The Big Controller Comparison Chart. - Page 3

RobbyG · 12/23/2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vegas_ReefMan
Thanks Man for all your hard work and dedication to helping other Reefers! The head Reefer in charge will bless you and yours! We have all been searching for this comparison and I thank you VERY MUCH!

RC and all its members have been such a great help to me, I am glad I could do something in return. Merry Xmas when it comes and thanks for the kind words.

morty · 12/23/2006, 02:56 PM

Many thanks on the super work Robby!

There is one controller that I did not see listed, that I use myself. It's the Solar1000 currently sold by BlueLine Products (they have it listed in their "Dimmers" section, but it's really a controller).

http://www.bluelineaquatics.com/prod...mmer/1000.html

It's not as sophisticated as the others on your chart, but a couple things that I think set it apart are its ability to dim up to 8 VHO bulbs using two Icecap 660s, and it has a 110v moon port that directly drives an incandescent load to follow the lunar cycle (day and night). Maximum intensity of the lunar bulb can be software-controlled (this is different than other controllers with lunar ports). It has pH, ORP, and temp probe ports. It uses X10 to control these along with dosers, wavemakers, and 4 light timers (in addition to the 2 dimmable Icecap 660 ballasts.) Also has a feed timer mode. It is programmable to follow seasonal variations in both photoperiod and temperature. It can do seasonal weather changes by varying wavemakers and lighting on certain random days. The manual in the website's support section covers the features in more detail.

It has no sort of data logging port or remote access ability. I purchased the unit ~1998, and it has had some issues with being sensitive to electrical noise. I needed to put power filters on all ballasts and the controller's power cord, or the X10s didn't always work right, and sometimes the controller would get corrupted and need to be reset. It works fairly reliably since I've done that though. Maybe the newer ones aren't as sensitive. If dimming VHOs, it works best with an even number of bulbs and a ground plane kit on the bulbs.

Thanks again!

RobbyG · 12/23/2006, 03:11 PM

Thank you Morty I will definitely be check this unit out, it's great to find another controller

flfirefighter13 · 12/25/2006, 08:50 PM

Thanks for this thread, just took a ton of research time off my plate!

scooter28 · 12/28/2006, 08:00 AM

Good Job!!!! One controller I am considering purchasing, which I do not see in the chart, is the IKS Aquastar.

http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/aquastar.php

Is this the big brother to the Midi? Or is it a more compact version of the same controller?

RobbyG · 12/29/2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scooter28
Good Job!!!! One controller I am considering purchasing, which I do not see in the chart, is the IKS Aquastar.

http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/aquastar.php

Is this the big brother to the Midi? Or is it a more compact version of the same controller?

Thanks.
Yes the Midi seems to be the smaller version, I am trying to remember why I did not do include the regular Aquastar, but im drawing a blank. Now that I have some more time I will try and research it and maybe by next week add it to the list.

sunman · 12/29/2006, 04:42 PM

I am deciding between the IKS or the PROFILUX II but where do I purchase one? I have checked both and they support 220 volt operation. What can I do with my 115v items?

RobbyG · 12/29/2006, 06:07 PM

UPDATED 29 Dec 2006

Solar 1000 Controller Added to Chart.

Profilux new power bars added

Some changes on Elos Controller.

RobbyG · 12/29/2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sunman
I am deciding between the IKS or the PROFILUX II but where do I purchase one? I have checked both and they support 220 volt operation. What can I do with my 115v items?

Profilux II now has 110V powerbars. I still see cant find 110V powerbars for IKS. Maybe someone with a unit can let us know if they have custome made Powerbars for US export.

lngbrdz · 12/29/2006, 09:28 PM

Ok I am going to sound really stupid here but one very important item that I feel should be added to this list for people such as myself and we can all help each other here is how much or the best prices for these. I know I am looking for a controller to monitor and control PH/TEMP/ORP and it would be a plus if it removes stray energy. I really like and want a Neptune aquacontroller II but they don't make it and the III is way higher in price and the JR isnt to my liking soooooo Anyone know of prices for something like this cheap is the name of the game or maybe has a aquacontroller II they don't need anymore???????

RobbyG · 12/29/2006, 10:39 PM

I am thinking about grouping them into price ranges, check back in a few days.

sunman · 12/30/2006, 11:46 AM

that would be great if there is a group buy. I'm in for the profilux model. I have a solar 1000 L2 currently.

