Show me your ACIII Program

[corndogg]

Hi everyone,

I just got an AquaController III and I was looking for examples of the program code others are using. I need some ideas and want to make sure I am using it to full capacity. If you have the web server hooked up you can just copy and paste the program right in.

Thanks

[kbecker]

If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Sun 000/000 Then LT1 ON
If Sun 060/-060 Then LT2 ON
If Moon 000/000 Then MON ON
If Sun -030/060 Then EHM OFF
If Sun -030/060 Then SKM OFF
If Time > 14:00 Then WEB ON
If Time > 15:00 Then WEB OFF
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then HT1 ON
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then HT2 ON
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then HT2 OFF
If Temp < 65.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < 65.0 Then HT2 OFF
If Temp < 74.0 Then ALM ON
If Timer ALM = ON Then WEB ON
If Feed cycle Then WEB ON

[corndogg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7287707#post7287707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kbecker
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then HT1 ON
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then HT2 ON
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then HT2 OFF

If Timer ALM = ON Then WEB ON
If Feed cycle Then WEB ON


Hey kbecker,

What does the RT stand for? Also WEB?

[Cathy8424]

AC Unit 1
MN1$-M2
LT1$-L1
LT2$-L2
LT3$-L3
LT4$-L4
LT5$-L5
LT6$-L6
FAN%-C2
COL%-C1
HT1%-H1
HT2%-H2
PH1#-K1
ALM&-A9

If Moon 000/000 Then MN1 ON ....Runs Moon Light according to Ocean
If Sun 000/000 Then LT1 ON
If Sun 030/-030 Then LT2 ON
If Sun 075/-075 Then LT3 ON ....MH on according to Ocean Sun Up
If Sun 060/-060 Then LT4 ON
If Sun 030/-030 Then LT5 ON
If Sun 030/-030 Then LT6 ON
If Temp > RT+0.1 Then FAN ON ....Fan on first
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then FAN OFF ....Adjust to Ocean Seasonal temp.
Max Change 002 M Then FAN OFF
If Temp > RT+0.3 Then COL ON ....Fan can't keep up, chiller on
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then COL OFF ....Adjust to Ocean Seasonal temp.
Max Change 002 M Then COL OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.1 Then HT1 ON ....Heat adjust to Ocean Seasonal temp.
If Temp < RT+-0.0 Then HT1 OFF ....Heater temps are staggered to help
Max Change 002 M Then HT1 OFF ....with power surge. If heater 1 can' t
If Temp < RT+-0.2 Then HT2 ON ....keep up, Heater 2 will kick in, then
If Temp > RT+-0.1 Then HT2 OFF ....Heater 3.
Max Change 002 M Then HT2 OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.3 Then HT3 ON
If Temp > RT+-0.1 Then HT3 OFF
Max Change 002 M Then HT3 OFF
If pH < 8.06 Then PH1 ON ....If pH rises or drops below set point
If pH > 8.04 Then PH1 OFF ....Kalk Pump turns on.
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT1 OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT2 OFF ....Fail Safe, keeps the tank from frying
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT3 OFF ....if temp prob is accidently detached or
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT4 OFF ....becomes defective.
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT5 OFF ....If temp probe is detached controller
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT6 OFF ....temp reads 20 degrees.
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF ....It will keep calling for heat even it the
If pH > 8.40 Then ALM ON ....tank is at 100 degrees.
If pH < 7.95 Then ALM ON
If Temp > RT+.08 Then ALM ON ....Alarm sounds, emails send if the
If Temp < RT+-.08 Then ALM ON ....temperature is above or below set point.

AC Unit 2
MON$-M1
SMP$-M3
PM1#-P1
PM2#-P2
PM3#-P3
PM4#-P4
PM5#-P5
PM6#-P6
PM7#-P7
PM8#-P8
SKM#-F1
STR#-K3
BEP&-B9
CO2&-A12
SAL#-M4

