Controllers

[NicoleC]

I'm looking for a controller that does:

monitor temp
monitor pH
monitor oxygen (optional)
monitor salinity (optional)
control heater based on temp
control chiller based on temp
control fans based on temp
control lights based on temp
timers for: main lights, dawn/dusk lights, moonlights, top-off
direct LAN interface/web service
send alerts to cell phone via SMS or email

Other than the Aquacontroller III, can anyone think of any other controllers that can handle these items? Particularly the web server seems to be the unique item.

 

[Mchava]

the only other system the I have read about it the IKS system. Way to much for it though. I think there is another unit the Anthony uses but the main controller starts at about 800 not including all the interface you need to buy. I think for the money the ACIII is your best bet. Also sorry to hear about your chiller. Was this a used unit. Why not try JBJ chillers. I've had mine about 1.5 years and have not had any issues with it. It was also a used unit. Well hope you get the issue resolved let me know if I can help in any way.
Mario

 

[moonpod]

ACIII pro.

Use the DC units. Don't trust x10

Good luck. I never had any luck with the DC units or getting the ACII to keep accurate time.

IKS can do the SMS part, but doesn't have a direct LAN connection. you need to use a computer interface.

 

[Jar*Head]

Why don't you check out the aquatronica. I heard it is very good.

 

[NicoleC]

I also found this.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=PA-LHC&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

Does everything except the O2 and salinity; there's only one control for either chiller or heater, and I can't tell if it does email alerts, but there are functions you can call to create your own web page, so I could write a routine that does the alerts.

Plus it uses standard BNC probes, so a 100% complete package would be about $400. Not bad.

My West Coast Aquatics chiller had many years of faithful service. I don't really NEED a chiller, I just want one for backup and peace of mind.

 

[moonpod]

Doesn't as yet have the direct LAN connection. Also requires a computer interface. Otherwise, meets most of the requirements.

of note: all salinity probes need to be calibrated frequently limiting their usefulness IMO.

 

[moonpod]

Ask Dave Botwin about that premium thing. I think it's like SUPER easy to setup on the web, but I think it may have relatively limited plug options. But I think the web part was SUPER easy.

 

[laverda]

Nicole I think the AC IIIPRo is pretty hard to beat for al the things you want to do. But setting it up to comunicate is anything but user friendly! I had mine working for a while, but no more. It still runs my lights and everything great just no comunication with Aqua notes or the web/email. I think the problem is Aquanotes. You are welcome to come check it out if you want to. I also have a ACII if you want to use it for a bit.

 

[bromion]

I am considering putting together my own system from a laptop, DAC, and probes. It would require custom software to do dosing and control, but that is quite simple. I imagine for the number of sensors you want, custom could be more cost efficient, but much more time consuming if you are not familiar with that hardware and software.

 

[Bebo77]

ACIII, Elos, or the aquatronica

i have the aqua and love it

 

[NicoleC]

The Aquatronica doesn't have an ethernet connection; neither does the Biotopus II (Elos).

Bromion - I have enough projects right now before designing my own controller!

The ACIII Pro is just so... expensive... about $1300 once you buy the probes and the DC units.

 

[Bebo77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7565609#post7565609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NicoleC
The Aquatronica doesn't have an ethernet connection; neither does the Biotopus II (Elos).

Bromion - I have enough projects right now before designing my own controller!

The ACIII Pro is just so... expensive... about $1300 once you buy the probes and the DC units.

Aquatronica does have the ethernet coming out in the next few weeks

Elos has it coming out too


they were all introduced at interzoo, read the links i proved for you....

 

[NicoleC]

Until you can buy it, it's just vaporware.

 

[cthetoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7563963#post7563963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NicoleC
I also found this.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=PA-LHC&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

Does everything except the O2 and salinity; there's only one control for either chiller or heater, and I can't tell if it does email alerts, but there are functions you can call to create your own web page, so I could write a routine that does the alerts.

Plus it uses standard BNC probes, so a 100% complete package would be about $400. Not bad.

I am also looking for a controller with a built in web interface. The price of $400 complete is what attracted me to this topic plus it uses standard BNC probe for easy replacement.

I dont have a network connection near my fishtank so Ill use my Linksys router loaded with a 3rd party firmware to make it a WAP for less than $50. With this setup I can hook my web cam as well so I can peek at my tank from work

 

[NicoleC]

Yep!

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it mostly has what I want. Does your web cam work without a PC? If so, which one are you using?

 

[slavearm]

I have now setup/assisted in the setup of 3 ACIIIs. Trust me, the extra amount you pay is a one time fee. Going with something else will be a lifelong endeavor to get what you wanted in the first place.

 

[cthetoy]

I don't have a web cam yet but the D-Link DCS-900 640x480 MAX Pixels RJ45 Express EtherNetwork Internet Camera has a built in web server and it goes for $85 at Newegg. The higher end model has more features like zooming and another model is a wireless web cam with a built in web server.

 

[NicoleC]

Oh, neat. I may have to buy that guy!

Going with something else will be a lifelong endeavor to get what you wanted in the first place.

Not if another controller does everything you wanted anyway. The primary feature I want is the web server, and almost every review of the ACIII I have heard says their web server stinks.

 

[®eefer]

If you can do without an ORP probe, why not go with the AC Jr?
With serial port, PH Probe and 8 device power strip for i think about $250. TheReefStop.com had a group buy a couple month ago, maybe they can get you the same price? I got the serial port option so that I can do this mod:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=799900&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

You'll still need to buy the full version of aquanotes for another $75. I'm not even sure If I'm going to follow through with the mod though. I'm thinking I dont really need internet updates on my tank, it would just be a novelty item for me. The chances of me running home because of a PH or temp spike is slim to none.

 

[®eefer]

just checked, sorry it was $290 shipped. I could have saved $25 by not getting the serial port, which by the way i havent ever used.