Monitors vs Controllers

[grazhopr]

Hello TRT !

I've been browsing the web for awhile, trying to figure out what is the difference between Controllers and monitors. I can see for example, on Premium Aq. a pH monitor that costs $79+ and a pH controller for $150+. There are several other monitors and controllers (ORP, salinity, oxygen, etc). My question is:
Is there significant difference between the two (monitor/controller) ?
Is that Octopus device many people talk about a controller or just a monitor? I might be on the wrong path and asking silly questions, but I'm totallly clueless on this one.
I'd appreciate your replies.

Thanks

[Jimbo]

A controller can turn things on and off. Using CO2 reactor can push your PH down, so when the PH controller sees a preprogrammed value it turns off a magnetic valve allowing the co2 into the reactor until your ph rises enough. Then turns the CO2 back on.
A temp controller can turn your heater and/or chiller on/off (or just a fan in your sump) depending on set values.

Monitors just show the value of what they are monitoring.

Hope this helps

[Minnreefer]

We have a neptune controller and the only thing that it controls is the temp and the lights. I really like the controller but I got a good deal on it (used). If you want to get real precise with your tank, or if you have a chiller then they are great.

HTH

Jon

[AquaticCo]

I have a controller on my 55 and the answers prior are accurate. My controller controls the on-off cycles of my lights, the on-off cycle of the heater and or fan (for cooling), on-off function of my Co2 for the calcium reactor it can also controls the on-off cycles of my power heads if desired. Controllers give you a one stop operation for your tank and also provide you information regarding the status of the devices you have hooked up as well as a constant monitoring of your PH, ORP and temp. Normal measuring devices only display stats, they do not control.

IMOP it is the best investment I made next to my calcium reactor. With these two devices hooked up I sit back and enjoy my tank instead of constantly working on it.

my $.02

Doug

Oh ya I have a Neptune Aqua Controller I bought used

[grazhopr]

Cool !

Do you know a link for this neptune controller module ?
Those controllers I saw in PA cost prolly over $600-700, if I bought them separately. How much would it be for a Neptune thingy ?

Thanks a lot for your input !

[AquaticCo]

The system I bought was 4 years old and came with the 3 probes and 10 plug in modules. I paid $400 for everything. New they are much closer to the range you mentioned $600-$700. I have pasted a link to Marine Depot who carries them. I do not know if there the cheapest but the information from there site may give you what your looking for.

Doug

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_cn_neptune.asp?CartId=

[Achilles Tang]

I have to agree that the aquacontroller is hands down the best for the money if you want to automate your Aquarium. I too am using it for sunrise/sunset lighting scemes, wavemaking, heat control, fan(s) control, and will be taking my Kalk reactor off its timer and adding in the near future.
Here's the link to Neptunes Sight http://www.neptunesys.com/index.htm
Theres quite a bit of up front cost however if you watch the boards and ebay you can get a system with modules for a decent price.

HTH

[Geoff]

i just bought an aquacontroller II combo 2 and it is the best thing ever. i got mine from PA. i had several x10 modules around already, but i still need many more. it is very flexible and it is amazing how much you can not sit back and watch and not worry. i hated whenever we had the power go out, i had to go around and reset all of those silly timers. now the aquacontroller has its built in clock so nothing has to be adjusted when the power comes back on.

G~

[Geoff]

Sorry, i meant to post this in the previous message.

Welcome, to the TRT Achilles Tang.


G~