**Neptune AquaController**

[althea2you]

Originally Posted by Octoman

Yes, I would say get the cable from neptune. I looked around and couldn't find one locally or on ebay. It's not a common cable by any means and you probably won't find it for less than the $15 neptune charges.

I put it outside because I wanted to see it. Neptune says "it is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment and not waterproof and ideally should be located several feet from the aquarium" They included velcro with mine for attaching it.

oh! ok, gotchya. no prob then thanks!!

[Octoman]

And thanks for the comment on the stand! Me and my gf decided we liked the look of the natural wood with no stain so we left it that way.

[Octoman]

Yep, that's the cable. I ordered mine from premiumaquatics.com

You will need calibration fluid for the pH probe. 7 and 10, go ahead and get a few packets of each so you can recalibrate periodically. Each packet is only good for one use.

[althea2you]

Originally Posted by Octoman

And thanks for the comment on the stand! Me and my gf decided we liked the look of the natural wood with no stain so we left it that way.

your welcome!! yea it looks great! and that secret door is very cool! great design!

[tbittner]

I think the PH calibration solution has an expiration date, but I'm not sure. So you might not want to buy too much of it.

Mark would know though.

[Octoman]

I just looked, mine is good for a couple years. I do it about every three months on my handheld meter.

[Octoman]

Don't forget to set your controller's time forward!

Also, don't forget to download your data log if you want it because it erases it when you change the time. (oops...)

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by Octoman

Don't forget to set your controller's time forward!

Also, don't forget to download your data log if you want it because it erases it when you change the time. (oops...)

Good call Mark! I didn't know that. I hope to have something in the mail to you tomorrow buddy

[BigAl07]

Mail is sent Mark!! You should get it this week...

Keep us posted

[BarbMazz]

Now that the plumbing is well in hand I'm thinking electrical, which means it's time to think Aquacontroller Jr and Lunar Sim setup time!

I've re-read this entire thread and I'm still confused. My first confusion:
My upstairs/downstairs setup! Since I have things both upstairs and downstairs that need controlling and plugged into the DC8 (and I'm sure I need to buy another!), where do I locate the controller? Please offer logistical advice!

Once that confusion is cleared up many more questions will pour forth. Thanks for any help that can be offered.

[Octoman]

You will probably want it wherever your pH probe and Temp probe will be because the length of those cords will limit its placement. You will have to run a long line (I'm pretty sure it's just a standard phone line) upstairs/downstairs to hook up the DC8/4 there. You can control twelve things with the ACjr, so an 8 and a 4 would max you out. You could control 8 things upstairs and 4 down or vice-versa.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by Octoman

You will probably want it wherever your pH probe and Temp probe will be because the length of those cords will limit its placement. You will have to run a long line (I'm pretty sure it's just a standard phone line) upstairs/downstairs to hook up the DC8/4 there. You can control twelve things with the ACjr, so an 8 and a 4 would max you out. You could control 8 things upstairs and 4 down or vice-versa.

In the basement are: temp and ph probe, return pump, skimmer, heaters (one in sump, two in water storage barrels). And the fuge light, on a reverse cycle from the DT light. I think I'll put that on its own timer because it's easy and doesn't really need "controlling".

Upstairs, what I need to control: main lights on DT which are T5's on three ballasts that I want to come on at three different times 1/2 hr apart, moon lights ( 3 led's; I have the Neptune moonlight simulator, and I have NO clue how to set that up after reading the cryptic instruction manual!), and 2 koralia 3 powerheads that I'd like to set on a random flow timer program.

I guess what I'd ultimately like to have would be a 24hr lighting cycle, including full lunar cycle, a randomized water movement timing pattern, heating control, ph monitoring and eventual control, feeding cycle control where pumps are shut down to feed DT.

Can this be accomplished with a ACJr? And, with my upstairs/downstairs setup? Would it be "easier" to have another ACJr for upstairs and one or downstairs? Am I overcomplicating this whole this because I'm very tired today?

[Octoman]

Originally Posted by BarbMazz

In the basement are: temp and ph probe, return pump, skimmer, heaters (one in sump, two in water storage barrels). And the fuge light, on a reverse cycle from the DT light. I think I'll put that on its own timer because it's easy and doesn't really need "controlling".

Upstairs, what I need to control: main lights on DT which are T5's on three ballasts that I want to come on at three different times 1/2 hr apart, moon lights ( 3 led's; I have the Neptune moonlight simulator, and I have NO clue how to set that up after reading the cryptic instruction manual!), and 2 koralia 3 powerheads that I'd like to set on a random flow timer program.

I guess what I'd ultimately like to have would be a 24hr lighting cycle, including full lunar cycle, a randomized water movement timing pattern, heating control, ph monitoring and eventual control, feeding cycle control where pumps are shut down to feed DT.

Can this be accomplished with a ACJr? And, with my upstairs/downstairs setup? Would it be "easier" to have another ACJr for upstairs and one or downstairs? Am I overcomplicating this whole this because I'm very tired today?

It looks like you could put the return pump, skimmer, sump heater, and fuge light on a DC4 downstairs. That would leave you room upstairs on a DC8 for 3 lights, moon lights, 2 powerheads, and 2 more empty spots for future use.

You would be able to do everything you want except pH control. If you really wanted to, I don't see why you couldn't use two DC8s and only use 6 outlets on each one, you might want to check with Neptune first on that though... If you did that, you could control everything you've got now and leave 2 slots downstairs later pH control.

All the other things you are talking about can be done with one ACjr, you can put in several programs for each outlet. For example, you can have the lights on a timer schedule, but also set to shut off if the temp goes too high. Your main limitation is the 12 outlets.

[bluespotjawfish]

temp and ph probe - these are your limiting factors on distance. No further than about 8 feet from controller (maybe less).

I think you are pushing the limits of the ACJr. Think through if there are any items that you don't need to control with it (pumps?). And, also if there are any items that can be controlled identically (if you want all lights on/off at the same time...). Then, think about if you will want to upgrade later, add more equipment, etc. If so, I'd upgrade now.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by Octoman

It looks like you could put the return pump, skimmer, sump heater, and fuge light on a DC4 downstairs. That would leave you room upstairs on a DC8 for 3 lights, moon lights, 2 powerheads, and 2 more empty spots for future use.

You would be able to do everything you want except pH control. If you really wanted to, I don't see why you couldn't use two DC8s and only use 6 outlets on each one, you might want to check with Neptune first on that though... If you did that, you could control everything you've got now and leave 2 slots downstairs later pH control.

All the other things you are talking about can be done with one ACjr, you can put in several programs for each outlet. For example, you can have the lights on a timer schedule, but also set to shut off if the temp goes too high. Your main limitation is the 12 outlets.

Since I'm just setting up this tank now, pH control isn't a crucial priority right off the bat, I don't think. I'm going to shoot off an email to Neptune about using 6 slots on two DC8's. That may well be the way to go, since I will no doubt add SOMETHING I need to plug in in the future!

So, I would have the actual "controller" in the basement, and a DC8 upstairs that my lights and ph's would be plugged into, with a phone cord thingee run down to the other DC8 (or DC4) in the basement, correct?

And, all three heaters could be plugged into a power strip, and then plug that into one of the DC8 outlets, which could then be all controlled together, to keep the DT, and the storage barrels all at the same temp?