Water movement

[BarbMazz]

I know that water movement is important in a reef setup; I will eventually have soft corals, and I'd just love some clams... so are wavemakers worth the cost, or is that sort of setup relatively easy to DIY with timers, etc?

Thanks!
Barb

[BigAl07]

Good morning Barb

In all honesty instead of investing in wave makers and or timers I highly suggest getting a tank controller. I use Neptune Systems Aqua Controller and LOVE it. This one unit controls my lights (Daylight, Actinic, Moonlights, Fuge light), my heater, Temperature probe, PH probe, Fuge pump, and 2 in-tank power heads. I had timers on everything before and honestly once I got the kind I liked that were dependable I had just about as MUCH invested in them as this controller costs. And I can hook my laptop up and see what the status of my tank is at any time from anywhere. I've only scratched the surface.

Good luck and happy reefing

[Dentoid]

Al is right. You can simulate waves with 2 power heads and a controller like the Neptune Aquacontroller.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Good morning Barb

In all honesty instead of investing in wave makers and or timers I highly suggest getting a tank controller. I use Neptune Systems Aqua Controller and LOVE it. This one unit controls my lights (Daylight, Actinic, Moonlights, Fuge light), my heater, Temperature probe, PH probe, Fuge pump, and 2 in-tank power heads. I had timers on everything before and honestly once I got the kind I liked that were dependable I had just about as MUCH invested in them as this controller costs. And I can hook my laptop up and see what the status of my tank is at any time from anywhere. I've only scratched the surface.

Good luck and happy reefing

Hi, Al! Hope you're well today ! I've read about tank controllers and they interest me. It does seem like an excellent idea to have everything controlled from one place, the computer access sounds really nifty.. I like using my computer for stuff like that.

How complicated are they to set up, and then to understand? I assume you set parameters for things and the unit then keeps the different things in line? Does it contact you if something is out of whack? And, Does it have battery backup?

I tell ya, I'm SO GLAD I stumbled upon RS!!

Barb

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by BarbMazz

Hi, Al! Hope you're well today ! I've read about tank controllers and they interest me. It does seem like an excellent idea to have everything controlled from one place, the computer access sounds really nifty.. I like using my computer for stuff like that.

How complicated are they to set up, and then to understand? I assume you set parameters for things and the unit then keeps the different things in line? Does it contact you if something is out of whack? And, Does it have battery backup?

I tell ya, I'm SO GLAD I stumbled upon RS!!

Barb

It's very easy to set-up. Actually it comes preprogrammed for the basics so that you can plug everything up, make a couple of inputs here and there and you're off. In order to really get into the Meat of the controller you need to get an understanding of what the symbols mean but it's quick and easy to learn. Plus there's a HUGE network of like minded users on the net to help (Pointing to WoodStock). She's helped me tremendously.

Go controller and you'll never regret it

[ReefGuy69]

Well i do agree that the Neptune systems are nice. But they are alittle costly. Barb i just wanted to chime in that there is a DIY alternative. I set up this system up and it basically act like a wave maker. its programable so i can fine tune the timing. It works great and as you can see alot less money. Here is a link to what i bought. Only other thing you will need is two or more power heads. They will alternate from the left side of your tank to the right side. Giving your tank the swaying motion just like the ocean. Heres the link:

SF-4005

Hope it helps and gives you another idea. I am a total DIY'er.

[DaveK]

I have an Aqua Controller, and I use it for a few things. They are wonderful for constant monitoring of temp, pH and ORP. This works out especially well if you can hook your computer up to it, and use the computer to produce charts and graphs of the tank over time. You can often spot a problem before it gets serious.

On the other hand, I don't use it to routine lighting control. A $10 timer or two from Home Depot or similar store works just as well, and costs a lot less, and there are no worries about the lighting not working because it's not programmed correctly.

However, if I had a system where I wanted to simulate tidal flow, I'd use the controller because that's the only method that can do it well.

As for general flow through the main tank, I use a pair of Tunze streams on their Multicontroller. It's tough to beat that for all the ramdom flow it can create. The down side is that they are extremely expensive, something like $850 for two pumps and the Multicontroller.

The wave makers are a distant second choice, and are a lot less expensive. If you connect a wave maker up using powerheads, make sure the powerheads are rated for this sort of stop/start use. Most are not, and these will fail early, and you will have void warranty.

