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Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 04:39 AM
I'm considering the purchase of a controller for my system, but don't know much about them. Is there a good thread on the pros and cons of different controllers available?
Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 05:10 AM
Also, I have Korilia pumps on Seio controllers, and I love the fact that they don't turn the pumps on/off. They just slow the pumps down 50% then speed them back up to 100%. Will any of the controllers out there give me the same type of action on my Korilias as the Seio?
Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 07:32 PM
^
cabrego
10/06/2008, 08:24 PM
http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/
Aquacontroller JR with DC8 and PH probe is the best bet for the moderate to intermediate reefer IMO.
I just bought one today. Aquacave.com has the best package deal!
Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 08:33 PM
I just now found that link. Thanks! I've heard of the Aquacontroller JR, but have no idea what a DC8 is. Will that unit provide the wave functions like a Seio controller?
I should say that I would like to be able to control/monitor things from my PC.
SeanT
10/06/2008, 08:42 PM
The GHL Profilux is top of the line.
Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 09:12 PM
I found the below info in the Profilux Manual. It sounds like what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure that My K4's are compatible. I have the older K4's. They read 115v-60hz. Anyone know?
3.15.11 Current
ProfiLux (Plus) can regulate current pumps in numerous ways. If variable-output pumps are used (these must either have an interface cable or be suitable for control via phased voltage, for which a dimmable socket outlet is required) then the current will be gently alternated between minimum and maximum flow rates. The pattern of the control signal can be set to sinus form – on the one hand this is the gentlest method of increasing and/or decreasing the speed of a motor, on the other it is the closest to what occurs in nature. The control signal can be output via a 1-10V interface, see also 3.15.8 1-10V interface. In addition non-variable pumps can be switched via switchable ports (for further details see 3.15.7 Socket outlet function), though obviously such pumps can only be switched on or off, their flow rate cannot be varied.
Note: "Pump active" signifies that the pump continuously fluctuates between minimum and maximum flow rate ( = creates "waves"), and a port assigned to the current pump is then switched on. "Pump inactive " doesn’t necessarily signify that the pump is off, but that it is running at its minimum flow rate, and a port assigned to the current pump is then switched off.
The graph below shows the flow pattern of a variable-output pump (settings: Minimum flow rate = 30%, Maximum flow rate = 90%, Wave duration = 10s, Wave form = sinus):
Variable-output pump0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%02468101214161820Time [s]Output [%]
In addition the pumps can be set for variable switching for wave creation (Ebb/Flood or Random). The pumps active at any one time create the waves configured, the inactive pumps run at the minimum flow rate set.
First of all the operational mode must be set:
• Ebb/Flood – Here the two current pumps are activated alternately. For this operational mode the duration of the Ebb (and Flood) must next be set in the range between 1 second and 6 hours. In the event that a switchable socket outlet is to control the relevant current pump then the duration chosen should not be too small – otherwise damage may occur to the switchable socket outlet or the pump!
• Permanent – The pumps are permanently active and run synchronously.
• Random – Using a random generator, 1, 2 or no pumps are activated in continuous random variation. The duration of the activation is also random. The minimum and maximum permissible duration of activation can be set between 1 second and 6 hours. In the event that
Date 13.04.2007 Page 46/64
Operating Instructions for - Aquarium Computer
a switchable socket outlet is to control the relevant current pump then the duration chosen should not be too small – otherwise damage may occur to the switchable socket outlet or the pump!
• Off – The pumps are permanently off.
• Permanent alternation – The pumps are permanently active and run reciprocally, ie when pump 1 is running at maximum flow rate, pump 2 will be running at minimum flow rate, and vice versa.
After selecting the operational mode (except for Off) further settings have to be done.
For the pattern of the control signal these options are given:
• Sinus waves (gentle increase and decrease in the flow rate of the pump)
• Right-angled waves (abrupt changes)
• Right-angled waves short (abrupt changes at high frequency)
Then the wave duration must be set in the range between 1 and 60 seconds (or 0.4s and 6s at Right-angled waves short). Naturally the technical capacity of the pump must be taken into consideration here. Waves cannot be created using non-variable pumps connected via switchable socket outlets.
Thereafter you will be given the option of programming a nocturnal decrease. If you confirm
Nocturnal change? with Yes, then next you must set the percentage (between 1% and 80%) by which the flow rate is to be reduced at night. Only the maximum flow rate will be affected. The minimum flow rate will not be reduced. Then you must set the Start time (between 14:00 and
23:59 hours) and End time (between 00:00 and 10:00 hours) for the nocturnal decrease.
Next you must set the minimum flow rate (0% - 100%) and maximum (1% - 100%) for each pump in turn.
Then you can choose whether the pattern of the control signal is to be sinus (gentle increase and decrease in the flow rate of the pump) or right-angled (abrupt changes).
Finally the Random wave reduction can be set between 0% and 100%. The larger the value the greater the variation in the size of the individual waves. At 0% each wave will attain the previously set maximum (wave size always the same), at 100% the size of the waves will fluctuate randomly between minimum and maximum.
Note: Whether and how the feeding pause is to affect the current pumps can also be configured, see 3.15.10 Feeding pause.
Aqua Keepers
10/06/2008, 09:14 PM
Sounds like the ACjr will only shut pumps on/off and that's not what I want
xenon
10/06/2008, 11:45 PM
The GHL Profilux will control Tunze powerheads that are actually built to be controlled. I don't think it will control any other brand of powerheads though.
cabrego
10/07/2008, 06:33 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13497910#post13497910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pito
Sounds like the ACjr will only shut pumps on/off and that's not what I want
AC Jr will shut on and off powerheads, pumps, and anything else you would like. I believe there is a total of 12 units you can turn on and off as many times as you would like through out the day.
You could choose to put any kind of powerheads of a few of those connectors and create your currents.
At the end of the day it is going to come down to how much you want to spend and what you wan't to be able to do.
Aqua Keepers
10/07/2008, 05:40 PM
I asked about my korilia question over in the Profilux forum and got this reply:
"No, the SEIO controller is specifically designed to create variable output in an AC pump, which is typically non-variable. It manipulates the frequency of the alternating current in order to achieve this. The Profilux does not have such capability. It can only create variable flow in 10V DC pumps such as the variable flow Tunzes."
So, I'm looking for a controller that does that. Does one exist?
Aqua Keepers
10/07/2008, 08:07 PM
Is this for the old korilias or new
http://www.aquatronica.com/products-1/modules/acq455-pumps
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