Control/Monitoring Systems - What Are You Using?

[Vixyswillie]

Those of you using control/monitoring systems (Neptune, Aquadyne, etc.), what are you using? Happy with it? Use/like the computer software for data collection, trending, etc?

 

[Anonymous]

I use OSI PI (www.osisoft.com) to store and trend the data. Way overkill for the amount of data you store for a tank, but I have access to it so I use it.

I haven’t gotten into any automation yet. I was thinking about X10 or trying to build my own controls. Don't know if I am up to that though.

 

[Starmstr]

I use my wife to control/monitor my system while I'm away. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do a cost benifit analysis or defray the cost either.

 

[Osama]

I love my Neptune controller a nice expensive toy to add to an expensive hobby. I would not want to be without it. It controls my lights, pumps, htr, chiller, Calcium reactor, CO2, Nielsen reactor etc. I have it programmed (very easy to do I am not a PC programmer) to turn light off gradually if the temp creeps up in case of a chiller malfunctionetc... If you can afford one then enjoy it; otherwise you can live without it.

 

[wade1]

I also have a neptune system on my tank, its been great. But I will say... you MUST recalibrate the probes frequently to get accurate reports. The controller is really great for controlling tank temp and emergency shutdowns (ie- gets too hot, shut off lights) and the like. Curt has done a great job with questions/concerns for both the controllers I deal with (one at work).

Wade

 

[O P Ing]

hi.

I use my wife to control/monitor my system

Having a spouse to "montrol" your tank can be one of the most/lease cost factor in this hobby, depends on how you view it

I use COTS from companies like Johnson Control and Chrontrol. I am in the process of converting to a PLC system, but don't have the money yet...

 

[SPC]

Posted by Seven:

I use COTS from companies like Johnson Control and Chrontrol.

:roll: oh really 8O , I think this is what saltcritter uses too.
Steve

 

[O P Ing]

Steve:
I am serious when I post my last message on this thread. I use JC's A419 for my chiller, and Chrontrol's CT series for turning my lights on and off. The CT is about 15 years old, and still work like a charm. Both items are reasonably priced, and I hope I did not come across like I was lying/braging to others.

Please send me PM if you want to discuss this further. Thank you for your time.
bye -ck-

 

[SPC]

No Seven, I was just joking with you, sorry. . Actually I had no idea what you were referring to with this COTS and such. I am looking at some way to get away from all the timers I have right now and would be interested in any suggestions. I no squat about all of this programming stuff so it would have to be some what simple :wink: .
Thanks,
Steve

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
Steve, I was thinking that you were trying to get back at me for what I did in my former life

COTS is commerical off the shelf. There are a number of timer out there that are suitable for your use. I tried to sell some of my timer about a year ago, and I still have a couple units left. However I can't find the link anymore because of the update/change in RDO's marketplace or the post search only go back a year or so ago?

Anyway, they are ChronTrol (see www.chrontrol.com) and can handle 4 separate gadgets. It can handles two actuated valves without modification, but I can mod it to handle 4 actuated valves or eight gadgets easily. It does involve some simple keypad programming to get it to work well, but just like most thing in ife, flexibility comes at a price. I can control the timing of on/off down to the very second! I guess I am a freak...

PLC is programmable logic controller. They are more flexible than Neptune and other aquarium controller, but again, it is more difficult to use. Omron and other companies makes them.

Johnson Control makes nice temperature controller. However, their stainless steel probe is not salt water safe (rusts), and you have to mod it to work well.

IME, I got bored quickly with the trending. After a few months, I just never brother with looking at the data anymore. However, it is nice to see if there any pattern after something unexpected happened.

 

[Mac1]

Honestly, I've got one of those PinPoint pH meters that I can easily see, and have found that it's all I need....
I can tell w/ a 5-second glance at my tank, and a check of that meter, how things are doing.

- Mac

 

[Vixyswillie]

Thanks loads for your responses! Sounds like the AquaController is going to get my vote.

Mac - Have meters already and like them a lot. It's the automation potential that attracts me to the ACII.

Not that I'm lazy or anything. 8O

 

[Osama]

Here are some of the things I program my expensive toy (Neptune) to do. My read on this if you can afford one then go & enjoy it. I control on/off of all the lights 3X175MH, 3X250MH, 4X96W actinic plus another set of lights on a second tank. Chiller to go on & off based on desired water temp. Same for heater that mostly will go on IF the chiller gets stuck on the on position & to avoid freezing my corals ( happened to me twice). Controls My CO2 to the calcium reactor by shutting off CO2 when PH drops below a certain level. Also controls the Nielsen reator by shutting it off if pH goes higher than a given value. Shuts off internal recirc. pumps when feeding. puts on moon bulb at nite. Has a lunar cycle and all other capabilities I do not use. Limitation of the system is that it is good for up to 16 commands but you can have several lights or pumps go on or off under the same command. I can down load the data to my PC & view graphically my hourly pH changes, ORP & temp .... Again a nice toy NOT necessary but fun & can be very helpful in regulating things UNTIL you have a power outage & your backup battery on the Nepture is dead then you have to reset the so called tank clock & make sure everything is working. HAVE FUN

 

[Vixyswillie]

Amazing. With that, a remote, and a frosty - what else could a man ask for??

Well... I mean OTHER than that. :wink:

 

[Osama]

Another control that I failed to mentionn but has proven very valuable in my case. If the chiller does not function and the water temp. rises above a certain level then one set of lights goes off if the temp continues to rise another set of lights goes off and so on till all the lights are off or till the temp stops rising. Then the lights will go back on as the temperature is back to its normal level....... Very important not to fry those precious corals & fish....

 

[Vixyswillie]

I've heard of people doing this before, osama. Very creative way to approach that problem.

How long have you had your Neptune?

 

[Osama]

I had my Neptune for 2 years now.