Bought a new Aquacontroller Jr. Now I have some ???

[Reef Newb11]

So as the title states I bought a new AC Jr. But unfortunately it didnt come with the instruction booklet. But I should be able to download that somewhere I would think?

But I do have a few questions about the capabilities of the AC Jr. It did not come with a DC 8 (but for the price that was not an issue), can I buy any DC8? and will I need to buy anything else to connect it to my AC jr?

Can I buy the neptune lunar simulator to use to simulate moon cycles?

Is the PX 1000 compatible with the AC Jr.? (probabley not but I figured I could ask)

How often should the Ph probe be calibrated? replaced?

Do I have to calibrate the temp probe? how do I do that? how often should it be replaced?

All I need to connect it to the PC is the serial cable and if it is permanetely connected I should use the ground loop isolator, correct?

If I buy Aquanotes, and have the AC Jr. always connected to the PC would that enable remote monitoring of the AC Jr?

Sorry for the laundry list of question just wanted to figure out how to get the most from my controller.

[kenargo]

It did not come with a DC 8 (but for the price that was not an issue), can I buy any DC8? and will I need to buy anything else to connect it to my AC jr?

A DC8 will give you the ability to control 8 electrical outlets and comes with everything you need to connect to the Jr

Can I buy the neptune lunar simulator to use to simulate moon cycles?

yes, a LunarSim can be used with the Jr and simulated moon cycles.

Is the PX 1000 compatible with the AC Jr.?

No, the PX1000 is only compatible with the AC3 and AC3Pro.

How often should the Ph probe be calibrated? replaced? Calibrate initially and then every month +/-. Replace when the calibration takes more than about 5 minutes to settle.

Do I have to calibrate the temp probe? how do I do that? how often should it be replaced?

The temp probe comes with the Jr and has been factory calibrated; you should never need to calibrate it and it should not need to be replaced unless it fails.

All I need to connect it to the PC is the serial cable and if it is permanetely connected I should use the ground loop isolator, correct?

Yes, use of a ground isolator is required if you want to stay plugged into the PC all the time.

If I buy Aquanotes, and have the AC Jr. always connected to the PC would that enable remote monitoring of the AC Jr?

With the full version of AquaNotes you can enable web access to AquaNotes which in turn can give control to the ACJr

Note: With the Jr you are limited to 12 timers (things); the DC8 will use 8, the LunarSim 1 more, leaving you with the ability for an additional 3 things. Keep this in mind as you grow your tank and add accessories.

You can 'play' with programming using a simulator, available for free on my website. It's really nice to try things out before uploading the progam into the 'live' controller.

[Reef Newb11]

Wow thank you so much that was really helpful! I will definately try it out on your website as well. thanks again.

[Reef Newb11]

One more thing...Sorry. The Lunar simulator comes in different packages depending on the amount of LED's you need.

For my current tank I am only going to be needing 2. But for the next tank I may need more. Is there a way to just buy the lunar LED's or do you just have to re buy the whole kit?

[kenargo]

Is there a way to just buy the lunar LED's or do you just have to re buy the whole kit?

You might want to contact Neptune and ask; I've not seen price or part number of LED strand only. As an alternative you could get enough for the new tank and adjust the brightness (max brightness is adjustable).

[Reef Newb11]

Great Thanks again!