**Neptune AquaController**

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by 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.

I am afraid I'm "over-thinking" this whole thing! I do think the ACJr should be adequate for me at this point. I'm not understanding the capabilities completely for sure...

like Mark saying that I can program outlets for two functions; I didnt know that, but knowing it really helps. Now I can re-think that aspect, too.

[Octoman]

Originally Posted by BarbMazz

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?

Yep, controller in the basement with probes --> phone cord to DC8/4 in basement --> phone cord from that to DC8 upstairs.

The barrels are for storing your makeup/water change water aren't they? If so, they would need heaters with their own thermostats because the ACjr would only be controlling the temp in your main system.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by Octoman

Yep, controller in the basement with probes --> phone cord to DC8/4 in basement --> phone cord from that to DC8 upstairs.

The barrels are for storing your makeup/water change water aren't they? If so, they would need heaters with their own thermostats because the ACjr would only be controlling the temp in your main system.

Okay, so this is starting to make sense. And, I understand that the heaters in the water storage barrels will be their own separate entities and thermostats.

[bluespotjawfish]

For me personally, if I had to prioritize what to put on the controller, the top priority would be anything that controls the temp (heater, fans, primary lights). Anything else would be as outlets allowed.

[Octoman]

Very true, BSJ, I've got a space reserved for fans when it gets hot. I don't use the wavemaker feature on mine.

[slakker]

I just set mine up, went with the ACIII. Chose it over the junior because of the ethernet capability... so now I can use the internet to config the ACIII and get all the data off of it. I can even check the status of temp, pH, etc. from my Blackberry.

[Octoman]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Keep us posted

Wireless Aquacontroller Jr Serial Connection

[BarbMazz]

I think I have my basic setup figured out;

upstairs: DC4 for main lights (3 outlets) and neptune lunar (one outlet),
with phone cord running downstairs for hookup to the ACJr.

downstairs DC8 outlet use;
1. heater
2. skimmer pump
3. main pump
4. fuge light
5. upstairs powerhead 1 (i'm running power cords downstairs for ph's)
6. upstairs powerhead 2
7. reserved for pH control
8. free ( cooling fans/chiller if needed?)

If I'm understanding correctly, with this setup I can:
1. have a dawn to dusk, seasonal lighting cycle; program some or all lights to turn off if temp becomes too great
2. full lunar cycle
3. reverse lighting schedule for refugium
4. control temperature, with aids (see #1)
5. shut down skimmer, main pumps, powerheads for feeding times
6. monitor and control pH
7. create different water movement scenarios with powerheads; tidal or random/turbulent flow by alternating powerheads on/off

Am I on the right track? Any suggestions and/or improvements?

[Octoman]

That looks like a good plan Barb! I think that the lunarsim module hooks up through the phone cord also, so you wouldn't need to plug it into the DC4. That would leave you a space to put cooling fans upstairs on the DC4 (for the lights) if you want to.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by Octoman

That looks like a good plan Barb! I think that the lunarsim module hooks up through the phone cord also, so you wouldn't need to plug it into the DC4. That would leave you a space to put cooling fans upstairs on the DC4 (for the lights) if you want to.

There is a plug for the lunarsim... I have to see how long the cord is for the actual led's to plug into the sim module. Back to the drawing board. But I do feel much closer/better than I did yesterday. Sleeping on things made them much clearer in my brain today... I must've been working on it in my dreams last night.

[Octoman]

The lunarsim module could go upstairs with the LEDs. Just run another phone line out of the upstairs DC4 to the module there. They all have an in and out connection so you can string them in line. Then you could just plug the lunarsim's power cord into the wall up there.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by Octoman

The lunarsim module could go upstairs with the LEDs. Just run another phone line out of the upstairs DC4 to the module there. They all have an in and out connection so you can string them in line. Then you could just plug the lunarsim's power cord into the wall up there.

Ah! I see whatcher sayin'! Thanks, Mark.

[Woodstock]

Great info here! Thanks everyone.. I learned a lot.

[bluespotjawfish]

Hum, way over my head!

[thelastmucci]

great thread everyone...mark I really like your cabinet looks great. I also like all the info...as far as outlets now I'm a bit confused...does it come with two surge protectors...the one your calling the DC8 and the other one or is it all in one...if it is two will I need to hook a phone line up the other to get it to work?