sorry, I'm a newb...

[cbusreefer]

I'm going to be purchasing an aquacontroller III here soon and want to make sure i get everything i need. I want to be able to control my CA reactor and my lights (3 IceCap electronic 250's & icecap 660) and fans at the very least.
My questions: Can i plug everything into a dc8? If not, would a dc8 and a HD4 combo be sufficient? what about two dc8's and no dc4?
I apologize, but I have no clue about what additional hardware i am going to need. I just want to make sure i order everything so i can hook my tank up when it arrives without any problems.
Your input and time is greatly appreciated...

[kenargo]

No need to apologize for being new!

The DC8 includes 8 controllable outlets, max 6 amps per outlet and 15 amps total (ON). Counting the number of devices you list above I would say that 1 DC8 is all you need.

You mentioned that you want to control your CA reactor; do you intend to place a PH probe in the reactor to control the C02 valve? If so then be sure to order an AC3 (or AC3 Pro with PX1000) in order to get 2 PH probe inputs (1 for the tank, 1 for the reactor) and 2 PH probes. Unless you also get a PX1000 you would not be able to monitor both PH and ORP (the AC3 has 2 probe inputs and you would be using both for PH). If you want to monitor tank PH, reactor PH and ORP then you would need to purchase an AC3 + PX1000 or an AC3 Pro + PX1000 (the AC Jr does not support sufficient probes or the PX1000).

Something else you should get would be a few packages of PH calibration fluid. You will need PH 7 and PH 10 to calibrate the tank's PH probe and PH 4 and PH 7 to calibrate the reactor's PH probe.

You'll love the controller!

[cbusreefer]

thank you very much. I plan on monitoring tank pH, reactor pH, and temp so I will probably be going with an AC III w/ PX1000. thanks again, you have been very helpful.

[kenargo]

You only need the PX1000 if you are going to monitor more than you listed. The AC3 can handle 2 PH probes and 1 temp probe without the need of the PX1000. You would only need to get the PX1000 if you wanted to monitor more than the list above; for example is you wanted to monitor ORP then you would need the space for the extra probe and that would require you to get the PX1000.