Which Controller do you guys use?
- Thread starter JenDub
- Start date
fishsoldseprtly
In Memoriam
ACII here!
sps_addict
New member
ACIII Pro with all options running except for dissolved oxygen (too pricey for that thing IMO) with DC8 here.
1SickReefer
New member
ACIII and 2 DC8's here 
I love it, I was on the fence with the AQT during my purchase, seeing all the problems AQT is having I am sooo glad i went with neptune.
I love it, I was on the fence with the AQT during my purchase, seeing all the problems AQT is having I am sooo glad i went with neptune.
Definetly use the DC4HD for lights if Metal Halides, and the DC8 for other. Skip the X-10 modules. I only use one for my chiller and not for much longer. I find the X-10 modules suck and the DC4 and 8 much more reliable. I use DC4's so I can seperate the load on differnt circuits.
I also find it nice to use AquaNotes for programming reports, etc. You don't need it but once you have used it you won't regret it. The AC3 links to your PC via Cat 5 (ethernet) and has a built it webserver. Very cool product. If you have unlimited cash, the AC3 Pro is even better but the cost differential for the additonal probes and the unit was to rich for my blood.
BTW this Board has alot of knowledgable people to get you through the setup and Curt at neptune is great. I used past postings to configure my unit. Extremely helpful.
Good Luck
I also find it nice to use AquaNotes for programming reports, etc. You don't need it but once you have used it you won't regret it. The AC3 links to your PC via Cat 5 (ethernet) and has a built it webserver. Very cool product. If you have unlimited cash, the AC3 Pro is even better but the cost differential for the additonal probes and the unit was to rich for my blood.
BTW this Board has alot of knowledgable people to get you through the setup and Curt at neptune is great. I used past postings to configure my unit. Extremely helpful.
Good Luck
Zaphod
New member
Aqutronica here. I think they worked out all of the bugs and are adding SMS eathernet and dosing pumps.
I love how they are always coming out with somthing new. Just don't by the salinity interface yet it seams to still have some issues but everything else should be great. I love mine.
I love how they are always coming out with somthing new. Just don't by the salinity interface yet it seams to still have some issues but everything else should be great. I love mine.
RobbyG
Active member
With all the new additions for the Aquatronica I think it is now way ahead of any other controller. The only problem the unit has is the Salinity probe which works well for some people but gives problems for others. I have had my Aquatronica for 8 Months now and it has never crashed, locked up power strips or done anything that could crash my Tank.
The AQ is the next generation controller, I know some are afraid of change and like to use the words "Mature Product", but the fact is that the Aquatronica gets new firmware upgrades about every 2 months and so far they have fixed 99% of a problems and added dozens of new features. Most other controllers get no new updates and your stuck with the features you purchased it with.
The AQ is the next generation controller, I know some are afraid of change and like to use the words "Mature Product", but the fact is that the Aquatronica gets new firmware upgrades about every 2 months and so far they have fixed 99% of a problems and added dozens of new features. Most other controllers get no new updates and your stuck with the features you purchased it with.
JonTarutis
New member
Is anyone putting out a Mac friendly interface? I'd really like to avoid running VirtualPC...
Charles -
Allow me to chime in, I've run an ACII for a couple of years now without any problems. A week and a half ago, the unit had a crazy error and the pH probe was not registering. I tried a different probe and nothing. I ordered an ACIII and had it running for 4 days. When I came home Tuesday morning from work, everything was fine and working. I got up for work around 4pm and came down to look at my tank only to discover everything pulled in and looking very odd... I looked at the controller and it said memory error. I reached in the tank and to my horror, it was like bath water. I freaked!!!! Luckily I had not removed my old controller or probes as I hadn't found the time. When I plugged it back in, the temp in the tank was 89.4... CAN YOU SAY HOLY POOP!!!!
