PH probe

[acer]

Hey guys - my Pinpoint pH meter went "kaput" - no power or power up and the off again , something is wrong in the unit itself. Anyhow - thinking about buying a AC jr. - anybody have experience with one of these? Can I use my probe that fits with the pinpoint ( purchase 2 from BRS - 3 months ago - so still have one that had not been taking out of packaging. ) = are the connection universal for PH probes, Temp probes???

Thanks

Ted

 

[mikesin]

Ted, I cannot speak for the Jr., however, I have been using an AC3 since 2008 or so. I have only had minimal issues considering it runs everything for the aquarium. I have it set up to text and e-mail for different alerts plus you can control it on most cell phones. Iam not sure the Jr. does this, might want to check it out. The alerts alone for me have been "tank savers". I don't know if you will be able to use the pH probe, but, I'm guessing no.
Also, check out Neptune's forum on this site.

Good luck!!!

 

[cloakerpoked]

The Jr. doesn't have email capabilities...95% sure of that. The AC3 (which is the only other one out there beside Lite) is the controller to get from Neptune. I have researched (drooled) over these guys extensively. If you've got the money, I'd recommend getting the AC3, but if you're looking for simple pH monitoring, then buying a new Pinpoint model is best since getting the AC JR. to work with a pH probe, and the right expansion, etc is still going to set you back about $200 (last I checked...the pH probe doesn't come with the unit, just the temperature probe and maybe a DC4)

 

[raynist]

There is a reef keeper lite that I think is $99 and uses a PH probe (doesn't come with one). That might be a cheaper solution if it works with your probe. It comes with 4 controllable outlets and temp monitor.

 

[acer]

well Found an Ac Jr. on R/C for $95 including temp and PH probes- it is about 18 months old. Awaiting pm back about the DC4. I did call Neptune and my PH Probes bought from Bulk reef will work on the AC JR . So, NOw the decision- ??

 

[cloakerpoked]

That's not too bad a price for the AC Jr. Not sure how difficult/easy the interface is to work with, but if what you're really after is pH monitoring etc then that should be about the same price as a pinpoint model would run you new. Then I guess you just gotta decide how bi of a deal those 18 months are.

 

[raynist]

I have 2 of the AC Jr's, they are very easy to program, there is no code or anything. I have had each if mine for 4 years. One of them has an outlet that stays on all of the time (1 of 8). This same one also has a button on the control unit that doesn't work. It is the 'Up' button. I can get around it by always using the down button but it is a pain.

Ted, does it come with a DC4 or a DC8?

If only a dc4, you may be better off with the reefkeeper lite as long as it uses the same ph probe. The reef keeper lite is $99 new.

 

[acer]

no Dc4 or Dc8 for the $95 including shipping. That is why I am debating about it.

 

[raynist]

Oh, I would pass ands look into the reefkeeper lite for the same price. You can control lights and temp too as long as the ph probe will fit (it should).

I think Dave's aquastock can get them locally.

 

[acer]

will call Dave today- as my pinpoint is dead and my old Milwaukee reads my PH at 8.6 - but the power is also flickering in and out.

 

[raynist]

I will check tonight, but I may still have an aquacontroller 2 head unit in my closet. It would do the ph reading. I don't have a dc4 or 8 for it, but it will monitor temp and ph for sure. I may have some x10 modules that it can control wirelessly. I can sell the head unit for $50 or everything (head units and modules) for $100.

The x10 modules can be put anywhere in the house and controll lights on multiple tanks at one time. I used to use it to control my Sps tank, my kalk reactor in my garage and my living room lights.

 

[acer]

let me know ray- interested.

 

[Jabberwock]

Just want to jump in and make it clear about the RKL (I own both a Lite and Elite). The RKL requires an additional module to monitor pH (and then you need to supply the probe as well). The $99 version does not come with that module - just a temp probe and a PC4. It's another $70 or so to add one of the two modules (SL1 or SL2) to the system and then you need to supply/purchase the probes ($30)... So a RKL is really about a $200 endeavor if you want it to monitor pH. I'd also suggest reading up on the forums to see if a Reefkeeper is your sort of control equipment... You'll definitely feel like a beta (alpha?) tester once you own one and start working with the firmware upgrades and idiosyncrasies.

 

[raynist]

Just want to jump in and make it clear about the RKL (I own both a Lite and Elite). The RKL requires an additional module to monitor pH (and then you need to supply the probe as well). The $99 version does not come with that module - just a temp probe and a PC4. It's another $70 or so to add one of the two modules (SL1 or SL2) to the system and then you need to supply/purchase the probes ($30)... So a RKL is really about a $200 endeavor if you want it to monitor pH. I'd also suggest reading up on the forums to see if a Reefkeeper is your sort of control equipment... You'll definitely feel like a beta (alpha?) tester once you own one and start working with the firmware upgrades and idiosyncrasies.

Good info

 

[acer]

ya', not into spending $200 now for my reef. Awaiting on you Ray. Otherwise , Maybe just another pinpoint = $100. I think my kid spilled water on the last one. The Milwaukee seems to have settled down- reading 8.3 now - but I don't trust it.

 

[cloakerpoked]

If you're never going to use it for more than PH monitoring, then why not just skip everything and get the equipment that would be brand new for the same price as all the used stuff that adds more features "technically" but in function for you would do no good. I could see using Ray's RK2, but otherwise I'd just go straight for the monitor.

 

[acer]

Ya, kinda came to that same conclusion Cloakerpoked- unless I can pick up a used Reef Keeper or something I will end up getting another new monitor ( pinpoint or something) - currently still using SQWD's for wave/current and they aren't the best ( But cheap and much better than nothing), I recently added a 3/4 inch sea swirl that I forgot I picked up about 1 year ago for more change of flow and I can tell buy the polyp extension that it is helping. S0, if I ever get the 180 up I will probably want a controller - just thinking ahead.

 

[Jabberwock]

I have a wonky PH Controller by American Marine Inc. that I was using just to monitor the pH before I bought the Elite... I wouldn't trust it as a controller (seems like there's something wrong with the switches) but it might be able to get you by as a Monitor. If you're going to be at the meeting tonight I could bring it with me if you want to take it home any try it out...

 

[acer]

Bill- thank you fro the offer- If I make it to the meeting tonight I will take you up on that offer. It will at least give me a chance to test the old Milwaukee PH controller that I am currently using - to see if it is even close. How to you like the Elite? YOU had to buy the SR1 module, or some other module, in order to monitor PH , temp , Orp, etc. correct? I think the head unit only comes with DC4 - and therefore, it has no way to attach probes to monitor anything - correct?

 

[raynist]

let me know ray- interested.

Ted,

Here is the Aquacontroller 2 head unit, I forgot it can also monitor ORP if you have a probe. I will get pictures of the x10 modules too once I dig them out of the closet. I can bring them to the meeting if you are interested.

--Ray