RobbyG · 01/02/2007, 11:13 AM

The 4 Plug 110V Profilux Powerbars are out now, the 6 plug is expected this month.

scooter28 · 01/02/2007, 12:41 PM

The IKS Aqustar does have 110V plugs and can be found at http://deltecusa.us/aquastar/index.php. I am still on the fence about this one versus the Aquacontroller Pro 3 and was hoping someone could provide more feedback.

RobbyG · 01/02/2007, 01:35 PM

Are you sure that they are selling 110V ver on Deltecusa? It's only says 4 Plug Bar with Led, it might be the 220V model.
I Dont see a 110V listed on IKS website but I assume they must have one since they sell these in the USA, its all very confusing.

1diverdown · 01/02/2007, 01:47 PM

just as a clarification, everything for the IKS on the Deltec USA site is 110v.

hth
Doug

scooter28 · 01/02/2007, 01:51 PM

Sorry about the link...here is the correct one...

http://deltecusa.us/aquastar/index.php

Pretty sure it is the 110v...I have bought a ton of Deltec equipment from that site and have been talking about the IKS with them as well. It seems very hard to decide when you get into the higher price range fo controllers especially when it comes to the number of outlets. Do people double up on controlled outlets to save money?

RobbyG · 01/03/2007, 12:04 PM

You just cant have enough outlets, I started with 8 now have 16 and could use 20 if I had them. You keep on thinking of one other thing that you can use the controller to do.

RobbyG · 01/03/2007, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1diverdown
just as a clarification, everything for the IKS on the Deltec USA site is 110v.

hth
Doug

Thanks for the info.

RobbyG · 01/04/2007, 05:56 PM

Updated 4 Jan 2007

Added package Prices
Added Warranty Info
Re-Sorted Columns by Price
Riff Controller Photo Corrected.
Numerous small corrections.

jmkarcz · 01/07/2007, 12:05 AM

I will definetly be watching this over the next several weeks before I make my purchase. A thousand thanks for your hard work and persistance and your attention to the detail.

Jason

RobbyG · 01/07/2007, 11:43 AM

Thanks Jason. BTW the Neptune ACIII pro price is incorrect, I have to fix it on Monday.

lngbrdz · 01/08/2007, 07:04 AM

Thank you so much Robby

MyLittleReef · 01/08/2007, 08:53 AM

Thank you for all of your work on this.

RobbyG · 01/08/2007, 04:14 PM

Update Chart 8 Jan 07

ADDED
Links for most controllers Manuals.

CHANGED
Neptune ACIII & ACIII Pro Prices (Mistake in package prices)
Aquatronica LCD description
Reorganized List order to reflect price changes

______ ______ ______
Thanks Joshua for finding my mistake.

Ingbrdz and Mylittlereef your welcome

12/23/2006, 03:11 PM	#53
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Thank you Morty I will definitely be check this unit out, it's great to find another controller __________________ 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

12/29/2006, 06:07 PM	#58
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	UPDATED 29 Dec 2006 Solar 1000 Controller Added to Chart. Profilux new power bars added Some changes on Elos Controller. __________________ 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

12/29/2006, 10:39 PM	#61
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	I am thinking about grouping them into price ranges, check back in a few days. __________________ 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

01/02/2007, 11:13 AM	#63
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	The 4 Plug 110V Profilux Powerbars are out now, the 6 plug is expected this month. __________________ 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

01/02/2007, 12:41 PM	#64
scooter28 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 34	IKS Aquastar available at http://deltecusa.us/aquastar/index.php The IKS Aqustar does have 110V plugs and can be found at http://deltecusa.us/aquastar/index.php. I am still on the fence about this one versus the Aquacontroller Pro 3 and was hoping someone could provide more feedback.

12/23/2006, 02:56 PM	#52
morty Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Shorewood, MN Posts: 440	Many thanks on the super work Robby! There is one controller that I did not see listed, that I use myself. It's the Solar1000 currently sold by BlueLine Products (they have it listed in their "Dimmers" section, but it's really a controller). http://www.bluelineaquatics.com/prod...mmer/1000.html It's not as sophisticated as the others on your chart, but a couple things that I think set it apart are its ability to dim up to 8 VHO bulbs using two Icecap 660s, and it has a 110v moon port that directly drives an incandescent load to follow the lunar cycle (day and night). Maximum intensity of the lunar bulb can be software-controlled (this is different than other controllers with lunar ports). It has pH, ORP, and temp probe ports. It uses X10 to control these along with dosers, wavemakers, and 4 light timers (in addition to the 2 dimmable Icecap 660 ballasts.) Also has a feed timer mode. It is programmable to follow seasonal variations in both photoperiod and temperature. It can do seasonal weather changes by varying wavemakers and lighting on certain random days. The manual in the website's support section covers the features in more detail. It has no sort of data logging port or remote access ability. I purchased the unit ~1998, and it has had some issues with being sensitive to electrical noise. I needed to put power filters on all ballasts and the controller's power cord, or the X10s didn't always work right, and sometimes the controller would get corrupted and need to be reset. It works fairly reliably since I've done that though. Maybe the newer ones aren't as sensitive. If dimming VHOs, it works best with an even number of bulbs and a ground plane kit on the bulbs. Thanks again!

