The Big Controller Comparison Chart. - Page 5

RobbyG · 02/02/2007, 06:35 PM

Thanks JG24
I have been talking to the people at Biomatix for a few weeks and I have asked for some detailed information and even just one picture of the controller but have yet too received it. They tell me it is in Beta testing now and that it should be on the market in about a month. I will definitely post any information I get, as this unit sounds very high tech and interesting. I must admit, the lack of even one real picture of the unit is a bit disconcerting.
Did you actually see a working unit at MACNA?

TandN · 02/02/2007, 08:57 PM

yeah that controller looks sweet

JG24 · 02/03/2007, 12:33 AM

I did see it at MACNA. They had the interface screen displayed on a 52" Flat screen. If I remember right they referred to the interface as a True Icon based. Or something like that. Don't quote me on that.

Basically, the display screen had an individual icon for each component. So, if you wanted to control a halide, you just click on the icon, and so on.

I thought it was pretty cool. I thought they were talking about a price point in line with the ACPro. I still have the brochure that I got from the booth at MACNA. No prices though.

RobbyG · 02/03/2007, 11:49 AM

Thanks for the info, I am surprised that they don't have any real pictures on their website, that one point has always made me wonder if the product was as ready as they stated. I will email them again and ask once more if they can send me some pictures.

Malifluous · 02/06/2007, 02:01 AM

Are there any controllers that can monitor and control the pH and temp of 7 tanks. The temp can be the same for all 7 but each tank would need independent pH control. CO2 would be used to decrease the pH so the controller would have to be able to hook up to a solenoid valve . please point me in the right direction . Ty

RobbyG · 02/06/2007, 03:30 PM

I own an Aquatronica and I am fairly certain that it can do 7 pH probes and 7 tanks. You would need the controller, two powerbar, (thats 16 plugs) and 7 pH Interface modules. I don't recommend you get Aquatronica pH probes, I have had much better results using Pinpoint pH probes so you would have to order those separately.

I wish I could say for certain what other controllers could do this job, I am sure that others may work, but the only one that I am familiar with that can do it is Aquatronica. If other companies read this they may want to chime in and let you know if there product can handle that many probes.

laurentm · 02/06/2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Malifluous
Are there any controllers that can monitor and control the pH and temp of 7 tanks. The temp can be the same for all 7 but each tank would need independent pH control. CO2 would be used to decrease the pH so the controller would have to be able to hook up to a solenoid valve . please point me in the right direction . Ty

You can do it with a Neptune AquaController 3 as well.

Here's the price comparison between the Aquatronica and the Neptune System packages you would need for your application.

Aquatronica:

Premium System: $699.99
1 8-Outlet Power Bar: $229.99
6 pH interfaces: $419.94
6 pH probes: $479.94

Total: $1829.86

Neptune Systems:

AquaController III Combo: $587.85
3 Probe expansion boxes: $524.85
6 pH probes: $269.70

Total: $1382.40

Malifluous · 02/06/2007, 05:11 PM

Thanks for the replies. I spoke to the IKS people. Theirs can only do 4 pH probes. How long is the wire for the probes. these tanks will be about 10 ft from each other. I hope they make probes will long wires.
Will the aquatronica and theneptune system also be able to control 7 temperature probes as well with the necessar expansion modules or interfaces?

laurentm · 02/06/2007, 05:29 PM

With the Neptune controller, to monitor/control 7 temperature probes, you'll need 3 more expansion boxes and 1 extra DC8 ($700). You'll then have 1 main unit and 6 probe expansion boxes. You can have them 10ft apart and have each box located next to its tank.

With the Aquatronica, I think you'll need 1 more powerbar, 6 temp sensors and 5 or 6 temp interfaces ($729.88-$799.87). The wiring might be an issue here depending on how your tanks are arranged. You'll have to connect everything to the 3 power bars.

