Ranco to control lights.

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I have been wanting some cheap system to turn off my lights if the tank gets to hot.

I know that a the Reef keeper and Aqua controllers do this but I do not need really any of the other function they offer.

Here is an option what do you guys think. I am not very savvy with electricity so looking for some feed back about the if this can safely handle 3- 400 MH.

Each 400 pulls 4.5 amp so that is a total 13.5 amp. The unit says it can handle 16 amps but want to be sure that it can handle shutting that much on & off. Also allowing it to run for at least 8 hrs a day safely.

Link to specs
http://www.rancoetc.com/pdf/ranco_etc.pdf">http://www.rancoetc.com/pdf/ranco_etc.pdf</a>

Link to units
[IMG]http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html">http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html</a>

Thanks guys Joe
 
I have a single stage ranco....been running it for 3+ years now and I love it! I have it to turn on a fan near my sump when the tank gets a little too hot. I've never had an issue with it.
 
It'd be pushing it. I'd personally limit it to 10 amps per controller, to allow a safety margin.

I just checked the datasheet, and it gives current in both a Normally Open and Normally Closed configurations (16 and 5.8 amps, respectively), which is a big difference; I'm not sure which model you typically find in the aquarium world, so don't know which one to go off of.

The flip side is that you could use this coupled with a high powered relay and easily control as much as you need, but that'd take a little more rigging up.
 
Thanks Lee I have one for my chiller but want another one to shut the lights off if temps get over 82.

I can buy a controller but if I buy one I want one that emails me and that one costs more then I want to spend right now.

Joe
 
Yea Cris thats why I posted not sure what that really means to me.:blush:

There is the aqua logic but it costs a little more. I spoke to the teck guy there and he thinks it could do it but I want to be sure.

If you would please take a look at the speck sheet for me and see what you think.

http://www.aqualogicinc.com/products/temp_controllers/">http://www.aqualogicinc.com/products/temp_controllers/</a>

Thanks Joe
 
That setup would require the "normally closed" configuration, and have the lower amp rating. With a good relay, you can do whatever you want because you'll keep the majority of the amperage out of the controller.
 
Joe, I want to know what you decide because I want one too. :D
 
yeah man it will work fine, or I can send you a wiring diagram to setup some relays that will allow you to pull as many amps as you want.

or just get a ACjr with a DC-4HD. its well worth the $200.
 
Yes it seems if I buy the ranco it will save me some money but if I have to buy the aqa logic it does not really save me that much.

I did notice the DC 4 says max 12 aps all total is less then 15. So I guess this mean 1 outlet maxis out 12 and all 4 can handle up to 15.

Correct?

Stacy I will let you know what I come up with.

Joe
 
Seriously- is it worth losing "how many thousands of dollars" in corals to save a couple hundred on a quality controller? Tell you what, sell me a couple colonies, and you'll have your money.
 
yes 12a max per outlet, 15a max for all 4 total.

or you can do what im doing for my setup and use a DC-8 to trip larger relays so each outlet can pull up to 18a if its wired from its own house circuit. :)
 
Spoke to ranco and they said that the controller would be in open mode while running lights which seems to me like it would work.

Jeremy I want a high end controller and will get one sometime maybe this time.

I have Ranco for temp contol, PH monitor & PH controller so for me it's just a high end light timer unless I get the AC3 for email alerts.

I actually think the Ranco would have less of a chance of failure then the AC3. Mainly because this is all it does so there are less things to go wrong.

Jeremy were did you end up getting your? The best price I have found is Reef geek.

It would cost me $400 plus to get the model with Heavy duty outlets or $99 for the ranco.

http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Controllers_&_Monitors/Neptune_Systems_AquaController/AquaController_3_w!_Std_pH,_OPR_&_Temp_Probes_&_DC4_HD_by_Neptune_Systems">http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Controllers_&_Monitors/Neptune_Systems_AquaController/AquaController_3_w!_Std_pH,_OPR_&_Temp_Probes_&_DC4_HD_by_Neptune_Systems</a>

[IMG]http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html">http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html</a>

Joe
 
I got mine from aquacave.
http://www.aquacave.com/aquacontroller-iii--w-ph-orp-brtemp-probes--dc8-brby-neptune-systems-1471.html">http://www.aquacave.com/aquacontroller-iii--w-ph-orp-brtemp-probes--dc8-brby-neptune-systems-1471.html</a>

The beauty of this thing is that it will do more than simply tunr off the lights if the temp spikes. I can turn off the lights, turn on a fan, turn on an airpump or additional powerhead to increase oxygenation, email you, make your bed, fix your car, and do your taxes. SO I hear.

Seriously, though, it can do anything. Too bad I cant figure it out. Right now, mine is a timer.

[IMG]http://gatherroundchildren.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/idiot.jpg alt="" />
 
I ment the JR not the 3, and call them and ask to replace the DC-8 with the DC-4HD, it will be $220 or less(since the DC-4HD is cheaper then the DC-8)
 
No it's does not.

I will probably have the same problem as you with programming it.:D

Joe
 
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