Some help with what options I need

[jimdon IOM]

Hi
I am shortly doing a new build and don't currently use any computer automation, but do already have controllable/programable dosing pumps, and vortechs so don't need control for pumps. I would like some basic lighting control, and a simulation light stick would be ideal for sunrise sunset and moonlight effects, my current lighting is not dimmable so just timed on and off needed for 2 T5 ballasts and two electronic MH Ballasts 250W. Cooling fan and temp control would be handy but is not imperative.

I would like to keep the spend to under £300 if possible.

What would I need to buy, and what are my best options from the models available. I can't decide whether I just need the profilux light bar and some accessories or one of the kits?

Jim

[wave ace]

Depends on if you want to do things like control PH and or ozone if you do think about a full kit

[jimdon IOM]

No, no Ozone, no Cal reactor or Kalk addition, so don't think I need Ph control

[wave ace]

then you could go for the light bar this is what I have done as I have a Aquatonica running every thing else

[jimdon IOM]

Thanks, appreciate the info, I'll see if Steve or anyone else suggests any other options.

[porter_painter]

If you’re certain you don’t want to expand the system much further Jim, then the light bar with a temp probe and a led stick is going to tick all the boxes you want. If you buy new at the RRP it’s going to come in a fraction over £300 (if you get the PC cables as well, which I would recommend for ease of programming).

I’ve had one, and was very impressed with it.

However, you should bare in mind that it isn’t expandable so limits your future options.

[stevew@reefdreams]

As above really, if you aren't looking to expand then the Lightbar will do the job perfectly.

Steve

[jimdon IOM]

Thanks all, so If I got the light bar and a light stick, a pc cable, and a temp sensor, could I control a set of fans via one of the plugs? oh and would that give me any room to add a simple Ph probe ( just for readings control not required) or will I have used up all it's ports with the lights and temp probe?

[porter_painter]

Yes, you can control fans and/or a chiller through one of the sockets.

Afraid there’s no scope to add any probes/sensors other than the temp sensor in this unit though.

[jimdon IOM]

So I'd have to go for one of the kits then if I wanted to add that into the equation. So having looked at the details on sponsers pages I'd need the one that retails around 299 and then buy the light stick and Probes on top?

[porter_painter]

if this (http://www.ghl-profilux.co.uk/acatalog/GHL-Profilux-Aquatic-Computer---CONTROL-KIT.html) is the one you're looking at jim, it comes with the temp and ph probe. it's just the led stick to buy on top.

always worth posting a wanted add for a second hand set up - that's how i got mine :)

hth

[jimdon IOM]

I'm not sure, was looking on a retailers site, I thought the one I was looking at had expansion capability but did not have the Ph probe, maybe I got mixed up between the models.

Thanks though something to think about.