Aquacontroller 3

cjtabares

cjtabares

AC Members
Oct 17, 2007
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Bristol. RI
If i bought an Aquacontroller 3 w/ 2 ph probes and 2 direct connect 8 module would i be able to control:

1 calcium reactor
5 koraila powerheads
2 heaters
1 fan
2 moon lights
2 daylights

and is there any way to hook a kalkwasser reactor to the controller

Thanks
 
Since you want to control 2 ph probes (1 for general tank ph and one for your calcium reactor) you will loose the ability to use an ORP probes unless you at some time get the PX-1000 expansion. You obviously don't need it now since you don't plan on obtaining ORP readings.

As for the 2-DC8's will provide you with enough programmable power slots to control what you want to. To take full advantage of the wave/surf function then you would need to get the controllable koralia PHs. Otherwise you will controll on/off and feed cycle.

The heaters are easily controlled and the fan can be set to come on when triggered by the temp - either of the stand or the lighting in the canopy.

Can't address the kalk, don't have any experience with it. I have had both the AC Jr and now have the ACIII for a couple of years. The product and the service at Neptune Systems is terrific.

If you have the desire/need. The ACIII allows you to access the controller via your pc if you have it connected via ethernet. I use wireless and it is a real pleasure when you are trying to do some indepth programming of the controller.

The ACIII can be as simple or as complex as you want, and depending on the features you want to use. I have not, however been impressed with Aquanotes, the separate software.

Hope this helps.
 
With the powerheads would there be any benefit of having them turn on and off. I have 4 2s and 2 4s in a 100gal(72''x18''x18'') tank. I was thinking that it would make it more chaotic.
 
They have to be the "Controllable" versions of the Koralias or else they will break very quickly from turning off/on too often.

Also, Neptune just released its new Apex controller. I would definately NOT buy an ACIII now since they have released the new one. I have a DA Reefkeeper 2, bought it the month before they came out with the "Elite" and "Lite" versions and now the RK2 is no longer supported. I bet the ACIII is going to be the same way compared to the Apex controller.
 
The Apex has some nice features if you don't want to program, you don't have to. I don't think, based on my interface with Neptune, that they will discontinue the ACIII any time soon. They are definitely two different price points. The AC Jr has been out for quite a while, and they keep providing updates to the firmware to support all the ones that are out there.
 
Ya, they are definately a good company, and were one of the first to make a controller, just don't want someone getting stuck buying a product that is already several years old when a newer version has just come out. You may still end up in the same boat I am in, which is no support from DA on my controller. Isn't the Apex and ACIII about the same price range? I know the ACjr is much cheaper.. maybe I am thinking of the ACIII Pro and Apex being the same. Actually, I don't even see the ACIII for sale anymore on their website price list.

AquaController 3 Pro Combination Pack - $474.95
AquaController Apex Base Unit, Display & EB8 - $459.00

I know Digital Aquatics said the same thing. "We will still support the Reefkeeper 2 series..". Then there was a big delay in updates to known problems and their excuse was "Sorry, we are busy working on the Elite software, once we are done we will fix the RK2", then finally they did release an update, but didn't fix everything, then came out and said "Sorry, we are discontinuing the RK2 line/support, please buy our new Lite or Elite controllers." which was total BS to me. My next controller I think will be an Apex model because Neptune does have a better reputation than Digital Aquatics, but I still don't think one can beat $99 for the RK Lite on its own. If I wanted just the basic controller that would be my pick, but for a more advanced controller I would go with the Apex today and not just upgrade the RK Lite or buy an RK Elite.
 
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I haven't been a fan of the ACIII Pro - its base price is the $499. I have/prefer the ACIII which has a base price of $299. I think the APEX would be great, but would like to see it used by the hobbiest for a while before jumping in. I typically don't like to purchase something when it is first introduce. Like to see the bugs worked out - but that is me being risk adverse.

Certainly can't beat the $99 for the RK as an intro unit, I just don't like to spend money twice or three times (which unfortunately I have done) because I forgot to think of growth.

I think there is a lot to look at and review when making a purchase of a controller. You are certainly doing the right thing CJTABARES by getting opinions and researching and then making an informed decision. Any way you got it is still a fair amount of coin.

Hope the info in this thread from all the responses is helpful.

If you have any specific questions about the ACIII I am certainly glad to help. I don't have a ACIII Pro so would provide the same info as the literature you can see online.
 
Looking on marine depot the price for the ACIII and the APEX will be close to the same price after all the probes and extras I need. What is the diffrence between the lab probes and the standard probes? I read that the lab probes last longer is that the only difference? are the lab probes worth the price differencs?


Thanks for all the help
 
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I only buy the standard probes, haven't seen much on the lab grade probes. I change the probes every couple of years anyway.
 
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