If you Had $350, which controller would you buy?

[Wildeone]

I would like a suggestions on which reef controller would be best if you had about $350 to spend. Thanks!

[®eefer]

I think for that price range you're really looking at the reefkeeper 2 or the Aquacontroller Jr.
I just payed for an AC jr with ph probe, 8 outlets and serial port...just under $300. Checkout this thread, it helped me along with my decision.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=797997

[xinumaster]

For that money I'll get the PALA controller. They have good review too. Check this out.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=PA-LHC&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

[Perureef]

so whats the difference between the pala controller and the ac jr (anyone with experience)? thanks.

[mattseattle]

I see one of the biggest negatives on the Lighthouse Aquarium Controller. It has 6 outlets only and they are already defined. The Junior you can control up to 12 outlets and they can be whatever you want them to be.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/lighthouse/acstrip.jpg

Notice the text on the Lighthouse Controller. It has 2 always on outlets. Blah! I would want to be able to do something with those.

I'd go with the Junior if I were you. It can't monitor ORP though which the Lighthouse looks like it can.

[xinumaster]

The AC jr does not have the ORP monitor and web interface.

[cmhollis]

Add another $100 and get the ACIII. It has built-in web server, and alarm e-mail functions.

Mike

[ghever]

the reefstop has the AC III for $365 i think it was...

http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=196

you need to mention to them its the RC group buy..give them a call, I know there is a webpage for it but I cannot find it..search on here for reefstop and AC III group buy...I just bought one.

Of course, then you need a pH probe at least and a DC8 at least... so might be more like $550... but you could go slowly, and purchase little by little...if you dont need to control Ozone you dont need ORP...if you have calcium reactor, you can get a second pH probe which is what I will do.

G

[cmhollis]

Wow,

That is a great deal on an ACIII. I wish I would have known about that when I purchased mine last month.

Oh well, I am very happy with it, and do not regret the decision to buy it.

Mike

[mattseattle]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7063280#post7063280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xinumaster
The AC jr does not have the ORP monitor and web interface.

Correct, the Junior does not have an ORP control. But with the new Junior with the serial port option you can use Aquanotes and that does support a web interface.

so giving up 4 ports for an ORP monitor does not make sense.

[Wildeone]

Wow, thanks for the great response! It looks like I have a little homework to do, and I am sure I will have more questions. I am going to checkout those controllers, but first, what is ORP?

[Perureef]

regarding the AC jr., where can i read up about aquanotes, and what is it/how much is it? i already have an orp controller so i'll be glad if i don't have to pay for a second one. thanks

[mattseattle]

ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential. In practical terms, it is a measurement to oxidize contaminants.

it's a way to control the injection of ozone into your tank.

If you are not planning to run ozone then you don't need it.

[mattseattle]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7064597#post7064597 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Perureef
regarding the AC jr., where can i read up about aquanotes, and what is it/how much is it? i already have an orp controller so i'll be glad if i don't have to pay for a second one. thanks

well they have Aquanotes Lite which is free but not sure if it has the web interface on it.

But you can find out about it on the Neptune forum here on RC or you can go to their web site. www.neptunesys.com

[Perureef]

ORP = oxidation/reduction potential

what it is, is slightly more complicated to post here, i think.
much more detailed information has been published on reefkeeper magazine. i would consider it recommended reading if considering ozone (orp is used as a measurement for ozone dosing). Hope that helped

[Perureef]

i was too slow

thanks for the info mattseattle

[lvreefer]

IMO the choices are between the ACJr. and the Lighthouse Aquarium Controller. I personally like the ACJr. better for the expandability.

[Wildeone]

Thanks again for the feedback, I think I am leaning toward the Jr. I am glad I posted though because I was sure I was going to get an RK2. I was thinking of waiting to purchase one until my tank was up and running, but the PA deal may not last and and I probably ought to jump on it.

I need to figure out is ACJr. can be viewed and configured remotely via the web if I purchase the aquanotes software. Anyone doing this now?

PERUREEF: There is some Aquanotes information here

Aquanotes (http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotes.htm)

Why are these Hyperlinks not working for me?????

[Wildeone]

Oops..I guess they are working...sorry.

[mattseattle]

Ask over in the Neptune forum and I'm sure someone can answer that question. I have the Junior and love it. I have the original model which does not have the serial port to hook to a computer so can't vouch for the Aquanotes.

