BEST controller available?

[Miguelito]

I know the standard ones, Neptune, Aquatronica and the lesser models in the US market, but are there any European controllers that haven't/might hit the US market anytime soon? I'd like an expandable, well thought out controller. I have the Aquatronica with dual power bars - but I need some online monitoring or at the very least SMS (compatible with US).

I'm trying to get some info on IKS, but its difficult. Plus their probes cost over $300/each so I'd hate to have to replace those. I'm not so concerned with an upfront price, but that seems a little steep for a ph probe if I need to replace it.

I'm looking at the Elos Biotopus II, it seems like a really well thought out unit. I'm also considering the Aquacontroller III Pro, because the internet thing is very plug n play (a friend of mine has one).

Is there anything I haven't seen that might be available? I've seen lots of cool ones on international tanks here on zeovit.com but know very little about them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

David

[G.Alexander]

David, I am not very familiar with those controllers but here you can find two further products:

Riff Control:

http://www.riffcontrol.de/catalog/ (German)

Bess:

http://www.aquacontrol.biz/ (German & English)

G.Alexander

[Miguelito]

Thank you for those! What controller do you use? I have looked at the Bess, I am very interested - especially if they have SMS or a webserver. I got some more info today on the Biotopus II and it really does sound very cool. Only hangup is that I need a Sim (?) card and I don't think my Treo has one. Bummer.

I found this translated thread on the Bio II http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...highlight=elos

[G.Alexander]

David, I have never uses a controller so my knowledge about the systems is very limited. Elos is working on a SMS module for their controller and it should be available soon. If I find some useful information, I promise to post them.

G.Alexander

[zeorunner]

http://www.limulus.it/

[Orion76]

David, more important than the features find out which manufacturer provides the best support.

If your controller comes with an Italian manual and there is no tech support in English, or if the company that makes the device doesn't have the courtesy to answer emails then don't buy it. Chances are you'll get stuck somewhere along the way setting it up and need help.

I know I had to email Curt from Neptune Systems several times before I had my AC3 up and running, I would have been lost if I had nobody to ask for help

[Orion76]

BTW I found the folks at Bess Electronics (aquacontrol.biz) to be very friendly and helpful explaining their product and it has great features too, but I went with the AC at the time because the Bess PC software wasn't available yet. I don't know if they have finished it already or not.

[Orion76]

Only hangup is that I need a Sim (?) card and I don't think my Treo has one. Bummer.

It would need its own SIM and phone number so if your current phone has one or not is irrelevant, as long as it can receive SMS messages.

[moonpod]

I'm trying to get some info on IKS, but its difficult. Plus their probes cost over $300/each so I'd hate to have to replace those. I'm not so concerned with an upfront price, but that seems a little steep for a ph probe if I need to replace it.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

David

The IKS probes are the same as any other companies. BNC connections. You need the little adapter, but you don't replace that.

[zeorunner]

Limulus have english manual and assistance
it is the more advanced aystem and it allows the remote control with internet of your aquarium

[Orion76]

Limulus have english manual and assistance
it is the more advanced aystem and it allows the remote control with internet of your aquarium

Just checking it out now. Looks very nice, only their power socket module can only handle 6 amps total and costs 216 euros.

That will become expensive if you have a lot of power hungry devices to control

[Miguelito]

Thanks everyone. That limulus looks awesome with controllable dimmers even. But I'm worried about support. I think I'm down to ACIII Pro, IKS, Biotopus II and possibly Bess.

Its funny - I look at that cheapo that Premium Aquatics and have to ask myself why I feel the need to pay so much more. That one seems really easy to use for $400 and it comes with a built-in webserver.

[moonpod]

the lighthouse IS easy. It's also quite limited, but if it's all you need....

The IKS can do controllable T5 dimming--the same stuff can also be used to control streams

The ACIIIpro is a nice unit, Curt gives good support, but I dont' trust the DC units or x10 personally.

Biotopus--c'mon Dave, pull the trigger, noone else is using it....

[Miguelito]

It is really a hard call. I'm waiting for some clarifications on the Bio II. It is a supercool unit and Jesse (Elos distributor) is nice to work with. Do you or any US IKS users have the SMS or online monitoring? I'm nervous I'll have to figure that out on my own if I go with IKS.

I have a friend running the ACIII Pro, I need to go check out the DC unit again.

[moonpod]

I would guess that Doug of Deltec would/did, but his new tank isn't up yet.....I wish I had it b/c my tank crumped while I was out of town for 10 days....still can't see through the algae...