Temp controller recomendations?

[cali_reef]

While we are on the topic I have a few questions :
2. What is a good electronic devise that will shut down my lights if my temp goes too high? as a protection if my chiller fails.
3. What do you guys do to account for a chiller failure?

Ranco can do that if you use one dedicated to the lights, you plug the ballast into the Ranco, than the Ranco into your light timer(the Ranco will hole the last set temperature in memory). The timer will control when the lights comes on and off, the Ranco will shut it down if the water temperature reaches a pre-determine temperature and turn it back on when the temp drops back down below the delta setting. It is kind of expensive to run multiple Ranco's to do this, control cooling fans, control chiller, and heaters on a single tank.

I used Ranco's for about 6 years now, they are great and reliable but make sure you don't get any water on the main unit's face plate, the control board will fail. Now I use an Aquacontroller for temperature control because it is a lot more flexible. One temp sensor and almost infinite controlling possibilities, you can get an ACjr for less than $200 to do any temperature controlling you wish on a typical tank, vs. a two stage ranco for $130 to control only two devices.

 

[Deanos]

I read the thread but there was no conclusion. Did u guys get it from diyreef.com or reef exotics?

Exactly:smile:! There was no conclusion. That's why I stated there might be continued interest. By now, some people may have simply purchased a controller on their own.

 

[ming]

How would this compare to say... a ReefKeeper2?
I want to get a PH controller as well so I was thinking about the ReefKeeper2.

 

[inline6]

How would this compare to say... a ReefKeeper2?
I want to get a PH controller as well so I was thinking about the ReefKeeper2.

I don't think a Reefkeeper2 wil control your ph. It has a ph monitor only.

 

[ShaunW]

Cali, could you explain how you have your Aquacontroller setup for lights, :help: . I have three MHs over my tank, would it be able to control them to go off if a specific temp is hit on my tank? even though they are all on separate timers and power sources?

 

[cali_reef]

Solbby, Short answer is yes.

Aqua Controllers can turn each outlet on\off with timer commends and also protect the same outlet by shuting it off at preset temps. The controller uses simple english for programing and is easy and very flexable, here is a sample of my program to control my MH lights:

If Time > 17:30 Then MH1 ON
If Time > 23:30 Then MH1 OFF
If Time > 17:20 Then MH2 ON
If Time > 23:20 Then MH2 OFF
If Temp > 84.0 Then MH1 OFF (this turns the MH OFF if the tank temp is above 84F)
Max Change 030 M Then MH1 OFF (this keeps the MH off for 30 minuets before the lights CAN be switch on, but as the programmed commends is run once every minuet from top to bottom, the light will remain off for another 30 minuets if the temp is not below 84F when the line above is excuted)
If Temp > 84.0 Then MH2 OFF
Max Change 030 M Then MH2 OFF

The separate power source you mentioned may be an issue, the most reliable way to control appliances is via hardwired "power strips", and they have a few different versions and are called DC-8, DC-4, and DC-4HD. You would need multiple DC units if your power supply is from multiple outlets. Alternatively, you can use wireless transmitters called X-10, my experience with them is not great, electronic ballast in my old system always causes them to turn stuff on and off unintentionally.

 

[bad coffee]

hmmm. now I'l be looking into an ac.

B

 

[ShaunW]

Thanks!

 

[bad coffee]

looks like I"m ordering an AC jr. anyone else thinking bout it? group buy?

B

 

[pecan2phat]

I don't think a Reefkeeper2 wil control your ph. It has a ph monitor only.

RK2 have PH controller capabilities, this is one of the main difference between the RK2 for $270 and the original RK for $220.

 

[ming]

RK2 have PH controller capabilities, this is one of the main difference between the RK2 for $270 and the original RK for $220.

Yeah, thats why I thought it would be convienent as an all in 1
PH controller, Temp controller, and timers and with a lot of plug outlets

 

[pecan2phat]

I was going to order an AC Jr combo for it's discounted DC8. Anyone interested in just the AC Jr itself?

What you would get is a brand new AC Jr ($162), Backlit option ($28.50), Control interface kit with includes the interface module and two 3-prong control modules ($71.95) totalling $262.45 + shipping. These listed prices are from Scott @ Aquarium Specialty.
Every item except the interface module would be NIB for $200

 

[FRY]

Commercial Electronic Temperature Controls

• Digital display allows for simple and accurate setting
• Displays sensor temperature when not in program mode
• Wide temperature range (-30?F to +220?F) and differential adjustment (1?F to 30?F)
• User selectable heating/cooling modes for wide application use
• Capable of remote temperature sensing up to 400'
• Keypad lockout switch to prevent tampering
• Replaces most electromechanical and electronic temperature controls
Specifications:
• Switch action: SPDT
• Includes thermistor sensor, 2" x 0.25" with 8' cable
• Relay output rating: N.O. contact 16A @ 120VAC, N.C. contact 5.8A @ 120VAC
• Dimensions: 6.52" H x 2.7" W x 2.48" D

Select a Product to Inquire - Log In to Enter Order Mode. Order #Mfg. #Input VoltageStagesEnclosure RatingL38-383 ETC112000241NEMA 1L38-382 ETC111000120/2401NEMA 1L38-385 ETC141000120/208/2401NEMA 4XL38-714 ETC211000120/2402NEMA 1L38-715 ETC212000242NEMA 1L38-386 ETC241000120/208/2402NEMA 4X

johnstone supply l38-714 $101.13 have to call to make sure of the price

 

[cali_reef]

Fry, I don't think the one you listed is wired.. $130+shipping for a pre-wired Ranco from DIYreef.com is not too bad if $101.13 for a none wired one.

 

[FRY]

its not wired just wanted to show how munch they cost wholesale of cause im a electrican and i whould wired it myself 4XL38-714 ETC211000120/2402NEMA is two stage

frank

 

[cali_reef]

its not wired just wanted to show how munch they cost wholesale of cause im a electrican and i whould wired it myself

frank

Yeah but two 12 gage extension cords will cost you $8-10 from HD, I think your labor rate is a bit more than $20 a hour? It maybe cheaper for some folks but I think not for the majority here.

 

[FRY]

again just showing that $130 is a very good price for it wired

 

[cali_reef]

Pecan, I think all new ACjr are backlit now, you can get the serial port/connection option for $28.50 more.

 

[masterswimmer]

looks like I"m ordering an AC jr. anyone else thinking bout it? group buy?

B

Hey B, I'd be down for a Jr. I'd like to see if we can get a few of us together for this. I'll look into some pricing. Could take me a few days. If you are in a rush I'll understand.

Anybody who's interested, we can start an informal list here and if we see enough people I'll start a new thread and link it.

Aquacontroller Jr.:
Brett (bad coffee)
Russ (masterswimmer)

 

[TimberTDI]

russ, put me down for the ac jr combo too.

Thanks,
Steven