If Moon 000/000 Then MON ON ....Runs Moon Light according to Ocean
If Sun 000/000 Then SMP OFF Runs ....Lighting in reverse of day for sump
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM1 ON ....Front L. PH on 10 min/off 10 min Wave
If Time > 00:00 Then PM2 OFF
If Time > 06:00 Then PM2 ON ....Back L PH on 4hr/off 4hr Tide in/out
If Time > 12:00 Then PM2 OFF
If Time > 18:00 Then PM2 ON
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM3 OFF ....Front R. PH on 10 min/off 10 min Wave
If Time > 00:00 Then PM4 ON
If Time > 06:00 Then PM4 OFF ....Back R. PH on 4hr/off 4hr Tide in/out
If Time > 12:00 Then PM4 ON ....(R/L PHs Reverse order for
If Time > 18:00 Then PM4 OFF ....on off alternating current)
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM5 ON ....(R/L PHs Reverse order for on for
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM6 OFF ....on off alternating current every 10 min)
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM7 ON ....(R/L PHs Reverse order for
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM8 OFF ....on off alternating current)
OSC 002/180 ON/OFF Then STR ON ....PH Stirs my Kalk 2 min every 3 hrs
OSC 020/240 ON/OFF Then SAL ON ....Stir salt water 20 min on/4 hr off (24/7air)
If pH < 6.80 Then CO2 ON ....solenoid on CO2 calcium reactor
If pH > 7.21 Then CO2 OFF ....solenoid off CO2 calcium reactor
If Feed cycle Then PM1 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM3 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM4 OFF ....Turns PH of for feeding
If Feed cycle Then PM5 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM6 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM7 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM8 OFF
If Feed cycle Then SKM OFF
If Power Fail Then BEP ON ....Alarm power off

[hotrod122]

LT1$-A01
LT2$-A02
REF$-A03
FAN%-A04
HET%-A05
SKM#-A06
PH1#-A07
KAL#-A08
ALM&-A09
MNL$-A10
MIX#-B01
MP1#-B02
MP2#-B03
RFP#-B04
WMP#-B05
MH1$-B06


If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then SKM ON
If Time > 00:00 Then MP1 ON
If Time > 00:00 Then MP2 ON
If Time > 00:00 Then RFP ON
OSC 010/005 ON/OFF Then WMP ON
OSC 010/090 ON/OFF Then MIX ON
If Sun 000/000 Then LT1 ON
If Sun 040/-040 Then LT2 ON
If Sun 060/-060 Then MH1 ON
If Sun 000/000 Then REF OFF
If Moon 000/000 Then MNL ON
If Temp < RT+-0.4 Then HET ON
If Temp > RT+0.1 Then HET OFF
If Temp > RT+0.4 Then FAN ON
If Temp < RT+0.1 Then FAN OFF
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then LT2 OFF
Max Change 030 M Then LT2 OFF
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then MH1 OFF
Max Change 030 M Then MH1 OFF
If Sun 000/000 Then PH1 ON
If Feed cycle Then SKM OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then HET OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT1 OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LT2 OFF
If Temp < RT+-1.0 Then ALM ON
If Temp > RT+1.2 Then ALM ON
If pH < 08.00 Then ALM ON
If pH > 08.45 Then ALM ON
If pH < 08.25 Then KAL ON
If pH > 08.26 Then KAL OFF
If Power Fail Then ALM ON


works for me nicely :)

[corndogg]

Thanks everyone. I am definately not using it to it's full capability yet but I have a good idea what this thing can do.

[jnarowe]

LT1$-A1
LT2$-A6
LT3$-A12
ML1$-A8
RLT$-B1
LM1&-A2
LM2&-A11
PM1#-A3
PM2#-A4
PM3#-A5
PM4#-A7
PM5#-B5
PM6#-B2
HT1%-B7
HT2%-B9
COL%-B6
CO2&-B4
ALM&-A9

If Power Fail Then LT1 OFF
Max Change 010 M Then LT1 ON
If Power Fail Then LT2 OFF
Max Change 015 M Then LT2 ON
If Power Fail Then LT3 OFF
Max Change 020 M Then LT3 ON
If Time > 13:00 Then LT1 ON
If Time > 20:00 Then LT1 OFF
If Time > 12:00 Then LT2 ON
If Time > 21:00 Then LT2 OFF
If Time > 12:30 Then LT3 ON
If Time > 20:30 Then LT3 OFF
If Time > 13:00 Then LM1 ON
If Time > 20:00 Then LM1 OFF
If Time > 12:30 Then LM2 ON
If Time > 20:30 Then LM2 OFF
If Moon 000/000 Then ML1 ON
If Time > 19:00 Then RLT ON
If Time > 08:00 Then RLT OFF
If Time > 18:00 Then PM6 ON
If Time > 07:00 Then PM6 OFF
If Temp > RT+0.4 Then COL ON
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then COL OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.4 Then HT1 ON
If Temp > RT+0.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.4 Then HT2 ON
If Temp > RT+0.0 Then HT2 OFF
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM1 ON
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PM2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM1 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PM5 OFF
If pH > 08.30 Then CO2 ON
If pH < 08.22 Then CO2 OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If pH > 08.50 Then ALM ON
If pH < 08.00 Then ALM ON
If ORP > 450 Then ALM ON
If ORP < 300 Then ALM ON
If Temp < 75.0 Then ALM ON
If Temp > 81.0 Then ALM ON
If Time > 00:00 Then PM5 ON

