My controller will not connect to the PC software.
- Make sure that your PC interface is properly connected (see instructions)
- Check that your Controller is on the main screen (where the date and time can be seen)
- If you are using the serial/USB (ACQ221) adapter, make sure to install the drivers on your PC (CD found inside the box)
- If you are using the serial/USB (ACQ221) adapter, check that the yellow LED flashes.
- Check that the COM port that is set on the Aquatronica software (settings-communication port) corresponds to your PC’s port.

My Density probe is not reading a correct value.
- Have you calibrated the probe?
- Check that your probe isn’t in an area where air bubbles form. Air bubbles can accumulate inside the probe’s sleeve and cause incorrect readings.
-If the probe has been in your aquarium for more than a month remove the sleeve and check the electrodes for algae, use a clean cloth and wipe it. The probe should be placed in an area with some water movement.
-Check the electrodes for rust. Some probes tend to form rust after a few weeks operation. After various tests we have verified that if this rust is removed, the electrode continues to function properly. If your probe continues to rust, contact your distributor for a replacement. We are currently working on a solution for this problem.

My pH probe will not calibrate.
-Verify that you have connected the correct probe to the interface (pH should be written on the probe).
-Check that you have used the correct calibration solution. The calibration value must correspond to the calibration fluid.
-While in calibration mode, wait until the probe stabilizes on a value, or starts fluctuating between two values. If the probe reads a value that is very different from the set value, it may not calibrate.
-Do not leave the controller in calibration mode too long. We recommend leaving the controller in this mode for no more than 30 minutes.
-If you’ve had the probe for more than 12 months, your probe made need to be exchanged for a new one. Our probes have a lifespan of roughly 12-18 months, depending on use and maintenance performed on the probe.

Does the Redox probe need to be calibrated?
-Not usually, the probe will begin to read a correct value after about a week in your aquarium.
-Due to popular demand we now have a buffer solution available.
-You should only calibrate the sensor if it has been immersed in the aquarium for 2 weeks.

How do I calibrate my temperature probe? Does it even need to be calibrated?
A calibration can be done by using a digital or high precision thermometer and setting the value read by that thermometer into the reference value. We recommend calibrating the sensor.

How many Power units and sensors can I connect to a single system?
The limit is 10 Power units and 20 sensors.

What is the maximum length that I can run a USB cable from one PU to another?
We have tested up to 15 meters. You can try even longer but the connection could become unreliable.

Can I connect other types of probes into the interface?
In some cases yes, if  you have a pH or Redox probe which has a BNC connector, it may give a correct reading but the system may not be able to calibrate it. Of course we cannot guarantee that all probes will be compatible.

I cannot do an internet update.
-First of all, make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.
-Verify that there is no firewall, or anti virus active on your computer that is blocking the connection. This is how you create an exception for our software on Windows XP with Service Pack 2:
-Enter Control Panel
-Windows Firewall
-Exception
-Add program
-At this point you will have to find your aquatronica program, usually found in C:-Programs-aquatronica-aquarium controller-then find ONLINEUPDATE.EXE.
-Make sure the checkmark on the side is on.
Try connecting to our site.
 

I was doing a controller update and my controller got blocked during the firmware update.
If your screen goes black and you are unable to connect to the system using the software try following this procedure:
· unplug your controller from the Power units for 10-15 seconds then re-connect;
· close and re-open the Aquatronica software;
· go into FILE and select CONTROLLER UPDATE, do NOT press the CONNECT button;
· the software will begin the update procedure and should automatically connect the controller
· the system will ask you to select a language, then it will complete the download.

Unfortunately, by doing this procedure you will lose your programs so always save your configurations before doing an update. This procedure usually works even if the firmware update is blocked at 1%

How many programs can I set on a system?
For a standard complete system (one of everything):
-16 Timer programs
-20 Sensor programs
-4 Wave effects
-4 Tide effects

The Aquarium Controller system can support a maximum of 10 Power units and 20 sensors.

I have reset my system or changed Controllers and would like to download my saved configuration, but my PU’s and sensor designations are all wrong.

If you have more than 1 PU or more than 1 type of the same sensor (e.g. 2 levels/3 Redox) we highly recommend disconnecting these sensors, reconnecting them one at a time, and giving each one of them a designation BEFORE loading a saved configuration. While the software is loading the Power unit configuration, it will ask you to verify which PU corresponds to the ones that are saved in the file. The same happens with the sensors. If the wrong PU or sensor is set, the programs will not correspond with the plugs and you could risk damaging your aquarium!

NOTE: This happens because the plug and play system will designate names to whatever it first reads. This is true for both PU’s and sensors, for this reason, if it is possible, we recommend unplugging all PU’s and sensors BEFORE resetting your system. Once you have reset, plug in one sensor at a time giving it the name you want. By doing this the system will recognize them in an orderly fashion.

Is it safe to fully submerse the probes?
Yes, all of our probes are completely waterproof. Our interfaces are not!

Does one type of program override another?
Our system utilizes a “hierarchical” type of logic. In other words, each type of program is part of a priority scale, there could be a program that can override another type, or it can be overridden by other types of programs. Here is the scale, starting from the manual switch found on the PU and manual commands which override them all:
1. Manual switch/manual commands
2. Function Keys
3. XY Programs
4. Level switch programs
5. Temperature programs
6. pH, Density, Redox, Freshwater Conductivity
7. Power-cut 
8. Wave effect
9. Tide effect
10. Timer programs

If two programs of the same priority are made on the same plug, the program that turns ON the plug will have priority over the program that keeps it OFF.

- If you would like to use 2 or more level sensors in the same program, you should know that there is a priority given to the sensor that was first connector.

Does my Density probe already compensate for temperature variation?
The Density probe has a build-in thermometer that measures the temperature and automatically compensates the salinity value. This means that if you are also using another instrument for measuring the salinity (such as a Refractometer, or a Specific Gravity Meter) and your Density probe is reading a different value, you must also keep in mind that temperature variations may not be compensated in the other device.

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If this page was unable to answer your question, please contact Aquatronica’s free Technical Assistance at service@aquatronica.com. If you are sending an e-mail for technical difficulties, please provide a full description of  the defect. If the problem is with a Control unit, Power unit, or interface, please provide a lot number found on the back of the Control unit or on the two stickers on the side on the PU e.g. LC9/6/2- LT5/6/2, as well as the firmware and hardware versions of the defective product (found by going into the product’s menu and selecting ABOUT)