RobbyG · 02/06/2007, 06:59 PM

laurentm with the Aquatronica system that you listed

Premium System: $699.99
1 8-Outlet Power Bar: $229.99
6 pH interfaces: $419.94
6 pH probes: $479.94

he would already have 4 temperature ports available, if he buys two more temperature modules he will have 8 temp ports total.
thats an additional $140 plus 6 additional temp probes $150

gives him a total

Main Controller
Two Powerbars 16 Plugs
12 USB ports for probes
7 pH Modules
7 pH probes
8 Temperature ports
7 Temperature probes
1 Water Level Sensor

For $2119.86
_______________________________________
Equivalent system in Neptune using ACIII

ACIII Controller
Two Powerbars 16 Plugs
6 Probe Expansion Boxes
7 pH probes
7 Temperature probes

Total = $2351.70

RobbyG · 02/06/2007, 07:04 PM

As Promised The Biomatix Pre-Release Review

Enjoy

http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/B...%20PREVIEW.htm

laurentm · 02/06/2007, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobbyG
laurentm with the Aquatronica system that you listed

Premium System: $699.99
1 8-Outlet Power Bar: $229.99
6 pH interfaces: $419.94
6 pH probes: $479.94

he would already have 4 temperature ports available, if he buys two more temperature modules he will have 8 temp ports total.
thats an additional $140 plus 6 additional temp probes $150

gives him a total

Main Controller
Two Powerbars 16 Plugs
12 USB ports for probes
7 pH Modules
7 pH probes
8 Temperature ports
7 Temperature probes
1 Water Level Sensor

For $2119.86

I missed the fact that you can connect 2 temperature sensors per powerbar. I agree with the total you gave.

Quote:

_______________________________________
Equivalent system in Neptune using ACIII

ACIII Controller
Two Powerbars 16 Plugs
6 Probe Expansion Boxes
7 pH probes
7 Temperature probes

The temperature probes are already included in the controller package and the expansion boxes as well as 1 DC8 and a pH probe.

ACIII Controler Combo: $587.85
1 extra DC8: $174.95
6 Probe expansion boxes: $1049.70
6 pH probes: $269.70

Which will give him a total

Main unit
2 DirectConnect8
6 Expansion boxes
36 Digital inputs
14 Probe connectors
7 Temperature probes
7 pH probes
1 ethernet port with web server

Total = $2082.20

RobbyG · 02/06/2007, 08:40 PM

Can you break down that $2082.20 in more detail, I am not coming up with that figure. I must not be adding something right.

laurentm · 02/06/2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobbyG
Can you break down that $2082.20 in more detail, I am not coming up with that figure. I must not be adding something right.

I did in my previous post:

Quote:

ACIII Controler Combo: $587.85
1 extra DC8: $174.95
6 Probe expansion boxes: $1049.70
6 pH probes: $269.70

Go to the Neptune Systems estore (https://estore.neptunesys.com/neptune/store/agora.cgi), then go to the "combos", add the ACIII +pH +DC8 to your cart, go to "control hardware" and add a DC8, go to "probes" and add 6 Std pH probes and 6 expansion boxes. Check your cart, the total is $2082.20.

Malifluous · 02/06/2007, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the great and detailed info. Im not concerned that much with price but more about what I need and which is the better quality and better customer service. Which one is easier to use?

RobbyG · 02/07/2007, 01:44 PM

Not sure about which one has better Quality but here is a sample of how each one is programmed.

This post has some sample screens of how the Aquatronica dosing pump is programmed. Everything on the unit is programmed in an almost identical manner.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=947086

This post is from the Neptune forum showing a users programming code on a AC jr. I beleive that all the Neptune systems use the same kind of coding.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1024148

Quote:

Originally posted by Malifluous
Thanks for the great and detailed info. Im not concerned that much with price but more about what I need and which is the better quality and better customer service. Which one is easier to use?

bill9999992 · 02/08/2007, 09:45 AM

Regarding BIOMATIX

Are the the 4 AUX inputs for things like leak detectors?

Thanks for the reply.

Bill

RobbyG · 02/08/2007, 01:15 PM

Bill I am not sure, I am hoping I can persuade them to give me some more information but for right now that is all I have.

tcmike64 · 02/13/2007, 07:08 PM

So which controller is the best??? Also can any controller monitor calcium? according to the chart no, but since pinpoint has a calcium monitor can this be used on any of these systems??