[Coralfreak]

REF$-A7
VHO$-B9
MH1$-B10
MH2$-B11
FAN&-A5
FN2&-A2
FN3&-B15
FN4&-A6
AC*%-L2
COL%-E9
HET%-A8
DOS#-A4
CO2&-A3
SKM#-B16
ALM%-N13


If Sun 060/-060 Then REF ON
If Sun 000/000 Then VHO ON
If Sun 060/-060 Then MH1 ON
If Sun 060/-060 Then MH2 ON
If Temp > 78.7 Then AC* ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then AC* OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FAN ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FAN OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN2 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN2 OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN3 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN3 OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN4 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN4 OFF
If Temp > 78.9 Then COL ON
If Temp < 78.6 Then COL OFF
If Temp < 78.2 Then HET ON
If Temp > 78.5 Then HET OFF
If Temp > 79.1 Then MH1 OFF
If Temp > 79.1 Then MH2 OFF
If Timer MH1 = ON Then FAN ON
If Timer MH2 = ON Then FN2 ON
Max Change 030 M Then MH1 OFF
Max Change 030 M Then MH2 OFF
Max Change 010 M Then COL OFF
Max Change 010 M Then AC* OFF
If pH1 > 08.24 Then DOS OFF
If pH1 < 08.19 Then DOS ON
If pH2 > 06.25 Then CO2 ON
If pH2 < 06.15 Then CO2 OFF
If pH1 < 08.10 Then CO2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then SKM OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then SKM ON
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Temp > 79.2 Then ALM ON
If pH2 < 06.10 Then ALM ON
If pH1 < 08.10 Then ALM ON
If Power Fail Then ALM ON

[ZoeReef]

Cathy, very innovative use. I like the fail safe idea, also staggered heat. I also like the use of fans as a first level of cooling.

Two questions: Where did you pick up these great ideas, and..

2. Why do you need two controllers (two separate systems?)

[ZoeReef]

I am expecting my ACIII pro this week, I'm glad I came across this thread..

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7287707#post7287707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kbecker
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF

kbecker...Why do you have the the alm set this way. Is the purpose just to ensure that it resets to off?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7299337#post7299337 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
If Power Fail Then LT1 OFF
Max Change 010 M Then LT1 ON
If Power Fail Then LT2 OFF
Max Change 015 M Then LT2 ON
If Power Fail Then LT3 OFF
Max Change 020 M Then LT3 ON

jnarowe...Why do you have the Max Change following each power fail?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7306052#post7306052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak

If Temp > 78.7 Then AC* ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then AC* OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FAN ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FAN OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN2 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN2 OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN3 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN3 OFF
If Temp > 78.6 Then FN4 ON
If Temp < 78.4 Then FN4 OFF
If Temp > 78.9 Then COL ON
If Temp < 78.6 Then COL OFF
If Temp < 78.2 Then HET ON
If Temp > 78.5 Then HET OFF
If Temp > 79.1 Then MH1 OFF
If Temp > 79.1 Then MH2 OFF
If Timer MH1 = ON Then FAN ON
If Timer MH2 = ON Then FN2 ON

Coralfreak...Well thought through use of fans, AC and lights. Thanks

[jnarowe]

Max change keeps the lights from all coming on at the same time after a power failure. That high draw can cause problems including cycling the lamps through the ignition phase but not actually starting. That can turn into a loop. The draw can also trip breakers in some cases.

[ZoeReef]

jna..so it kind of staggers them a bit.. and they come on at 5 minute intervals. Great...THANKS

[Cathy8424]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7336988#post7336988 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZoeReef
Cathy, very innovative use. I like the fail safe idea, also staggered heat. I also like the use of fans as a first level of cooling.

Two questions: Where did you pick up these great ideas, and..

2. Why do you need two controllers (two separate systems?) I have been using the AC's almost since the day I set up my tank. I have figured out alot of things form use and trial/error.

The max change on the lights will also give them time to cool down before restarting (which is good for the ballast). It also gives a chance for the power to become stable before they come back on. At our house, sometimes the power blinks on/off several times before it actually comes on correctly and stays on.

If you are not using the seasonal lighting, you should also use the staggered timing for your lights too.

I have two controllers because I have over 1000 gallons of water in numerous tanks. I am in the process of setting up an eight hundred gallon in wall system now.

The program codes I have posted are from my ACII's before I upgraded to an AC3 and an AC3 Pro. There are some new coding options with the AC3's; that I think will be very useful, but I haven't had a chance to see what creative things I can do with it yet, but I do have some in mind.

