neptune controllers

[mani]

hello to all at manhattan reefs i am new to this forum
i am trying to setup a 6ft by 2 by 2ft tank all the way in the united kingdom. i would like to install a aquarium controller to the system and was thinking of using the neptune systems controller dont know which one yet. but as i am iver here in the uk i emailed the support team for help in terms of the power bars which are of no use to me as they are different plugs the support team also talked about using x10 can someone please explain to me wat x10 is i ant got a clue right bout now help will be well appreciated

 

[chuck116]

Your best bet in my opinion is to wait for an answer from curt from neptune. He will help you without question. Sorry I dont know much about the x10 portion. For what its worth we have the Apex from neptune , my first controller , and the only one we will ever own.

Cheers Chuck & Anna Maria

 

[DrHarryLopez]

I use DC8's and heavy duty DC4, these are the outlets which are control independently by the Nept controller. I have the AC3 (Aquacontroller 3) If I remember the X10 are indivdual outlets which the aC3 controls.

 

[KathyC]

Welcome to MR

I know of very few folks here who have used the X10, the 2 I do know of both sold them and now use easier/newer types of controllers. The X10's were on the complicated side to set up (all those little white boxes plugged in everywhere...) and I recall that electrical 'noise' was an issue with them.

We're at a disadvantage here to help you due to the differences in receptacles here and in the UK - that I for one, have no clue about

Manhattan Reefs is a great site and I'm sure you will find a lot of great and helpful info here, but not necessarily on the topic you've asked about. Have you asked in your local fish store what the 'hot' controls are in the UK?

 

[allenjj]

I agree with others who say that the Neptune Apex is a great controller. I would not suggest going with X10 but instead consider buying what people here call a travel adapter to adapt the plugs to your needs.

 

[qy7400]

I just looked over the Neptune site and everything's labeled fro 120V only, not sure if Curt has anything for 240V but they may not list it.

The X-10 modules had a lot of false on/off and no response, like Kathy mentioned due to RF noise or 'dirty' power lines.

While this site hasn't been updated in a while still has a lot of good info and links to many controllers, http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php

 

[mani]

hell everyone firstly thanks for all the replies still not clear on a couple of things what the hell does the X10 module allow me to do???? and i do like the idea of travel adapters but do they step up the voltage to 230V?? its the system i would like to have i can get the controller to work from an adapter but its the energy bars im not sure about. there is controllers in england but very expensive in comparrison to the neptune systems and also i think alot harder interface to use. just wat the hell is a x10

 

[qy7400]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_(industry_standard)

Simply put it's a way to turn a device on/off/dim via a control signal sent over the electric line, the problem many have with it is the RF noise from lighting ballasts tends to interfere with that signal.

 

[mani]

so realistically a neptune controller for me is out of the question ghl controller it is then. time to save up more!!!

 

[Simon Garratt]

Hi Mani.

As a UK reefer myself I know allot of people using the GHL. you wont go far wrong with it to be honest. It has allot of functionality (although personally I'm not one for all the gimmicky stuff like lightening/storm simulation etc)

I'm an IKS user myself (bulletproof) but from what Ive seen of the GHL's and the people i know using them they are good units.

My one bit of advice with allot of these modern controllers though is in relation to software updates. Simply put, if its working right and doing its job, avoid doing updates for functionality that you arnt/wont be using. leave it be and you'll be fine.

Not saying there is anything wrong with the idea, but as with any software program the more you add to it, the more glitchy it can get. and the more likely you are to have issues after an update that you could have simply ignored.

regards

 

[mani]

thanks simon i probably will go with the ghl controller, iv been checkin there website and dont realy understand what comes with the controller. say i buy the controller for arguments sake which will cost me 700 or so does that mean ill get all the probes ph orp etc etc i dont quite understand what they include in the kit it seems misleading info

 

[Simon Garratt]

Hi Mani.

Have a look at this Uk site which has all the kits listed (click on a kit to see what it includes)

http://www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/GHL_Profilux_Kits.html

Regards

 

[mani]

so simon if the ph was to go under or over it will dose say some CO2 via the plug bar or is the co2 unit connected in some way straight to the controller? and is everything else workin in the same way? i assume all the monitoring side of things connect straight into the unit itself and then the controll side is done via the plug bars? sorry mate for the stupid q's

 

[mani]

i dont quite understand why they got so many differing version s of the controller and ythe hell do you have to buy everything seperately the aft i can actually understand money making schemes but y so much units. all i want is something to maintain my water parameters with a degree of accuracy. more to the point i havnt even got my tank going yet but do i really need this controller does it make life easier? water changes have to be done no mater what which i assume can also be done throught the controller by activating a pump to drain water and then refill from a vat or reservouir or something. this is being lazy i knw.

 

[mani]

thanks for the url though simon help is well appreciated mate cheers were about in england you from??