TandN · 02/13/2007, 07:17 PM

Hey Rob let me ask you this now I have a Diallseas and it monitors and controls ph calcium orp also tops off and adds salt when needed on top of all that also does waterchanges. It can also be accessed through the internet. Why is this not on there ???

perpetual98 · 02/14/2007, 12:57 PM

Is the RC-Squared controller considered not commercial enough to be on the list? Just curious. I've been working with Ron to get a custom setup made.

RobbyG · 02/14/2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tcmike64
So which controller is the best??? Also can any controller monitor calcium? according to the chart no, but since pinpoint has a calcium monitor can this be used on any of these systems??

1) I can't really say which is best, it all depends on what you want it to control and how much money you want to spend.

2) No controller that I have seen can monitor calcium or No3. I think most of the units above $600 have the ability and some companies have working models, but the problem is that there is no probe that they can buy for a reasonable price that can be submerged 24/7 and read reliably, also the current generation of probes require recalibration after every 1 or 2 uses.

3) Pinpoints calcium monitor is for single readings and not meant to be left submerged, it cannot be used with any of these systems.

RobbyG · 02/14/2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tanya72806
Hey Rob let me ask you this now I have a Diallseas and it monitors and controls ph calcium orp also tops off and adds salt when needed on top of all that also does waterchanges. It can also be accessed through the internet. Why is this not on there ???

Can you PM me some info. If it does all the things a normal controller can do, I will add it.

RobbyG · 02/14/2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by perpetual98
Is the RC-Squared controller considered not commercial enough to be on the list? Just curious. I've been working with Ron to get a custom setup made.

I already started to research his controller so I can add it. I have been a bit busy of late but it is on my list of things to get done, hopefully within a week or two. BTW ask Ron if he can email me the picture of the main unit with the display on. I asked him but he must have forgotten.

perpetual98 · 02/14/2007, 04:04 PM

Ron emailed me the other day and said that he's been stuck away from home on business for a while. I'll email him though and ask.

Eric

02/02/2007, 06:35 PM	#101
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Thanks JG24 I have been talking to the people at Biomatix for a few weeks and I have asked for some detailed information and even just one picture of the controller but have yet too received it. They tell me it is in Beta testing now and that it should be on the market in about a month. I will definitely post any information I get, as this unit sounds very high tech and interesting. I must admit, the lack of even one real picture of the unit is a bit disconcerting. Did you actually see a working unit at MACNA? __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/03/2007, 12:33 AM	#103
JG24 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: minnesota Posts: 302	I did see it at MACNA. They had the interface screen displayed on a 52" Flat screen. If I remember right they referred to the interface as a True Icon based. Or something like that. Don't quote me on that. Basically, the display screen had an individual icon for each component. So, if you wanted to control a halide, you just click on the icon, and so on. I thought it was pretty cool. I thought they were talking about a price point in line with the ACPro. I still have the brochure that I got from the booth at MACNA. No prices though. __________________ Thanks Bob Current Tank Info: 150Gal Custom Acrylic Tank, SPS Dominate, Reefmania Recic Skimmer, Sump, Ca Reactor, and Kalk Reactor. 3-250W XM1500K, 2-5ft Super Actinic VHO

02/03/2007, 11:49 AM	#104
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Thanks for the info, I am surprised that they don't have any real pictures on their website, that one point has always made me wonder if the product was as ready as they stated. I will email them again and ask once more if they can send me some pictures. __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/06/2007, 03:30 PM	#106
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	I own an Aquatronica and I am fairly certain that it can do 7 pH probes and 7 tanks. You would need the controller, two powerbar, (thats 16 plugs) and 7 pH Interface modules. I don't recommend you get Aquatronica pH probes, I have had much better results using Pinpoint pH probes so you would have to order those separately. I wish I could say for certain what other controllers could do this job, I am sure that others may work, but the only one that I am familiar with that can do it is Aquatronica. If other companies read this they may want to chime in and let you know if there product can handle that many probes. __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/06/2007, 05:29 PM	#109
laurentm Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 321	With the Neptune controller, to monitor/control 7 temperature probes, you'll need 3 more expansion boxes and 1 extra DC8 ($700). You'll then have 1 main unit and 6 probe expansion boxes. You can have them 10ft apart and have each box located next to its tank. With the Aquatronica, I think you'll need 1 more powerbar, 6 temp sensors and 5 or 6 temp interfaces ($729.88-$799.87). The wiring might be an issue here depending on how your tanks are arranged. You'll have to connect everything to the 3 power bars. Last edited by laurentm; 02/06/2007 at 05:39 PM.