[collins]

***** adjusted the time on the controller -2 hours to allow extra viewing time
***** running the system 1 degree higher than actual seasonal temperatures due to ambient room temperature.

If Sun 000/-060 Then LTR OFF ; refugium lighting OFF at sunrise and ON 60 minutes before sunset
If Temp > RT+4.0 Then LTR OFF ; refugium OFF if tank temp exceeds 3.0F above seasonal temp (RT) of the day
Max Change 015 M Then LTR OFF ; allow 15 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Moon 000/000 Then LTM ON ; moon lighting ON at moonrise and OFF at moonset
If Sun 000/000 Then LTA ON ; actinic T5 lighting ON at sunrise and OFF at sunset
If Temp > RT+4.0 Then LTA OFF ; actinic T5 lighting OFF if tank temp exceeds 3.0F above seasonal temp (RT) of the day
Max Change 015 M Then LTA OFF ; allow 15 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Sun 120/-120 Then LTK ON ; 13K HQI MH lighting ON 2 hours after sunrise and OFF 2 hours before sunset
If Temp > RT+3.0 Then LTK OFF ; 13K HQI MH lighting OFF if tank temp exceeds 2.0F above seasonal temp (RT) of the day
Max Change 030 M Then LTK OFF ; allow 30 minutes to pass before retesting condition – allow cooling of LTK
If Temp < RT+0.6 Then HRX ON ; heaters ON if the tank temp falls below the season temp (RT) of the day by more than 0.4 °F
If Temp > RT+1.0 Then HRX OFF ; heaters OFF if the tank temperature exceeds the season temperature (RT) of the day
Max Change 005 M Then HRX OFF ; allow 5 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Temp > RT+1.9 Then FNX ON ; Fans ON if the tank temp exceeds the season temp (RT) of the day by more than 0.9 °F
If Temp < RT+1.1 Then FNX OFF ; Fans OFF if the tank temperature falls below 0.1F above the season temperature (RT) of the day
Max Change 005 M Then FNX OFF ; allow 5 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Time > 00:00 Then SRX ON ; skimmer ON by default
If Time > 00:00 Then PPR ON ; return pump ON by default
If Time > 00:00 Then PDX ON ; power heads ON by default
If Time > 00:00 Then KRX OFF ; kalk reactor mixing pump OFF by default – mix for 5 minutes twice per day
If Time > 07:05 Then KRX ON
If Time > 07:10 Then KRX OFF
If Time > 19:05 Then KRX ON
If Time > 19:10 Then KRX OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then PPD ON ; litre meter kalk dosing pump ON by default
If Timer KRX = ON Then PPD OFF ; litre meter kalk dosing pump OFF while kalk reactor mixing pump is on
Max Change 075 M Then PPD OFF ; allow 75 minutes to pass before retesting condition to allow settling
If Time > 00:00 Then CRX ON ; calcium reactor pump and feed power head ON by default
If Time > 00:00 Then SDC OFF ; calcium reactor CO2 solenoid OFF by default and ON if pH is acceptable
If pH > 08.04 Then SDC ON
Max Change 005 M Then SDC OFF ; allow 5 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Feed cycle Then PPR OFF ; turn off return pump
If Feed cycle Then SDC OFF ; turn off CO2 solenoid
If Feed cycle Then CRX OFF ; turn off calcium reactor pump and feed power head
If Feed cycle Then PPD OFF ; turn off dosing pump and evaporation top off
If Feed cycle Then HRX OFF ; turn off heaters
If Switch1 CLOSED Then SH1 ON ; manual switch toggle events
If Switch1 OPEN Then SH1 OFF
If Switch2 CLOSED Then SH2 ON
If Switch2 OPEN Then SH2 OFF
If Switch3 CLOSED Then SH3 ON
If Switch3 OPEN Then SH3 OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then SH4 ON
If Switch4 OPEN Then SH4 OFF
If Switch1 CLOSED Then FNX ON ; *water level too high - engage fans to increase evaporation
If Switch1 CLOSED Then PPD OFF ; turn off dosing pump and evaporation top off
If Switch2 CLOSED Then PPD OFF ; *water level too low (possible water leak) turn off dosing pump and evaporation top off
If Switch2 CLOSED Then HRX OFF ; turn off heaters
If Switch2 CLOSED Then SRX OFF ; turn off skimmer
If Switch2 CLOSED Then SDC OFF ; turn off CO2 solenoid
If Switch2 CLOSED Then CRX OFF ; turn off calcium reactor pump and feed power head
If Switch2 CLOSED Then PDX OFF ; turn off power heads
If Switch3 CLOSED Then SRX OFF ; *skimmer maintenance – turn skimmer OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then HRX OFF ; *water change – turn refugium devices OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then SRX OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then CRX OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then SDC OFF
If Switch4 CLOSED Then PDX OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then ALX OFF ; alarm OFF by default
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ALX ON
If Switch2 CLOSED Then ALX ON
If Timer SH1 = ON Then ALX ON ; turn alarm ON if water level above maximum operating level
If Timer SH2 = ON Then ALX ON ; turn alarm ON if water level below minimum operating level – possible leak
If pH > 08.40 Then ALX ON
If pH < 08.00 Then ALX ON
If Temp < RT+-0.1 Then ALX ON ; turn alarm ON if water temp falls below seasonal temp by more than 0.1F
If Temp < 50.0 Then HRX OFF ; heaters OFF if tank temp drops too low – possible probe malfunction
Max Change 005 M Then HRX OFF ; allow 5 minutes to pass before retesting condition
If Temp < 50.0 Then LTK OFF ; 13K HQI MH lighting OFF if tank temp drops too low – possible probe malfunction
Max Change 030 M Then LTK OFF ; allow 30 minutes to pass before retesting condition – allow cooling of LTK
If Temp > RT+3.0 Then ALX ON ; turn alarm ON if water temp exceeds seasonal temp by more than 2.0F
If Power Fail Then ALX ON ; turn alarm ON if power fails
Max Change 030 M Then LTK OFF ; allow 30 minutes to pass before retesting condition – allow cooling of LTK

