Can you use controllers without chillers?

[bleedingthought]

Are there any recommendations for controllers for tanks that don't use chillers? Help me out guys!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Chiller has nothing to do with controller. Just get any controller you want, and they will work with or without chiller.

 

[bleedingthought]

Well, look at this link: http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.ph ... ucts_id=37

It seems like it would only control a chiller, not a heater. :?

 

[ChrisRD]

They work with anything you plug into them. Heaters, chillers, fans, etc.

All it does is switch the power on/off to whatever is plugged into it when the desired temperature limits are reached.

 

[Anonymous]

Dual stage one.

Heater on one side, fan pointed at the sump on the other. It's still a 'chiller'

B

 

[Anonymous]

Well, look at this link: http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.ph ... ucts_id=37

It seems like it would only control a chiller, not a heater. :?

I see. You need to get one that is not too specific in application. the one you link is a termperture controller that only turns on above a certain set temperature. Most controller is not limited to temperature, that is ,they are not specialized. We usually states the specific controller if they are specialized: :arrow: CO2 controller, pH controller, water level controller. If you need a temperature controller, then you need to get one that works with heater. As other stated, there are "dual stage" temperature, as well as one that only works with heater.

 

[Anonymous]

Dual stage one.

Heater on one side, fan pointed at the sump on the other. It's still a 'chiller'

B

This is how I have mine setup.

 

[bleedingthought]

Thanks, guys! I think I will go with the dual Ranco, then. It might be the most affordable route.

 

[Len]

I know it's double the price, but seriously consider a Neptune Jr (or Reefkeeper II). They do what a dual stage does and soooo much more.

 

[bleedingthought]

I know it's double the price, but seriously consider a Neptune Jr (or Reefkeeper II). They do what a dual stage does and soooo much more.

Which one of these http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_con ... sp?CartId= are you referring to, Len? And what are some of the extra things beyond the ranco? (I skimmed the description and I'm confused as to whether or not I'd have to get more parts {listed as "control hardware" and "probes"} to make it all come together) Thanks! 8)

P.S. The Racon dual is $150 and so is the neptune aquacontroller jr w/ temp probe.

 

[spaulr]

I was looking at the Rancor and ended up getting a Reefkeeper II. Totally worth the Money IMO. I Got a temp controller, Ph controller, 8 different timers all build into a nice unit. I got rid of so many power strips, timers, and cabling that that alone made it worth it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[spaulr]

If you get the Neptune Jr. MAKE SURE that you get the version that is Firmware upgradeable. Believe me, you WANT - No NEED to have that. It's worth the $30-40.

For me it was a toss up between the RKII and Neptune JR. I would say they are equivalent products.

 

[Len]

You want the Jr. (with firmware upgrade ability) with the DC8: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=NS1165

What can the Aquacontroller Jr do that the Ranco can't? Well:
Control everything, from pumps/powerheads to lights (anything you can plug in)
Monitor and control pH.
Built-in seasonal temperature programming
Built-in seasoning lighting photoperiod programming
Connect to computers/internet
Log tank conditions

It's really a full on control system whereas the Ranco just controls a heater and cooling device.

 

[bleedingthought]

There's a guy selling this one: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=NS1181 in my area for $300...

 

[bleedingthought]

You want the Jr. (with firmware upgrade ability) with the DC8: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=NS1165

What can the Aquacontroller Jr do that the Ranco can't? Well:
Control everything, from pumps/powerheads to lights (anything you can plug in)
Monitor and control pH.
Built-in seasonal temperature programming
Built-in seasoning lighting photoperiod programming
Connect to computers/internet
Log tank conditions

It's really a full on control system whereas the Ranco just controls a heater and cooling device.

So with the one from that link I won't need anything extra, right? No extra probes or nothing?

 

[Len]

To be honest, I don't know if it comes with a pH probe (though they're fairly cheap). I would call MD and ask.

 

[Anonymous]

my ac junior came with a temp probe (built in) and a PH probe. (don't bother getting the lab grade ones. Not really worth the extra money.)

I did a group buy with reefgeek.com I got 5% off with 5 or more peeps.

B

 

[bleedingthought]

my ac junior came with a temp probe (built in) and a PH probe. (don't bother getting the lab grade ones. Not really worth the extra money.)

I did a group buy with reefgeek.com I got 5% off with 5 or more peeps.

B

Did you get it with the DC8? The prices from reefgeek are better than marinedepot's.

And for everyone else, what does the serial port do? I know it connects to a computer but for what purpose? Considering that my laptop doesn't have a serial port, I'm wondering what this would do for me.

 

[Len]

I'm not using my serial port, but it would probably hook up to any ethernet card (like what you connect a dsl or cable modem to). If it's hooked up to the computer, you can data log and even control your Aquacontroller over the internet (if it's hooked up to a computer or modem). You can freak your roommates/wife/kids out by switching on random things from you workplace

 

[bleedingthought]

Hmm, so if you don't plan to use it with a computer (like yourself) you can do without the serial port, then? Or is it worth the extra 30 bucks just in case? And can the AC Jr log data without a computer? (May be dumb question...)