Controller Question -

[Henry Bowman]

aquatronica will allow web control, send emails alarms etc.

Robby on the aquatronica forum in the vendors section knows all the details. I have an aquatronica and like it alot although I dont use the monitoring capabilities. or you can call Scott at aquariumspecialty.com he sells both the profilux and the aquatronica, has used them both and also knows the details

 

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14513299#post14513299 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gieser
Quick question about your RKE. It seems that the RKE comes with everything except for the ORP, as the ACIII seems to be rather pricy once you add the PH/TEMP/Outlets, etc to it. Have experienced any problems with your RKE since you have had it?

The RKE does come with ORP capability. The ORP probe from DA is $75. I have not had any problems with control on my tank since installing the RKE and I got mine in the first batch that was shipped.

 

[qfrisco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14507847#post14507847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by herozero
You do not need aquanotes to control the ac3. It is programmable w/o a PC (via the buttons on the controller), via Aquanotes, or via the web server.

Just to make sure there's no confusion, there are varying degrees of control and configuration afforded by the various methods for the AC3:

- it can be configured, programmed, and controlled directly through the head-unit, so there's technically no need to attach it to a network for remote access or for connection to a PC, although it will be more convenient to do so.

- when attached to a network, via its built-in web server, it can also be monitored, controlled, and to a lesser degree programmed and configured via a web browser. I say "to a lesser degree" because there is no access to configuration items (e-mail settings, security settings, etc) via a web browser, although you can view/edit the AC3's program via a web browser (extremely helpful).

- also when attached to a network, or via a serial connection, it can also be monitored, controlled, and to a greater degree than the previous programmed and configured via Aqua Notes. You can configure and program the AC3 via Aqua Notes, but there are still some configuration items that are only configurable directly via the head unit (email settings, for example).

Having said all this, I don't use Aqua Notes and am quite happy with just using the AC3's built-in webserver.

 

[herozero]

thanks for the clarification, you are absolutely right. after adjusting some settings on the head unit (email settings, feed intervals, other menu options not available via the web server) I never touch it. I'm also on a mac and even though Aquanotes is not available to me, the web server interface and the iPhone app are more than enough for me to monitor and adjust my AC3.

 

[Gieser]

This may be a crazy question, but if I use an ACIII controller, do I need a heater controller? I mean, could I just plug the titanium heater tube into the controller socket and have the ACIII control it, or will I need to buy the heater brand digital controlling unit for them?

 

[herozero]

You don't need a heater controller. My jager has a temperature sensor, as a safeguard I have it set just above temperature where my AC3 turns it off. That way if the socket is on by error, the water won't super heat.

 

[zuzecawi]

Bump. I'm interested in more comparison and contrast between the RKE people and the ACIII people. Thanks guys, for such a great thread!

 

[Gieser]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14522127#post14522127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by herozero
You don't need a heater controller. My jager has a temperature sensor, as a safeguard I have it set just above temperature where my AC3 turns it off. That way if the socket is on by error, the water won't super heat.

Thanks! That helps me out.

 

[Gieser]

Can you use an ACIII or RKE to actually control the temp of a titanium heating tube like the Finnex tubes?

 

[herozero]

how does the heater normally operate, i'm not familiar with it. it doesn't have a temp. sensor?

 

[Gieser]

Like this or this

 

[herozero]

that will work as i described in that earlier post

 

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14522313#post14522313 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gieser
Can you use an ACIII or RKE to actually control the temp of a titanium heating tube like the Finnex tubes?

That is what I do with my RKE. I have two 800w Finnex titanium heaters and do not use the Finnex controller. I just have them hooked up to two different channels and they each have their own setpoint for when they should turn on. It works great.

 

[Gieser]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14523359#post14523359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveMorris
That is what I do with my RKE. I have two 800w Finnex titanium heaters and do not use the Finnex controller. I just have them hooked up to two different channels and they each have their own setpoint for when they should turn on. It works great.

Good to know you use Finnex. That is what I am considering.