Help me with a picking a controller

[nyfireman3097]

My neptune crapped out on me today i need a new controller what do you guys reccomend

[moonpod]

Aquatronica vs the IKS are my first choices.

The Octopus is OK, but really IMO a less flexible version of the AC.

[nyfireman3097]

yeah what are the benifits of them do you know ?

[moonpod]

The IKS and the aquatronica both offer more probe expandibility than the AC. The both utilize direct control powerstrips--no x10. The IKS is more established and has a very flexible programming system apparently. The Aquatronica is a new kid on the block with more expandability than the IKS (near as I can tell) a better price point but a more restrictive programming system (albeit does most things I can think of). I have an AQ on my office tank and it's been very good. I am getting an IKS for my home tank--just to try something different

[fkadir]

Chuck, The IKS does not have a 'programming language' so to speak and its all menu-driven. I dunt think its very flexible when compared to the controllers which allows you to manual code the programmes IMHO.

[moonpod]

Hm, that wasn't my understanding of the IKS, but who knows...mine hasn't come yet. The aquatronica is menu driven as well.

[fkadir]

OK, tell me when u received yours cos on mine, its all menu driven and you cant do a 'if.. then' kinda thing.. Also take note if a particular output socket is already assigned to a 'heat' or 'cool' function, you cant do a timer or anyother function which is not temperature related.

[moonpod]

It'll prolly be a couple of weeks. I've got a heavy travel schedule coming up.

[nyfireman3097]

This is awesome info guys this is wat i wqas asking for thanx a million add as much about them as you dont mind typing thank you

[moonpod]

Farish, so far it seems like any socket can be a heater or chiller....

[fkadir]

Chuck, yup any socket can be a heater or chiller but once you assigned that socket to a heat/cool function, you cant use the same socket for timer etc etc.

Example, if you set the socket to heater function, you cannot specify when the socket should be active.

[moonpod]

AHHHH, I get what you are saying. You want me to see if I can on top of setting the heat function put a time constraint on it right? I'll see if I can do that.

[fkadir]

Yup, exactly. I cant do it on mine. Its either time-based or one of the other functions, cant do both.

[moonpod]

You know, I haven't had a chance, but I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't. They might view that as a way to avoid some weird programming loops ya know?

[Detritivore]

chuck, is it true that the IKS can only control up to 16 "things" (as in lights, chillers, heaters, etc...)?