[jnarowe]

Gulp!

[ZoeReef]

Is this the mother of all programs???

Collins..
Could you explain what a 'switch' is. (I sent back ACIII in exchange for PRO so I don't have a manual in my hands as yet)

[Cathy8424]

Yes, I think Collins has the Mother of all Programs!

Thanks for posting that Collins, now I won't have to have quite so much trial/error.

I haven't ordered the part for my swithces yet, put I do have my list made up. That will be the next addition to my system.

[collins]

ya the script is big, but I wanted to get every last penny out of the cost of the gear.

ZoeReef, the 4 switches are the external inputs. Two are connected to float switches (high and low) and all 4 can also be controlled with a manual toggle.

Cathy8424, I wasn't going to post, but you inspired me.

[corndogg]

and to think I bought this thing just for controlling lights, temp and the web access. I sure got a lot for my money with all these extra scripts.
Thanks everyone

[jnarowe]

Collins,

You have semi-colons in the program with text explanantions. Are those actually in your program or just inserted for your post to explain each line ofr the reader?

[collins]

everything after a semi-colon is ignored when you paste the script into the web interface. I like having the notes when I need to make a change and haven't looked at the script in a while.

I included the notes in my post so that people would know what I was attempting to accomplish and could modify it to suit their needs

[jnarowe]

so the semi-colon acts as a "REM" like we used to use in simple computer programs? Cool! Thanks for the tip!

[collins]

You're welcome

the notes get deleted from the controller when you update the program, so it's not quite like a REM statement. I just use Word to write the script with my notes and paste it to the web interface of the controller.

[jnarowe]

OK. Good point and smart way to do it! :D

[ZoeReef]

What is the advantage to having seasonal temperature variations? The kewl factor is very high, but what advantage does this have over, say just keeping it at a steady 79?

Thanks

[jnarowe]

Well it more naturally smulates a reef of course. In fact, holding temp. at a steady 79 doesn't reflect daily temp. changes either. My system moves about 2 degreesF each day as it goes through the light cycle. Wild reefs have large temp. changes throughout the day.

Example: (ignore the Thurs. data, I calibrated my probes that day)

http://home.wavecable.com/~jrowe/tank%20graph%20050906.gif

Advantages? Primarily happier animals and higher probability of reproduction. Also, lower operating expense. Since I allow this shift in temp. both daily and seasonally, my cost of maintaining the temp. should be lower.

[DrBDC]

It's pretty basic. I still need to regulate a lot more but here's mine. I still need to hook up a topoff as I currently pump 8.00 liters/day from a liter meter which is real close to evap but not exact and once a week or so I just hit it with the ro/di to get my water level at it's mark. I'd set the litermeter with it's float option but I want an exact amount per day of kalk added.

