WOW Im blown away by the response of my wife. Might need a Controller

mike31154 · #1 12-31-2009, 10:09 PM

Not sure which timers you currently have, but if they're the digital type, then the batteries (button battery) are only in there as a backup to keep the settings & time if there's a power failure. That way you don't need to reset the programming after a power outage. That's one of the reasons I prefer them over the mechanical types. The digitals might not work properly without a button battery installed, but that's just a matter of changing them once a year or so. If you have few power outages, they should last for a long time.

banditpowdercoat · #2 12-31-2009, 10:24 PM

I made a 4 outlet controller from a Siemens Logo I got off Ebay really cheap. They are pretty much infinately adjustable and programable relays. 4 outputs, I switch my 3 MH, 2 on then the middle on 30 min later, and off in sequence too. And I got moonlights, 11pm-3:30AM. And a fan on a timer.

All depends on how DIY do you want to get, and what all do you want it to do. My setup cost me $70, including plugs and 4 11/16" elec box and cover.

Lance · #3 12-31-2009, 10:37 PM

Aquacontroller Jr. for the three MH, moonlights and dosing pumps.
Block heater timers for T-5's and fans.

Lance · #4 12-31-2009, 10:39 PM

Oh crap, I forgot the heaters are on controller too.

Skimmerking · #5 12-31-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike31154

Not sure which timers you currently have, but if they're the digital type, then the batteries (button battery) are only in there as a backup to keep the settings & time if there's a power failure. That way you don't need to reset the programming after a power outage. That's one of the reasons I prefer them over the mechanical types. The digitals might not work properly without a button battery installed, but that's just a matter of changing them once a year or so. If you have few power outages, they should last for a long time.

Hey Mike that is the ones that i have there like 18 bucks at cdn tire i have had them for 4 tears so ya its been pretty good to me , some things in this hobby that you tend to forget when they are going good... So once i get home in 2 weeks THANK GOD. Tammy bought me soem batteries for the 4 times that i have.

but looking at getting may be a temp controller may be or cut back on the plugs that I have. just looking at making it a little neater in the fish room and some less red tape too.

christyf5 · #6 12-31-2009, 10:56 PM

I run an aquatronica. Its super easy, you just plug everything in, set the times you want stuff to turn on and off and you're done. Double redundancy for the heater just set it and the controller deals with it, turns it on when its too cold, turns it off when its too hot. If the heater gets stuck on, the controller takes care of it. However if the heater doesn't work, you're screwed although you do get an alarm that lets you know the temp is subpar.

I think it was about $700 or so for the full setup at ocean aquatics and I recently bought a second powerbar. I also have the aquatronica dosing pump.

The profiluxes sound like great controllers too and I've seen a few basic setups for good deals. I can't remember who it was that had them though, maybe Aqua-Digital?

Skimmerking · #7 12-31-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5

I run an aquatronica. Its super easy, you just plug everything in, set the times you want stuff to turn on and off and you're done. Double redundancy for the heater just set it and the controller deals with it, turns it on when its too cold, turns it off when its too hot. If the heater gets stuck on, the controller takes care of it. However if the heater doesn't work, you're screwed although you do get an alarm that lets you know the temp is subpar.

I think it was about $700 or so for the full setup at ocean aquatics and I recently bought a second powerbar. I also have the aquatronica dosing pump.

The profiluxes sound like great controllers too and I've seen a few basic setups for good deals. I can't remember who it was that had them though, maybe Aqua-Digital?

Ya Christy i was talking to Mike who is Aqua Digital however its still alot of money for a controller too. just trying to see what is the best route to go.

christyf5 · #8 12-31-2009, 11:09 PM

you're totally right, it is pricey. have you looked to see if anyone is selling a used one around here or other boards? lots of people seem to be getting out of the hobby lately, you might have some luck there.

loveless · #9 12-31-2009, 11:35 PM

I am currently running a 60" long 180gal tank. I use an AC jr. works great! Controls lights and has programming that is good for winter and summer. I have it set up so the light begin to shut off as the temp climbs, also is you want it can control a fan and has a PH probe to control a calcium reactor. As far as a budget controller that takes care of basic needs I think it will be hard to find anything that compares at the price.