12/25/2006, 08:50 PM	#54
flfirefighter13 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deland Posts: 1,289	Thanks for this thread, just took a ton of research time off my plate!

12/28/2006, 08:00 AM	#55
scooter28 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 34	Good Job!!!! One controller I am considering purchasing, which I do not see in the chart, is the IKS Aquastar. http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/aquastar.php Is this the big brother to the Midi? Or is it a more compact version of the same controller?

12/29/2006, 04:42 PM	#57
sunman Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	I am deciding between the IKS or the PROFILUX II but where do I purchase one? I have checked both and they support 220 volt operation. What can I do with my 115v items?

12/29/2006, 09:28 PM	#60
lngbrdz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Winchester, CA Posts: 15	Ok I am going to sound really stupid here but one very important item that I feel should be added to this list for people such as myself and we can all help each other here is how much or the best prices for these. I know I am looking for a controller to monitor and control PH/TEMP/ORP and it would be a plus if it removes stray energy. I really like and want a Neptune aquacontroller II but they don't make it and the III is way higher in price and the JR isnt to my liking soooooo Anyone know of prices for something like this cheap is the name of the game or maybe has a aquacontroller II they don't need anymore???????

12/30/2006, 11:46 AM	#62
sunman Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	that would be great if there is a group buy. I'm in for the profilux model. I have a solar 1000 L2 currently.

01/02/2007, 01:35 PM	#65
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Are you sure that they are selling 110V ver on Deltecusa? It's only says 4 Plug Bar with Led, it might be the 220V model. I Dont see a 110V listed on IKS website but I assume they must have one since they sell these in the USA, its all very confusing. __________________ 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

01/02/2007, 01:47 PM	#66
1diverdown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pa Posts: 624	just as a clarification, everything for the IKS on the Deltec USA site is 110v. hth Doug __________________ The Truth is out there...... Current Tank Info: 300g reef, Deltec AP1003 w/Self-Cleaning Head, PF600S calcium reactor, KM500S kalkstirrer, 2x FR616 fluidized reactors

01/02/2007, 01:51 PM	#67
scooter28 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 34	Sorry about the link...here is the correct one... http://deltecusa.us/aquastar/index.php Pretty sure it is the 110v...I have bought a ton of Deltec equipment from that site and have been talking about the IKS with them as well. It seems very hard to decide when you get into the higher price range fo controllers especially when it comes to the number of outlets. Do people double up on controlled outlets to save money?

01/03/2007, 12:04 PM	#68
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	You just cant have enough outlets, I started with 8 now have 16 and could use 20 if I had them. You keep on thinking of one other thing that you can use the controller to do. __________________ 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

01/04/2007, 05:56 PM	#70
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Updated 4 Jan 2007 Added package Prices Added Warranty Info Re-Sorted Columns by Price Riff Controller Photo Corrected. Numerous small corrections. __________________ 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

01/07/2007, 12:05 AM	#71
jmkarcz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,728	I will definetly be watching this over the next several weeks before I make my purchase. A thousand thanks for your hard work and persistance and your attention to the detail. Jason

01/07/2007, 11:43 AM	#72
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Thanks Jason. BTW the Neptune ACIII pro price is incorrect, I have to fix it on Monday. __________________ 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

01/08/2007, 07:04 AM	#73
lngbrdz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Winchester, CA Posts: 15	Thank you so much Robby

01/08/2007, 08:53 AM	#74
MyLittleReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: The Northeast, Too Cold is all I know Posts: 36	Thank you for all of your work on this.

01/08/2007, 04:14 PM	#75
RobbyG Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: 600 Ft From the Reef Posts: 2,099	Update Chart 8 Jan 07 ADDED Links for most controllers Manuals. CHANGED Neptune ACIII & ACIII Pro Prices (Mistake in package prices) Aquatronica LCD description Reorganized List order to reflect price changes ______ ______ ______ Thanks Joshua for finding my mistake. Ingbrdz and Mylittlereef your welcome __________________ 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