Controller ?'s

[mbierzyc]

Maybe I'm breaking some rules, but I have 500w MH and a 1/5hp chiller on my dc8 and I've not have any issues.

 

[renisel]

I use timers that I picked up from Ace Hardware. Each of them plugs into just one space on the power strip. I use them without any problems for my 250W halides and T5's.

 

[madadi]

if you mean 2 250w MH and a 1/5hp, that would not be so much. i had 640w of T5s and 1/10th chiller as well as a bunch of other stuff and it worked fine as well. 3 400w of MH plus a VHO ballast is a lot. just putting it out there for him to look at before he pulls the trigger.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11852563#post11852563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbierzyc
Maybe I'm breaking some rules, but I have 500w MH and a 1/5hp chiller on my dc8 and I've not have any issues.

 

[LooklikeME]

Look into a Profilux II.They are well worth the money.Great support.

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

The DC4HD(4 outlets) has the same ratings(Max 12 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps) as the DC8(8 outlets). The DC4(4 outlets) can't handle as much juice(Max 8 Amps, total current must be less than 10 Amps).

Now, I'd look into the amperage of all the accessories. A 400 watt metal halide can be rated at anywhere from 3.8 amps to 5.5 amps(typically). So just do the homework.

 

[jglackin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11849682#post11849682 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NewSchool04
That's $270 for just controlling lights! Is there anything else out there that is just like the Reefkeeper but without any of the bells and whistles for just lights?!

You just want to control lights now, but, once you get a controller, you will find many other things that you will want to control. You can hook up your pumps for a feeding cycle, you can add water sensors for automatic pump shut down if it senses a leak, you can an add auto feeder, if you ever add ozone, you will want ORP, etc. Don't buy for what you think you need now, buy for what you may need later. Otherwise, you end up with something you quickly out grow.

 

[NewSchool04]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11852660#post11852660 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by renisel
I use timers that I picked up from Ace Hardware. Each of them plugs into just one space on the power strip. I use them without any problems for my 250W halides and T5's.

Do you have a link to the timers?

 

[NewSchool04]

according to Sanjay's site, my ballasts pull 3.8 Amps. So that is about 11.5 Amps for the MH

 

[renisel]

I looked at their website and didn't see the exact timers I have, but I'm pretty sure I saw the same ones I use the last time I was in there. Here is a link to the timer info on the manufacturer's website. As you can see, it has a short cord so that it only takes up one outlet. I think they were about $8 each.

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

So the halides should be fine on 1 unit(DC8 that comes with it) for the day cycle and you can use the other outlets on there for anything that will be ran at night. Moon lights, fuge lights, etc... You would probably need either a DC4/DC4HD or a seperate timer for the actinics. A DC4/DC4HD would allow you to control your actinics and some powerheads.

Unless the actinics shut off when the 3rd halide is about to come on. It might even be fine with the actinics and the halides on a DC8(depending on how many amps the ballast for the actinics is pulling). I think the 12 amp rating might be when the lights are firing up. If the actinics are already on, then the halides come on one by one, you may be fine. If anything, you can call/email Neptune Systems. I've called them and got all of my questions answered. Not sure who answered, but he was a nice guy.

Sorry for rambling. I'm thinking as I type...

 

[AuroraDave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11854896#post11854896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by renisel
I looked at their website and didn't see the exact timers I have, but I'm pretty sure I saw the same ones I use the last time I was in there. Here is a link to the timer info on the manufacturer's website. As you can see, it has a short cord so that it only takes up one outlet. I think they were about $8 each.

I use the same ones made by Intermatic. I bought them at Menards, they are designed for outdoor use and have a cover on them.

I've used these timers for probably five years and the only issue is they are manual and when the power goes out you need to reset the time. I feel the same way NewSchool in that I wanted my MH on diff circuits in case one blew...just like my water circ and heater.

I already have a Medusa Temp controller, so I've been holding out for a controller with a web interface, cam, SMS messaging, multiple pH & temp options, etc. The Elite looks appealing.