What major functions does the Lighthouse Controller provide?

3 programmable lighting zones, temperature sensor for heater/chiller Control, PH and ORP monitoring/control, and web interface.

What is included with the Lighthouse?

The basic package includes the console unit, temperature sensor, direct-connect power strip, wall transformer, and LAN cable.

What else do I need to buy in order to fully use the controller?

You will need a PH probe, an ORP probe, and PH4 and PH10 calibration fluids. Our Deluxe package includes these items, or you can get the basic package and add your own probes and calibration fluids.

How does the lighting control work?

You plug your lights into the outlets on the AC power strip provided, then you program the on and off times of each light. There are three outlets on the AC power strip that independently control three different sets of lights. A fourth outlet is used for the heater or chiller, and the two remaining outlets are "always on" and can be used for other equipment.

How many watts can the power strip handle?

The relays in each controlled outlet are rated for 10 Amps at 120VAC or 1/3 horsepower for inductive loads (like chillers and ballasts). However, the total current for all outlets cannot exceed 15 amps. This is an electrical code limitation of your house wiring and not the power strip itself.

Suppose I have a 1/2HP chiller or maybe a 1500 watt heater. Is there anyway I can control these with the Lighthouse?

Not directly. But there are DIY solutions for high powered equipment that move the load off of the power strip and into an independent circuit, that can be controlled by the Lighthouse. Here is one DIY solution. There are also some commercial units available that do this.

Can I use any aquarium heater with the Lighthouse?

Yes. Just turn up the thermostat on the heater so it is on all the time, then plug it into the heater outlet on the AC power strip. The Lighthouse can then turn the heater on or off based on readings from the temperature sensor without the heater's thermostat interfering.

Does the Lighthouse support a chiller?

Yes. The heater outlet can be used for a chiller. Just set the ON temperature higher than the OFF temperature in the set up menu. The maximum rated load is 1/3 HP. As long as the chiller is 1/3 HP or less, it will work with the Lighthouse. You can also use sump fans in chiller mode, so when the water temperature reaches a certain point, you can turn on sump fans.

On hot days, I turn off my Metal Halide lamps to reduce water temperature. Can the unit do this for me automatically?

Yes. The "Daylight Cutoff" feature allows you to set a temperature that will turn off the Daylight outlet on the power strip if that temperature is exceeded. This works independently of the ON/OFF temperature setup for the chiller or sump fan.

Can the Lighthouse support BOTH a chiller and a heater at the same time?

There is only one outlet for use by heater or chiller, so technically only one or the other can be used at the same time. However, by using the "Daylight Cutoff" feature you can plug a heater into the Daylight outlet and have the heater controlled by the cutoff temperature, while simultaneously using a chiller plugged into the heater/chiller outlet. This would allow both heater and chiller control at the same time. The disadvantage to this is that you lose the Daylight outlet for use by lighting.

Can I use my PH probe from my PinPoint PH Monitor?

Yes. Any probe with a BNC style connector will work. All of the Pinpoint probes use this type of connector and work fine with the Lighthouse.

Can I use PH-7 and PH-10 calibration fluids instead of PH-4 and PH-10?

No. The electronics has been optimized to accept PH-4 and PH-10 calibration points. The unit does not need a PH-7 point to achieve accuracy over the entire pH range.

Does the Lighthouse support ORP probe calibration?

Yes. Both PH and ORP probe calibration setup is built in the unit. In fact, you will have to calibrate your PH probe before using the unit, so make sure you have ph4 and ph10 calibration packets on hand.

Csn I use two pH probes or two ORP probes instead?

No. The two probe channels are fixed at one ORP and one pH input.

What do I need to do in order to view the Lighthouse web pages on my computer?

You need to connect the Lighthouse to your network or router/modem using the supplied Ethernet cable or the wireless adapter. Consult the owner's manual for more information. Any Web browser on any operating system (including Windows, Mac, and Linux) will work. The Lighthouse uses Java and Javascript, so make sure that Java is enabled and installed in your Web Browser.

I don't have DSL or Cable Modem, just dial-up. How do I connect the Lighthouse to my computer?

If you don't have high-speed internet, you will need to purchase a Network Interface Card and an Ethernet crossover cable. The NIC card sells for about $25 and the crossover cable about $10 at most computer stores. You will need to directly connect the Lighthouse to your computer using the crossover cable. If you have high-speed internet or any home networking equipment, the lighthouse comes with a 25 foot LAN cable ready to plug in to your network.

I don't have a wired network or don't want to run cables. Does the Lighthouse support wireless internet?

The BASIC Wireless and DELUXE Wireless packages come with a wireless adapter, or you can buy it separately.

Can I change heater settings, lighting, etc. over the internet using my web browser?

Yes. Every configuration (except clock and network setup) can be changed using either your web browser or the front panel buttons.

How do I prevent someone on the internet from changing my tank settings?

The configuration web pages use a password protection scheme to block anyone from gaining access without knowing the password. There is also a secondary security feature where you can turn web configuration off from the front panel buttons. This completely blocks web configuration, even if you have the right password.

Can I use the controller for a freshwater aquarium?

Absolutely. The built-in PH controller is excellent for use on planted tanks that utilize a CO2 solenoid.

Is the owner's manual online?

Yes. Click Here.