[BigAl07]

They do "appear" pricey but once you have your tank set-up you'll look back and say, "Wow! I wish I had done that sooner!"

[kyle1284]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

They do "appear" pricey but once you have your tank set-up you'll look back and say, "Wow! I wish I had done that sooner!"

which aquacontroler do you have Al?

[BigAl07]

I have the AC Jr. but in all honesty I would not buy it again. I bought it thinking, "The price isn't too bad compared to the other ones above it and I, being a computer nerd, can add my own equipment to make it Internet Accessible and then Wireless and still be money ahead." Well I was WRONG! I've officially invested 1.5x's what the Upgraded would have cost in trying to make it WORK like the upgraded ones and it's still NOT wireless. I could have waited a few weeks, saved my $$ and gotten the better one and THEN be $$ ahead. I got anxious and fell victim to something called "Speed Reefing". Not a pretty picture.

I do LOVE my AC Jr. but now I have two tanks (It only controls 1), it's not wireless, it doesn't have a built in web server and I have MORE money invested in the Jr than the other ones cost. But would I run a tank without one now? Heck NO! One you go controller you never go back It just makes reefing "easier" and in My eyes safer.

[framerguy]

I'm getting the Neptune Aquacontroller for my tank. I've done some research and it seems to have the best features. It DOES have a battery backup also. I will also have the Tunze Turbelle powerheads for making waves. PM Jack for a package price, he's putting one together for me. I've tinkered with DIY alternating wave control for a long time and am finally giving up.

[michael_cb_125]

I have the Aqua Jr. It is not setup yet, but I have heard many good things about them. I did not need the upgraded models, since my main powerheads control themselves, as will my LED Lighting.

[kyle1284]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

I have the AC Jr. but in all honesty I would not buy it again. I bought it thinking, "The price isn't too bad compared to the other ones above it and I, being a computer nerd, can add my own equipment to make it Internet Accessible and then Wireless and still be money ahead." Well I was WRONG! I've officially invested 1.5x's what the Upgraded would have cost in trying to make it WORK like the upgraded ones and it's still NOT wireless. I could have waited a few weeks, saved my $$ and gotten the better one and THEN be $$ ahead. I got anxious and fell victim to something called "Speed Reefing". Not a pretty picture.

I do LOVE my AC Jr. but now I have two tanks (It only controls 1), it's not wireless, it doesn't have a built in web server and I have MORE money invested in the Jr than the other ones cost. But would I run a tank without one now? Heck NO! One you go controller you never go back It just makes reefing "easier" and in My eyes safer.

what all does the conrtoler control in your tank and which controler would u want, why, and to control what?

[prow]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

I have the AC Jr. but in all honesty I would not buy it again. I bought it thinking, "The price isn't too bad compared to the other ones above it and I, being a computer nerd, can add my own equipment to make it Internet Accessible and then Wireless and still be money ahead." Well I was WRONG! I've officially invested 1.5x's what the Upgraded would have cost in trying to make it WORK like the upgraded ones and it's still NOT wireless. I could have waited a few weeks, saved my $$ and gotten the better one and THEN be $$ ahead. I got anxious and fell victim to something called "Speed Reefing". Not a pretty picture.

I do LOVE my AC Jr. but now I have two tanks (It only controls 1), it's not wireless, it doesn't have a built in web server and I have MORE money invested in the Jr than the other ones cost. But would I run a tank without one now? Heck NO! One you go controller you never go back It just makes reefing "easier" and in My eyes safer.

when you say the upgraded ones do you mean the upgraded AC Jr? my Jr can be wireless and can be hooked up to my computer and controled with it through the internet. it only has one ph probe and temp probe though. but you can hook everthing else lighting and all on a couple tanks, i think the max controlled outlets is 16.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by prow

when you say the upgraded ones do you mean the upgraded AC Jr? my Jr can be wireless and can be hooked up to my computer and controled with it through the internet. it only has one ph probe and temp probe. but you can hook everthing else lighting and all on a couple tanks, i think the max controlled outlets is 16.

No I meant like the AC III or the AC Pro unit. You have your Jr. Wireless? You know you're getting a PM on that one Bro!!