The Big Controller Comparison Chart.
- Thread starter RobbyG
- Start date
RobbyG
Active member
A New Controller is on the Market.
The Lighthouse Pro XLS.
I will be adding it to the chart in a few days, but my first impression is fantastic! Its a very nice and sports most of the key features people want. Even better is the fact that it is very well suited for people who want proper Internet access of their controller and the programming via IR remote control is a very unique touch. Lastly I was very surprised that on introduction they already have a Tunze/Turbelle Pump module in place! That must be a first.
You can check out more at
http://www.mcuresearch.com/
The Lighthouse Pro XLS.
I will be adding it to the chart in a few days, but my first impression is fantastic! Its a very nice and sports most of the key features people want. Even better is the fact that it is very well suited for people who want proper Internet access of their controller and the programming via IR remote control is a very unique touch. Lastly I was very surprised that on introduction they already have a Tunze/Turbelle Pump module in place! That must be a first.
You can check out more at
http://www.mcuresearch.com/
Malifluous
New member
Paul_PSU
In Memoriam
That is a very cool unit. The one thing I didn't like is that it looks like out of the box it will not run a 400w, dual 250w, or a 1000w ballast. You would have to buy the $90 power expansion bar. The manual says that each outlet can only handle 250w on the standard power bar that comes with the unit.
daniloronchi
Member
I've just settled up my new BIOTOPUS II system
Amazing!
And I've also Aquatronica and Limulus system on my tank...
I love this things!
Amazing!
And I've also Aquatronica and Limulus system on my tank...
I love this things!
Please post and let us know how its working out.
RobbyG
Active member
The internal workings of a controller are sort of like the PLC units but an Aquarium Controller is designed to have more specificly designed IO ports and the main thing is that some one has spent the 1000's of hours writing the code and debugging it.
The second problem with building your own controller is that setting up and maintaining an Aquarium is hard enough, add into it making a controller and the whole thing becomes a full time job. Lets say your an expert at creating programms for the PLC, you still have to design and make Interfaces for the pH, salinity, ORP and Temp probes. Then you still have to make powerbars. In the end it will cost a lot more but you will have a custom controller that may suit your needs better than the store bought units.
There are a few posts on RC that deal with building PLC controllers, one of them ended up being a production model listed on the chart, "the RC Squared unit"
The second problem with building your own controller is that setting up and maintaining an Aquarium is hard enough, add into it making a controller and the whole thing becomes a full time job. Lets say your an expert at creating programms for the PLC, you still have to design and make Interfaces for the pH, salinity, ORP and Temp probes. Then you still have to make powerbars. In the end it will cost a lot more but you will have a custom controller that may suit your needs better than the store bought units.
There are a few posts on RC that deal with building PLC controllers, one of them ended up being a production model listed on the chart, "the RC Squared unit"
saltykelly
Member
Are you going to be putting the reefkeeper lite 1,2, or 3 in the chart. I know they are a little below the capabilities of most of the others, but great price for someone that doesn't need much.
bluebastion
Member
I'm in waiting for the Vertex Cerebra.......
bobby_demay
In Memoriam
thanks for the info.. you obviously took your time and did a great job.
Vadafallon
New member
Great work on this, but being new to some of this it is a little overwhelming. I am setting up a new 60gallon cube and i am looking something i can check temps, maybe PH and i am not sure what else.
I have an old 60 i am moving everything to the new one. Any suggestions? I have been told the Apex Jr. and Apex Lite models.
I have an old 60 i am moving everything to the new one. Any suggestions? I have been told the Apex Jr. and Apex Lite models.
leeweber85
New member
I would like to know if there are any updates too. A lot of new controllers/accessories recently that it probably is too much of an undertaking to stay on top of it all.
DSkidmore
Premium Member
I find the temp and timer functions of my Neptune AquaController Jr very valuable. I don't have air conditioning, so my controller controls a fan for evaporative cooling, and if that's not enough it turns off the lights in the heat of the day. pH you might want if you're injecting CO2 or alk. My controller has a probe port for pH, but I've not found it worth buying the probe.