LT1$-A1 This is my mh's
LT2$-A2 2X65 pc actinics
LT3$-A3 2X65 pc actinics
MN1#-A4 moon lights
HET%-A5 heater
FTL$-A8 Frag tanks lighting
PMP@-A6 main pump
LT4$-A7 Sump/fuge
JAL$-E1 FO tank actinics in another room with X10
JDL$-E2 FO daylights in another room with X10


If Time > 12:00 Then LT1 ON
If Time > 21:30 Then LT1 OFF
If Time > 09:00 Then LT2 ON
If Time > 22:30 Then LT2 OFF
If Time > 10:30 Then LT3 ON
If Time > 23:30 Then LT3 OFF
If Temp > RT+6.5 Then LT1 OFF
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then HET ON
If Temp > RT+0.5 Then HET OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then PMP ON
If Feed cycle Then PMP OFF
If Power Fail Then LT1 OFF
Max Change 020 M Then LT1 ON
If Time > 09:00 Then TST ON
If Time > 22:00 Then TST OFF
If Time > 21:00 Then LT4 ON
If Time > 12:00 Then LT4 OFF
If Moon 000/000 Then MN1 ON
If Time > 08:00 Then JAL ON
If Time > 22:00 Then JAL OFF
If Time > 09:00 Then JDL ON
If Time > 21:00 Then JDL OFF
If Time > 10:00 Then FTL ON
If Time > 22:00 Then FTL OFF

[ZoeReef]

jna...Many thanks. I also bought the pro, primarily for it's ability to control 30 items. BUT..do you find the conductivity and the ORP probes are both important to have? From what I could gather reading Randy's thread, ORP is quite complex and it's basic purpose it to notify you of stability or changes in the quality of the water. It can be thought of as a measure of organics in the water. Conductivity, as i understand it, is salinity.

In your experience, to these two indicators parallel each other? Have you seen ORP remain steady while Conductivity changes? I guess what I'm asking is, if you had to do it again, would you add both probes?

DRBDC.. how are the X10's working for you?

[DrBDC]

I haven't played that much with it as I'm only doing 2 switches that are 1 room away on the same side of the circuit panel. I bought one of those 220 outlet for my dryer phase thingamajigy's to help make the signal cross over to circuits on the opposite side but it didn't seem to help get signals out. I know there are some other ideas to do but I haven't done any yet. I haven't got mine online yet either. I set it up to do most of what I want for now and the other stuff would just be nice i.e. lights on our freshwater tanks.

[jnarowe]

I don't really understand the ORP or how to use it other than that mine is in an acceptable range. Really, a DO probe may be more useful, but they aren't cheap! And if I had it MY WAY, I would get a good calcium probe on it before either of those. Unfortunately, my research has shown that there really is no "good" calcium probe yet available in this hobby.

I believe the conductivity probe is really important. Perhaps the most important other than temp. in terms of controlling your reef and giving you live info. as too where the salinity is at. These are not just salinity probes however so they can be measuring more than just salinity, so I am told. I find that probe to be the most valuable though. pH is good but not really something that you have to manage until you are using kalk and Ca additives.

[ZoeReef]

Dr...lol..you're technical like me. If you get it working, I would love to hear

jna...Thanks for that info. I think I'll get a conductivity probe.

[collins]

jnarowe,
I am surprised to see such a changed in conductivity. Have you cross checked its results with a refractometer? I just know that with my system that salinity has never tested differently from the day it was first set up.

[jnarowe]

I have an issue that makes my salinity jump around a bit. I am using RO/DI top-off water and fans to cool my tnk. I also have a DIY skimmer and these things conspire to throw salinity out-of-whack.

When salinity changes so does skimming and vice versa so if my skimmer starts to overskim, I am pulling out water that is being replaced with RO/DI. I am trying to slowly increase the conductivity to 52 but so far I haven't been able to keep it steady at 50 yet. Right now it is 49.50 but yesterday it was down to 48.4 and I let in some rich SW to bring it back up.

It's really a matter of tuning my system and getting to know how it reacts..if the fans are going more than average because the ambient temp. is higher than average, that encourages more evaporation and RO/DI make up water. It should run at a steady level in theory but I still have problems with the skimmer taking out too much water sometimes.

If you notice from that chart, once i had the probes calibrated I started getting better numbers and that, for the most part, has continued...

:D

[phuochai]

