**Neptune AquaController**

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by prow

i use a good quaity extenstion cord and plug my fans into it, also another cord for my two moonlights then plug that into the DC8. i do this with anything i can. as long as the draw is below the outlets rating, amp/volt wise its all good i have another one i use, my sump light and fan. just on these i save 3 out of 6 controlled outlets.

This is what I was hoping to see . I just need to pay attention to my amps/volts and I should be good to go! Thanks, prow.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by bluespotjawfish

Determine what you want the ability to control and then use the plugs for that. My sump pumps are not plugged into the controller, they are on a power strip that anyone can shut down by pressing a single switch. You could probably plug the powerstrip into the controller if you wanted to. My MH lights are controlled with my Reefkeeper. I think if I plugged everything into the same controller I would max out.

Thanks, Lorraine. I see what you mean; I probably won't need every single thing controlled. I'll have to sit down and map everything out then I'll know if I need another DC unit.

[bluespotjawfish]

If I was to prioritize what I should have on the controller, it would be heater, fans, and lights. Primary purpose is awesome temp control options! In the future I might also hook up some option to run a pump for kalk based on when the pH is lower than a certain level and that shuts off at another level.

Have fun with it!

[bluespotjawfish]

Hum, my temp probe really acted up yesterday. Don't know why. Read very high, which means the fans ran continuously, dropping the temp. In the process, it looks like the heater didn't kick on for a period of time after that throughout the evening. I caught it just before bedtime, so I cleaned it and moved it. Looks like it acted up again in the middle of the night. Grrr.

Anyone else have any issues with their temp probe?

[BigAl07]

You do realize you're making me question my NEXT controller purchase!!!

That sucks! that's one thing that really worries me is Temp over-run or short-run!!

I've not had any "known" issues yet..... what does your temp chart show for the last 24hrs?

(whispers.... you should have your envelope today or tomorrow)

[Woodstock]

No, i've not had any issues with mine. Are you sure the probe did not come out of the water?

[bluespotjawfish]

It was dark when I first noticed it and I pulled it out before I checked. The jump in the middle of the night definitely wasn't. The probe is still tucked in the exact spot this morning as I put it in last night. I'm home today and will monitor it closely. I will also clean it more thoroughly today too.

[Woodstock]

I would definately get a replacement probe ASAP!

[bluespotjawfish]

Al - I deleted all the readings that I felt were wrong, but it spiked up to 88-90 degrees when it was really 75 degrees. I run my fans and my heater based on temp to keep the tank at 77 degrees. There is a program you can use that builds in a bit more safety (prevents the boiling or freezing of fish -hehe). I can find the link where I just read that if you want it. If you are using a chiller, I'd pay close attention to this. I don't use a chiller and I use an undersized heater, so I think the worse thing that would happen in my tank is that the fans don't come on if the tank gets hot. I also have the Reefkeeper on this tank, and I think this just made up my mind that the MHs are staying on it. I already have that set with a temp control (using a different temp probe) that shuts the lights off if the temp is too high. What I am doing with the ACJr (fans/heater setup), I couldn't get to work on the Reefkeeper. I think all the controllers have some limitations. However, I am still glad I have them. Actually, I am glad I have BOTH. You might consider the higher end ACs.

Woody - There is a 90 day warranty on the temp probe, and Neptune has already responded that they will replace it.

[Woodstock]

I am very relieved to hear of the 90 day warranty I know you'be been through a lot with that system aldready

FYI.. I have my controller email me (alarm) when certain parameters are out of whack. I do not know if that is an option with the Jr or not.

[bluespotjawfish]

I don't know about the e-mail either with the Jr. Eventually I will figure that out. I know I can use one of the plugs with an alarm, but don't have it set up for that yet. I would have been very upset if this probe wasn't under warranty.

It is messing up again (reading 85, when it is 76). I wish I could remember how I copied the graph before. I know I used print screen, but can't remember which program I used after that. For now I am leaving the larger fan off and running the smaller one based on my lighting schedule. Not sure if I should run the heater on manual. I really don't trust it to shut off either. He is expediting my probe to me so I will have it by Friday. Cost me some shipping and a CC as a security deposit, but I don't like not having it.

[bluespotjawfish]

Let's see if this pic works.

[Woodstock]

Yikes!!!! Be very careful until your new probe comes in!! You may want to manually control the heater/fans...

[bluespotjawfish]

I'm just really glad that this graph isn't really what is happening in my tank. Everything seems to have handled the drop down to 75 ok. This manual stuff sucks big time!

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by Woodstock

I am very relieved to hear of the 90 day warranty I know you'be been through a lot with that system aldready

FYI.. I have my controller email me (alarm) when certain parameters are out of whack. I do not know if that is an option with the Jr or not.

I don't think it IS an option with the Jr. at least not right out of the box. My next one will be probably the Pro with everything built in (webserver wtc).

Lorraine I'm glad it's not as bad as the probe makes it OUT to be!!