The chiller kicked in immediately, Elizabeth came home from work to keep an eye on things as I could not miss work. After contacting Curt (Please don't even get me started on his customer service skills) I got NO WHERE!!!!! He really didn’t care and his only response was to get one out for me in a day or two as they had none built. Now after I had this happen, do you really think I wanted to put an untested unit back on my system?
This was very upsetting to me. As a result, I have an Aquatronica Pro Kit on the way. One thing I really like is the fact that if the controller itself fails, the power unit can be overridden unlike the direct connects (By the way, X10 suck!!!). If the control unit fails on the AC, you’re screwed! You will have to plug everything into standard outlets.
I was very fortunate. I lost one Monti & one Echino. Luckily the lords & micro’s are so hardy! I really thought I was going to loose my brand new Rhyzo, I wanted to barf I was so upset!
Just my two sense, but stay clear of AC!!!
Elizabeth & I will see you & Jen in a couple of weeks.
Get a hold of me if you need any more info!
Allow me to chime in, I've run an ACII for a couple of years now without any problems. A week and a half ago, the unit had a crazy error and the pH probe was not registering. I tried a different probe and nothing. I ordered an ACIII and had it running for 4 days. When I came home Tuesday morning from work, everything was fine and working. I got up for work around 4pm and came down to look at my tank only to discover everything pulled in and looking very odd... I looked at the controller and it said memory error. I reached in the tank and to my horror, it was like bath water. I freaked!!!! Luckily I had not removed my old controller or probes as I hadn't found the time. When I plugged it back in, the temp in the tank was 89.4... CAN YOU SAY HOLY POOP!!!!
The chiller kicked in immediately, Elizabeth came home from work to keep an eye on things as I could not miss work. After contacting Curt (Please don't even get me started on his customer service skills) I got NO WHERE!!!!! He really didn’t care and his only response was to get one out for me in a day or two as they had none built. Now after I had this happen, do you really think I wanted to put an untested unit back on my system?
This was very upsetting to me. As a result, I have an Aquatronica Pro Kit on the way. One thing I really like is the fact that if the controller itself fails, the power unit can be overridden unlike the direct connects (By the way, X10 suck!!!). If the control unit fails on the AC, you’re screwed! You will have to plug everything into standard outlets.
I was very fortunate. I lost one Monti & one Echino. Luckily the lords & micro’s are so hardy! I really thought I was going to loose my brand new Rhyzo, I wanted to barf I was so upset!
Just my two sense, but stay clear of AC!!!
Elizabeth & I will see you & Jen in a couple of weeks.
Get a hold of me if you need any more info!
reefinmike
New member
i am running a few two prong lamp timers. lol.. i play by the keep it simple rule.
I've been running an Aquatronica Pro for a few weeks now... Retired a ReefKeeper 1; it works well, just didn't have any "Add-Ons" beyond the basics...
I've even devised a Wireless RS-232 for linking/firmware updates/programming for the unit.
Love it, it's been great... Honestly, I'd do it all over again, and Will @ Aquarium Obsessed has been really, really good with customer service....
I'd recommend it...
-Andy/Oldimpala
I've even devised a Wireless RS-232 for linking/firmware updates/programming for the unit.
Love it, it's been great... Honestly, I'd do it all over again, and Will @ Aquarium Obsessed has been really, really good with customer service....
I'd recommend it...
-Andy/Oldimpala
jamesdawson
New member
For the price, now and future capabilities, and the customer service--you can't beat Aquatronica.
I love mine and its only going to get better with all the new features coming down the pike. They are even working on a CALCIUM PROBE!
There are older controllers relying on older technologies out there and there are higher end units too, but for all the reasons I stated, Aquatronica is the best bang for the buck.
James
I love mine and its only going to get better with all the new features coming down the pike. They are even working on a CALCIUM PROBE!
There are older controllers relying on older technologies out there and there are higher end units too, but for all the reasons I stated, Aquatronica is the best bang for the buck.
James
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