here are my machine . can any one see that i mixing some thing?
LTV$-C01 VHO light
LTC$-C02 compact light
LTM$-C03 MH light
LTR$-A06 Refurium light -->Refugium
PMC#-C04 power head pump ( circulation pump )
FWA#-B12 fresh water pump ( R/O water )
SWA#-B11 heavy salt water pump
PMD#-B09 water change pump
PMS#-A08 fresh salt water mix pump
PMK#-A07 kalk mix pump
PMR#-A05 refurium pump
PMM#-A04 main return pump
KPM#-B13 kalk dozer pump
HT1%-A01 heat 1
HT2%-A02 heat 2
COL%-D01 chiller
OZN&-B10 ozonizer
CO2&-A03 co2 solenoid
ALM&-F01 alarm
FAN&-E01 canopy fan
LTA&-G01 alarm light ( light on when alarm on )
here are my program
If Time > 13:30 Then LTV ON
If Time > 00:30 Then LTV OFF
If Time > 14:15 Then LTC ON
If Time > 23:45 Then LTC OFF
If Time > 15:00 Then LTM ON
If Time > 23:00 Then LTM OFF
If Time > 01:00 Then LTR ON
If Time > 13:30 Then LTR OFF
If Temp > RT+0.4 Then COL ON
If Temp < RT+0.0 Then COL OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.4 Then HT1 ON
If Temp > RT+0.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < RT+-0.4 Then HT2 ON
If Temp > RT+0.0 Then HT2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PMM OFF
If Feed cycle Then PMC OFF
If Feed cycle Then HT1 OFF
If Feed cycle Then HT2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then COL OFF
If Feed cycle Then CO2 OFF
If Feed cycle Then PMD OFF
If Feed cycle Then OZN OFF
If Feed cycle Then SWA OFF
If Feed cycle Then FWA OFF
Max Change 010 M Then LTV OFF
Max Change 020 M Then LTC OFF
Max Change 030 M Then LTM OFF
Max Change 015 M Then LTR OFF
Max Change 015 M Then PMC OFF
Max Change 015 M Then COL OFF
Max Change 015 M Then FWA OFF
Max Change 015 M Then SWA OFF
Max Change 015 M Then PMD OFF
Max Change 010 M Then CO2 OFF
Max Change 020 M Then HT1 OFF
Max Change 030 M Then HT2 OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LTM OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LTV OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then LTC OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then HT1 OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then HT2 OFF
If Temp > 80.5 Then LTM OFF
If Temp > 81.0 Then LTV OFF
If Temp > 81.5 Then LTC OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then LTA OFF
If Temp > RT+.08 Then ALM ON
If Temp < RT+-.08 Then ALM ON
If Temp > RT+.08 Then LTA ON
If Temp < RT+-.08 Then LTA ON
If pH > 8.40 Then ALM ON
If pH < 7.95 Then ALM ON
If pH > 8.40 Then LTA ON
If pH < 7.95 Then LTA ON
If pH > 08.30 Then KPM OFF
If pH < 08.10 Then KPM ON
If pH > 08.30 Then CO2 ON
If pH < 08.10 Then CO2 OFF
If ORP > 400 Then OZN OFF
If ORP < 350 Then OZN ON
If Cond > 55.0 Then LTA ON
If Cond < 50.0 Then LTA ON
If Cond > 55.0 Then ALM ON
If Cond < 50.0 Then ALM ON
If ORP > 450 Then ALM ON
If ORP < 300 Then ALM ON
If ORP > 450 Then LTA ON
If ORP < 300 Then LTA ON
If Time > 00:00 Then SWA OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then FWA OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then PMM ON
If Time > 00:00 Then PMC ON
If Time > 00:00 Then PMD ON
OSC 010/010 ON/OFF Then PMC ON
If Time > 00:00 Then FAN ON
If Time > 00:00 Then KPM ON
If Time > 00:00 Then PMS ON
OSC 015/180 ON/OFF Then PMS ON
If Timer LTV = OFF Then PMC OFF
If Timer LTV = OFF Then FAN OFF
If Timer LTV = ON Then KPM OFF
If Time > 08:10 Then PMK ON
If Time > 08:25 Then PMK OFF
If Time > 16:10 Then PMK ON
If Time > 16:25 Then PMK OFF
If Time > 00:10 Then PMK ON
If Time > 00:25 Then PMK OFF

[collins]

Thanks for clarifying that. I thought that a big tank like yours would have very little deviation.

[kbecker]

Sorry for not responding, but I have been on travel. Now to answer some questions:

What does the RT stand for? Also WEB?

RT is the variable in the controller for seasonal temp. WEB stands for Wireless Excel Backup. It is a trigger for my excel sheet to back itself up and the html pages it generates to my network backup drives.

Why do you have the the alm set this way. Is the purpose just to ensure that it resets to off?

Yes, that is correct.

Here is a screen shot of today's temp values. As you can tell from the trend line (the blue dashed line) that the temps are slowly rising to match the seasons. The value of this can be realized when the expansion box is released and I can add another temp probe to capture ambient temps.

http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/temps.jpg

[ZoeReef]

kbecker..many thanks. Great information and charts.

[jnarowe]

How are you getting such nice charts? Is that happening in Excel?

[ZoeReef]

Same question

[kbecker]

Yes, it is all excel. I have the sheet query the AC3pro and extract the log data and populate a "work sheet". I then have a pretty "cover sheet" that uses a bunch of formulas to format and colorized the data.

