Who is using what controller?

U

UWUALineman

Member
Alright, this whole reef keeping saltwater thing is getting out of control. What has started out as a hobby has nearly evolved into an obsession. I am now interested in purchasing a controller to better monitor and manipulate the tank.
What do you have, and are you happy? Are you going to upgrade when you are able to? Regrets on your choice? Ease of use? Opiinions on the future products? What do you like best and what is something that could be improved upon if you are going to get rid of it?
There are a lot of very biased opinions on the main forum, so I was hoping club members would give an honest opinion.

I am really thinking hard about the Apex from Neptune Systems but this is a realm of the unknown for me.................(also being able to monitor my tank while I am gone would be great)
 
If you have the money for the Apex new, absolutely. If you want to save some cash, you should see tons of AC3's for sale shortly.

I have an AC3, am happy with it, and honestly will likely stick with it for a while even though I like what I see in the Apex.
 
i use the aquacontroller jr. i don't need to monitor things at work, and i just wanted something basic. for the most part i am very happy with the controller. i had a faulty dc8 when i purchased the unit and had to send it back to get it fixed. neptune systems gave a new one quickly, but they seemed to think that i am the one who broke the dc8 without even using it. that would be my only gripe with neptune systems. they are not as friendly and helpful as i would prefer. every time i have called them they have a small attitude problem.
 
I have an AC3 and love it. being able to access the controller from the net is awesome. Even better, is being able to use my iPod as a remote control and monitor the tank status from it.
 
I have an AC JR for my future nano. I had an AC III for my home tank. I have not had any major issues other than problems with x-10 when I had my AC II that was solved by using the direct connects. I don't have exp. ith other brands but that said have not had the need to switch brands. I sold my AC III for a future Apex upgrade. Of the minor issues I have had unlike zensaiyan have had no issues with cust. service.
I will say that you need to look at the total cost. there is a base unit price but generally there is more needed (I believe this is the same with all units). I'm just hoping there are no major issues with the Apex being new and all.
 
I have an AC Jr on each tank (75g and 210g). I use the X10 modules. Once you work out any interference issues, they work really well and are much cheaper than the direct connects. I also control items in my fish filtration room downstairs from the AC jr upstairs.

I would like to upgrade to an ACIII or Apex at some point to get Network access, but it has not been an issue.
When upgrading from AC x to another, it is as easy as swapping the head unit and uploading the program.

The only problem I have had is the "Select" button on one of my AC Jrs is being problematic in the last two weeks. I feel it click, but it does not actually do the action.
I can get around it by using the serial cable from my laptop, but it is annoying not to be able to do anything at the controller itself.
It looks like I will find out how Neptune Customer Service is very soon.

I also have an Aquasurf and really like it. Right now I only have one controllable Tunze pump on it.
 
I am still fairly new to this reef keeping, what are the controllers used for? What is controlled by them? Anything to make taking care of the tank easier sounds good to me.
 
Fanandy,

you can use them to control multiple heaters to heat a tank... like you have three heaters if the tank temp is less than 75 they are all on if it goes up to 77 they all go off, if it goes to 77.3 it turns on a fan.

They can auto top off your tank

Control a calcium reactor by montoring the ph

Turn lights on and off at certain times or based off of heat.

the newer ones can output to the internet so you can control from afar.

All in all they are great.

I use a AC Pro
 
I have an AC Jr., might upgrade to an ACIII once they start showing up for cheap. The iphone app is enticing.
 
Great information fellas. I am caught up between the ACIII or the Apex. Like was mentioned earlier, I am sure a much better deal can be made on the III compared to a brand new baseline Apex. Decisions. What is aquanotes? Program used on the PC to utilize the controller?
 
I will have to do a search on it. This will map out the history of your tank as far as where the temperature is and its fluctuations as well as ph and so forth correct?. I watched the video on the Apex and it showed this. Its a really cool feature to have I would think.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Reef octopus Varios 4 0-10V connection to Hydros controllers
Replies
2
Views
265
tmann51
T
S
Reef Tank for Sale (fish, corals, equipment, etc)
Replies
6
Views
351
chewey
C
T
Alternative Lighting for Biocube 29
Replies
0
Views
123
thommyboy12183
T
T
TM Trigger Systems Platinum V2 Controller
Replies
0
Views
368
tmann51
T
newsalt
Aqua Illumination SOL Blue problem
Replies
2
Views
183
oreo57
oreo57
Back
Top