[jobiwan]

Is a controller necessary/advisable if you use a calcium reactor?

[Shooter7]

Group buy on the AC jr as well...not sure how long this is in effect:

http://thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=55_87_126_165&products_id=398

[®eefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7064823#post7064823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wildeone

I need to figure out is ACJr. can be viewed and configured remotely via the web if I purchase the aquanotes software. Anyone doing this now?


Aquanotes light does not support a web interface, but the 3.2 version does. 3.2 can be used with the Jr, but you will have to have the serial port constantly connected to a PC for the web access. If you are going to do that, it is recommended that you also purchase the Ground Isolated Serial Connector. Without it your PH and ORP readings may become inaccurate. The ACIII has an ethernet connection which may allow you to have your PC in a more remote location.

[xinumaster]

I don't think acjr has a web interface. I know it does have a serial port interface which means you are accessing data thru serial protocol or thru ternminal interface. Web interface means you access data thru internet/intranet connection.

Web interface and aquanotes are two different thing. Only acIII and acIIIpro have web interface.

[®eefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7069354#post7069354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xinumaster
I don't think acjr has a web interface. I know it does have a serial port interface which means you are accessing data thru serial protocol or thru ternminal interface. Web interface means you access data thru internet/intranet connection.

Web interface and aquanotes are two different thing. Only acIII and acIIIpro have web interface.

Aquanotes has everything to do with the "web interface", that is if you are talking about software (web server). Check it out: http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotes.htm#COMPARISON

Connecting a device to a PC though a serial connection doesnt mean it cant transmit data to the PC and then on to the web. You can use aquanotes 3.2 with the AC Jr. The ethernet port on the acIII is just more versitile and can be plugged into a wireless router making remote connections a possibility.

[mattseattle]

if the junior can interface with aquanotes (which it can now) then it has a web server. you just have to have a computer running all the time in order to access it.

like cooltank said the ones with the ethernet ort just make it easier to do.

[®eefer]

Actaully I just realized that you can plug the serial port into a wireless router with serial capability. That would truly be the ideal setup. Wireless router with relay capability and a serial port. Then you dont need to add a computer to your reef cabinet...YIKES :bum:

[mattseattle]

good point....

[Casino]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7069971#post7069971 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cooltank
Wireless router with relay capability and a serial port. Anybody know where one of these can be purchased? There a mod on how to retro a router but looks very complicated. You can also purchase a serial to ethernet adapter, costs $100 tho.

[®eefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7070278#post7070278 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CASINO
Anybody know where one of these can be purchased? There a mod on how to retro a router but looks very complicated. You can also purchase a serial to ethernet adapter, costs $100 tho.

The best cheapest thing I can find so far is using a DB9 to USB adapter ($10):

http://www.supergooddeal.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SBT-USC1K&Click=17583

Then you can use a USB capable router like this ($45 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127175&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=33-127-175

So for $55 + shipping + $79 for aquanotes...it's almost a $150 upgrade. The ACIII still cost more, but you also get more at that point.

[xinumaster]

You will need to install the driver for the db9-to-usb cable So, the cable will only work if you connect it to a pc.

[Casino]

Will It work if I get this Router (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416828445&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper) and the serial to USB adapter? What about this device (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1134691790190&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper) ?

[®eefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7071715#post7071715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CASINO
Will It work if I get this Router (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416828445&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper) and the serial to USB adapter? What about this device (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1134691790190&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper) ?

I dont think so, Xinumaster is right. You will need a driver to run the DB9 to USB connector. It looks like the best solution is to get out the soldering iron... This post has the full mod with SD card for data storage:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=799900

[reefdom]

Can someone please post the link for the AQ III group buy for $360/365..

Thanks..

[reefdom]

found it

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7077561

[Wildeone]

Actually, you can get a Lantronix ( www.lantronix.com )RS232 to IP box if you would like to dump the Jr. on a home network. I have not done this with a Jr, but I use them all the time at my job. We convert RS232 to TCP/IP with their box called a micro serial server. We give the box an IP address and we can then receive and send data from a PC over the network to the serial server and vice cersa. Works like a champ. I think they are about $100 to $150. In addition, I'll bet Black Box has something as well.