After all the data is formatted, I have several VB macros that saves the sheet as html pages and uploads them to my server. I also have other vb scripts that backs up data to my network drives (triggered by the WEB key).

Here is the "raw" data:

http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/worksheet.jpg

Reformatted data:

http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/conds.jpg

Pretty graph data:

http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/graphs.jpg

The dashed lines on the graphs are trend lines.

[ZoeReef]

OK, consider me "wow'd" :D This is awesome.

Have you ever considered offering this on a disk?

You are light years ahead of my VB knowledge and I can't see trying to learn that, but what you have here is way up there on the 'kewl' factor and even more so, the trend lines make "trending" very intuitive. You can see when measurements are moving.

[jnarowe]

uh...so do you like chocolate??:D Can you compile your code into a self executable file and send it to other people? The trend line alone is worth some bucks!

[kbecker]

Thank you all for the kind words, but excel is far more powerful then most users realise. The trend line is a built-in function of excel.

http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/trend.jpg

[jnarowe]

Well I am sure but putting it all together into a usable system is not within the capabilities of some of us...namely, ME! :)

[Double-J]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7359347#post7359347 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Well I am sure but putting it all together into a usable system is not within the capabilities of some of us...namely, ME! :)

Agreed, That would be awesome if you could put it in some kind of ready to use program, It's probably a lot to ask.

[kbecker]

Well this is still a work in progress. After this last trip, I realized I need convert my device names to logical names; ie LT1 = Day Light, MON = Moon Light, etc. My tank sitter (non-reefer) was confused when he was checking up on the tank from his home.

[ZoeReef]

kbecker.. You have something that is really great here. Obviously those willing to spend the extra for a controller are intensely interested in how things are going, and what you already have makes a complex task even more intuitive. On a scale of 1-10 in excel, I'm probably a 4. I'm comfortable generating charts etc, but the scripting that imports it and creates new charts is beyond what I know. Everything in reefing seems to be a work in progress, and if you are inclined to share what you have, I wouldn't get stuck (my modus operandi) trying to develop the ultimate. Thanks for the tip on the trend. I'll be looking that one up.

[kbecker]

The following link will have a copy of a modified verison of my sheet. I have removed my ftp address (so you can replace it) and removed all my server back up code (this would generate a ton of errors as address are hard coded).

The terms and conditions for usage is that I am providing this AS IS for your reverse engineering enjoyment. If you make any improvements to the sheet, please post it for others to enjoy.

My Reef Data Excel sheet (http://www.chapmanpictures.com/test/Reef_Data_web.xls)

[ZoeReef]

hey..u da man. AWESOME. Accepted. I'm still awaiting the arrival of my unit so I won't be able to sync as yet.

Reverse engineering we go. ALL YOU EXCEL REVERSE ENGINEERS..PLEASE POST WHAT YOU FIGURE OUT HERE!

[jnarowe]

I can't figure any of that out...looks pretty though! :)

[ZoeReef]

jna..it's really not. Go back up this page to where he has pasted some 'raw' data.

Go to your downloaded page and type about 10 rows of that data into the appropriate boxes on the first page of excel sheet.

When you then go to page 2, you will see that the graphs have begun to be charted.

The scripts he is talking about are use to import that data into page 1. The graphs are then plotted automatically. NOW..the issue becomes (and I dont know this answer..yet)...how to work with the scripts to import that data. That should be fairly straight forward.

[jnarowe]

I see. I only have a viewer so i need to get Excel to make it work. Thanks for the help! :)

[Double-J]

Zoereef. If you open up internet explorer (not firefox) and log on to your controller then
1) Open Datalog
2) Right click on the data
3) export it to excel
4) then paste it in the correct spot
5) from here it should be querrying from excel

Then do the same for the Status.

Kbecker how do you stop the querry that you have. It seems like every five minutes I get this error message coming up from your AC IP and I can't seem to find a way to get rid of it. You defenetaly it much easier!!! I appreciate it.

Kbecker

[ZoeReef]

thanks tiny. I won't have my system up and running until the end of the month and when I do, then I will try this.

If I am able to step through it manually, then I'm sure automating it will not be far behind. The great thing about what kbecker has done here is to really expand our idea of 'what can be done'.

[laverda]

Wow! Their is some great info in this thread! I have to get my AC3 working/communicating properly so I can use some of this info. Especially the nice charts kbecker.

[JohnLe712]

Wow...These codes are way more than i can imagine. Thanks so much for sharing. :).

[mobert]

When using MAX Change after a power outage for metal halide lights, should the MAX Change be then "ON" or "OFF"?

In otherwords, does OFF mean that the Metal Halides will stay off and cool down before trying to restart? What would ON do? Would it make something stay ON for a set time before it could turn off?