02/02/2007, 08:57 PM	#102
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	yeah that controller looks sweet

02/06/2007, 02:01 AM	#105
Malifluous Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 417	Are there any controllers that can monitor and control the pH and temp of 7 tanks. The temp can be the same for all 7 but each tank would need independent pH control. CO2 would be used to decrease the pH so the controller would have to be able to hook up to a solenoid valve . please point me in the right direction . Ty

02/06/2007, 05:11 PM	#108
Malifluous Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 417	Thanks for the replies. I spoke to the IKS people. Theirs can only do 4 pH probes. How long is the wire for the probes. these tanks will be about 10 ft from each other. I hope they make probes will long wires. Will the aquatronica and theneptune system also be able to control 7 temperature probes as well with the necessar expansion modules or interfaces?

02/06/2007, 06:59 PM	#110
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	laurentm with the Aquatronica system that you listed Premium System: $699.99 1 8-Outlet Power Bar: $229.99 6 pH interfaces: $419.94 6 pH probes: $479.94 he would already have 4 temperature ports available, if he buys two more temperature modules he will have 8 temp ports total. thats an additional $140 plus 6 additional temp probes $150 gives him a total Main Controller Two Powerbars 16 Plugs 12 USB ports for probes 7 pH Modules 7 pH probes 8 Temperature ports 7 Temperature probes 1 Water Level Sensor For $2119.86 _______________________________________ Equivalent system in Neptune using ACIII ACIII Controller Two Powerbars 16 Plugs 6 Probe Expansion Boxes 7 pH probes 7 Temperature probes Total = $2351.70 __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/06/2007, 07:04 PM	#111
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	As Promised The Biomatix Pre-Release Review Enjoy http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/B...%20PREVIEW.htm

02/06/2007, 08:40 PM	#113
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Can you break down that $2082.20 in more detail, I am not coming up with that figure. I must not be adding something right. __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/06/2007, 09:09 PM	#115
Malifluous Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 417	Thanks for the great and detailed info. Im not concerned that much with price but more about what I need and which is the better quality and better customer service. Which one is easier to use?

02/08/2007, 09:45 AM	#117
bill9999992 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Forest, Ontario Posts: 86	Regarding BIOMATIX Are the the 4 AUX inputs for things like leak detectors? Thanks for the reply. Bill

02/08/2007, 01:15 PM	#118
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Bill I am not sure, I am hoping I can persuade them to give me some more information but for right now that is all I have. __________________ The Optimist says the glass is half full, the Pessimist says it’s half empty, an engineer only see's a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be! Current Tank Info: Insanely Automated Low Power Consumption 90 Gal Oceanic Bow System/Aquatronica Touch Controller/AQ Dosing Pump/AQT LEDS/AQ SMS/Seq Dart Pump/ASM G3/Ozotech Ozonizer/Koralin 1502/Chiller/Typhoon3 Ro/S.Squirt /Phos React/Rmt DSB

02/13/2007, 07:08 PM	#119
tcmike64 Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westchester, NY Posts: 40	So which controller is the best??? Also can any controller monitor calcium? according to the chart no, but since pinpoint has a calcium monitor can this be used on any of these systems?? __________________ Michael Rajendran Current Tank Info: 300 Gallon FOWLR and 34 gallon Solana w/ MH unit

02/13/2007, 07:17 PM	#120
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	Hey Rob let me ask you this now I have a Diallseas and it monitors and controls ph calcium orp also tops off and adds salt when needed on top of all that also does waterchanges. It can also be accessed through the internet. Why is this not on there ???

02/14/2007, 12:57 PM	#121
perpetual98 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Oconomowoc Posts: 1,242	Is the RC-Squared controller considered not commercial enough to be on the list? Just curious. I've been working with Ron to get a custom setup made. __________________ Used to have many SW tanks, now starting over with one...

02/14/2007, 04:04 PM	#125
perpetual98 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Oconomowoc Posts: 1,242	Ron emailed me the other day and said that he's been stuck away from home on business for a while. I'll email him though and ask. Eric __________________ Used to have many SW tanks, now starting over with one...