01-13-2008, 08:48 AM

I have also looked into getting one of the Aquacontroller III or III Pro's. I currently run a Lighthouse Aquarium Controller and it only has room for 1 pH probe and that is currently hooked to the Ca reactor. It can control a Ozone too with a ORP probe but it can't do both at the same time. Now that I am running a Kalk reactor for my makeup water I would like to monitor the pH of the tank too.
Plus it has other input modules that you can add to run anything like internal exhaust fans in the winter and external in the summer off a temp sensor. I work with robots and logic controls for a living so I always like to tinker with things. I even have a Omron CJ1 here with a 10" HMI that I was going to make my own controller with but by the time I get the analog cards and all that stuff I will need a big cabinet to keep it all in.
I would also like to hear from other people that have this type of controller....have you had any problems with them???

Scott Osborne · 01-13-2008, 03:43 PM

I am a big fan of that controller. I have them on two of my maintaince accounts. I love how when someone calls me yelling, I can just punch the web addy on the PDA and there it is. All the important info.

That feature plus the new wave controller that will allow you to control Tunze Stream is great. I personally prefer to wire things direct with the DC4 for the big bill power items and the DC8 for the lower amperage.

I'm a hobbiest PLC and ladder logic guy and I really wanted to build my own system from an old Modicon I had around but these make things simple. The only problem that I have is that the Aquanotes software is only for Windows. Not cool if your a Mac or Linux person.

The flexiability is unmatched. Between the Lunar light simulator and the I/O breakout box for custom stuff you cant beat it. If you need more sensor inputs there is a module that will give you another full set of inputs. This device was the best thing we ever put on our zoo tank. I know that my new 450 will have one and the 1k will too.

Otty · 01-13-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Osborne

The flexiability is unmatched.

You sound like a salesman...

That is what I wanted to hear. I always see the controllers listed but you don't hear many people talking about them much. Most of the large systems just state that they have on and that's it. I have a buddy that might buy my LightHouse and I'll put the money towards the AC III.
All I have found is this chart to see what each one has: Aquarium Controllers Comparison Chart

Scott Osborne · 01-13-2008, 06:01 PM

That chart is old too. It was before the dimable moonlight module, Tunze/Vortech control module, and the assiganble I/O breakout box module.

I dont really sell them unless I a building a tank for someone. I've always been a pretty big fan of Neptune. But after I saw all the new add on stuff at MACNA I was floored. One thing that I think is lacking is a controlable dimmer for the Icecap 660 ballast and Dimmable LED drivers.

reef_guru · 01-15-2008, 11:29 PM

everyone has their own way of doing things, which makes this hobby interesting. some are better or worse than others. imop: its a waist of money. there are much cheaper, automatic, easier ways to do what it does. the only thing on my tank is a Ph monitor, no controllers, everything is automatic with timers, minimal maintenance.