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What do I need to setup an ACjr system?

DurTBear

DurTBear

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I posted this on the Neptune Systems RC sponsor forum but I wanted to run this by you guys as well.

I'm in the market for a controller and I think I've decided to go with the ACjr for my needs. I plan to upgrade to the Apex one day but want to wait a while until I upgrade my tank as well. Anyway, I'm probably going to buy the ACjr package that includes the controller/faceplate, temp probe, serial port and DC-8 (sold on marinedepot for $225). What other accessories do I need to purchase in addition to these so I will be up and running once I get everything? I'm just confused if the proper cables come with the package sold.

This is what I have to control for my 20 gallon display plumbed into a 10 gallon frag tank:

2 150W Current USA Sunpod fixtures (I think they are about 2amps)
2 heaters (not sure on the wattage or amps right now but they're small)
3 Koralia 1's
1 Tunze 6025 nanostream
1 Coralife 24" T5 fixture (actinic lighting)
1 Coralife nano light fixture for my pseudo refugium
1 clip-on fan for temp control

I also plan to get a Tunze Osmolator for ATO and 2 Drew's dosing pumps to automate 2-part dosing. And if I could connect this to my computer to save the datalog, that would be great. Looks like I need to get another DC-8 but is there a need for a DC-4HD?

Thanks for any help guys!
 
If you are going to upgrade to the APEX then I would only buy a single DC8 and just put the spare pumps on non-connected outlets for now (always on). The DC8 will be outdated and while compatible with the APEX, won't support advanced features like the new communications bus and power monitoring. Alternately, you could just pick up a couple of x10 modules and put your pumps/lights on those if necessary.

If you want to control the dosers via the ACJr you will need to hook up a float switch input. To do this, you will need a float switch as well as the I/O breakout box. (Or if you are a DIY type you can take a DIN-8 cable and splice it. Old Mac printer cables are DIN8 serial cables that you can use.)

I don't save my datalog, I just browse to it on my AC3... do you really need to save the log? To do that I think you will need to get Aquanotes which I haven't ever used.

To be honest with you, and I know that there are risks involved with this... but I would personally just buy the APEX. There will likely be some bugs, but if you are able to closely monitor your system for a couple of weeks and are willing to work through some of the initial issues, then it might make more sense to just make the jump now. Your tank isn't too big/complicated and you wouldn't waste investing in equipment that will be obsolete.

On the other hand, if you are not sure you are going to upgrade to the APEX or feel like the ACJr will be enough for you, then I would go with the Jr.
 
BTW, if you need help programming the controller, let me know. I have my AC3 currently set up with everything you are going to have, plus flood sensor, float switch, internet access and SMS, etc.
 
Eight said:
If you want to control the dosers via the ACJr you will need to hook up a float switch input. To do this, you will need a float switch as well as the I/O breakout box.
Click to expand...

correction....If you want to to control a AUTO TOP OFF Dosing unit you need the above. If you simply want to dose something via a timed scheduled you need nothing more then the DC8.
 
True, good point Gresh. You only need the I/O box if you want to control a device via an external sensor like a float switch or a flood sensor. Otherwise, timed scheduling works fine out of the box.

Oh... I realize as well that the ACJr doesn't include a webserver... so yes you will need to use Aquanotes to pull the datalogs.
 
Thanks for all the input Jason. I know you gave me some great feedback in an earlier post when I was debating on whether to get a reefkeeper or aquacontroller. I guess I'll have to think about all of this again. I agree with you that if I plan to upgrade to the Apex, I should just get it now. Just don't know if I want to spend that much money right off the bat. But as I've learned in this hobby, I should have just spent the money in the first place because you always do in the end. It's happened with my lights, my powerheads, etc.

Thinking about it more closely, I'd probably have to spend $300-$400 on a new ACjr system with everything that I need. For another $100 or so, I could have the Apex. Hmm...I'll have to think about it some more. It's just so hard to combat my urge for instant gratification so I guess it's tough for me to wait. But I'll try and be patient...
 
Well, good news is that the AC3 should go on preorder early next week for delivery in mid June so it's coming very soon...
 
Eight said:
Well, good news is that the AC3 should go on preorder early next week for delivery in mid June so it's coming very soon...
Click to expand...


:lol: Your a few years late at announcing the arrival of the AC3 ;) The APEX is what is coming out shortly :D
 
If you still thinking about buying the ACjr, you need to get the pH probe and the serial cable (if you want to use the computer to load the program) .. Get some pH calibration stuff too. Triple check the temp probe. Curt said it's pre-calibrated but I don't think it's accurate at all.
 
Preorder now available. :)

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=PRE_ORDER___Neptune_Systems_AquaController_Apex_System_Multi_Item_Monitors___Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums&vendor=Neptune_Systems&idProduct=NS1141&idCategory=FITEMOMI
 
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