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Aquarium Controller

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Archersbobsburgers (talk | contribs) at 14:54, 23 September 2018 (change to afc comment template). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

  • Comment: Seems like an article that should exist. The sources are really only notable to those in the niche. Only one of the products has a source which seems like the author has a personal relationship with that product. Needs more/better sources. Also, text needs re writing cause it reads more like an ad right now.

An Aquarium Controller is a small computer that controls the equipment that runs an Aquarium. Most Aquarium controllers have sensor that monitor water parameters. They usually also have a power strip, that is controlled with relays. You can set certain parameters such as a temperature. Once that temperature has been reached, the computer will turn on or off the port with the heater. Most controllers have an integrated screen that allows for checking the status of the Aquarium. Newer controllers can be connected to the internet, so that you can view the status via Smart Phone or computer.[1]

Controller Features

Some of the many features of Aquarium controllers are

  • Relays that control electronic devices like heaters, lights, and water pumps
  • Output controls for analog and Pulse width modulation (PWM) accessory's
  • Probes that can monitor water parameters such as
    • Temperature
    • Ph
    • Salinity
    • Oxygen Reduction Potential (ORP)
    • Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium[2]
  • Expansion capability to add more modules
  • Alerts via email, text, or audible tone [3]
  • Visual monitoring via internet
  • Float switch inputs
  • Control Dosing pumps[4]

Manufactures

Digital Aquatics

Digital Aquatics was one of the first commercially available Aquarium Controllers. It has not expanded it's line much since coming to the market, and is considered a budget Aquarium Controller.

Reefkeeper

Reefkeeper is the Aquarium Controller available by Digital Aquatics, It comes it two flavors Elite, and lite. The ReefKeeper comes with 4 port controllable power strip, temperature probe, and Ph port and no stock internet capability, although it can be added with an expansion module.

GHL

GHL a German Aquarium product maker, designs and makes high end Aquarium products for elite aquatic products such as Aquarium Controllers, lighting, chemical doses .

Profilux

The Profilux comes with many options, the standard unit comes with a Powerbar with 8 ports for accessories. temperature probe, and Ph probe.

Reef Angel

The Reef Angel is controller is built with open source software based on the Arduino platform, that allows for the person to do their own programming. It comes with a standard controller with temperature probe, ph probe and an relay controlled power strip called a DC8. It does not come with WiFi, or Ethernet from the factory that needs to be added with an expansion unit. Another thing to note, if you want to control more than 2 expansion unit's you need to purchase an expansion hub.

Neptune Systems

Neptune Fusion Web Interface

Neptune Systems is arguably the most robust and refined Aquarium controller. There are many expansion modules available.

Apex jr

The smallest system offered by Neptune Systems. The Apex jr has the computer built into a 4 port power strip. It only includes a temperature probe, and does not have the capability to monitor anything else without additional modules.

Apex Classic

Formally known as the Apex, the Apex Classic name was change in 2016 when Neptune systems introduced their new controller. The Apex Classic has a 8 port power strip known as an E8-B. The Apex Classic has its own computer, that is

Apex

The newest Apex version completely redesigned their controller. It contains all the features of the previous versions, with added salinity monitor, integrated wifi, and a new energy bar with advanced monitoring features.

Expansion Modules

DOS

Dosing and fluid metering (DOS) is a chemical dosing unit, with a stepper motor system. It integrates into the apex system via the bus cable system, and can be controlled or tuned via the Apex Fusion.

COR

Intelligent return pump (Cor) is Neptune systems Aquarium return pump. It is integrated into the Apex systems via bus cable and is controllable via Apex Fusion.

AFS

Automatic Feeding System (AFS) is a fish feeding system that is powered and controlled via bus cable and is controllable via Apex Fusion

BOB

Break Out Box (BOB), allows you to connect float switches to monitor the level of liquid in a container. It is connected to the Apex via RS8 cable.

Trident

Trident automatic Alkalinity, Calcium, and magnesium monitoring allows you to monitor and alert when these parameters are out of tolerance.[5] Devices such as Calcium Reactors or Dosing equipment can be triggered as well to increase or decrease supplementation to get parameters within tolerance.

References

  1. ^ admin. "Aquarium Equipment: The Internet Accessible Aquarium for the Budget Conscious Aquarist". Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  2. ^ "A Look at the new Neptune Systems Trident Neptune Systems Reef Builders | The Reef and Marine Aquarium Blog". Reef Builders | The Reef and Marine Aquarium Blog. 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  3. ^ "Apex - Aquarium Controller | Melev's Reef". www.melevsreef.com. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  4. ^ "Reefing from Afar, Part 3: The Bare-Bones Basics of Automation". Saltwater Smarts. 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
  5. ^ "News from Neptune Systems: Amazon Alexa support, new Apex Base Unit and Trident update! - Reefs.com". Reefs.com. 2018-04-07. Retrieved 2018-07-01.
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