When the application is started and the controller connected, it displays the active schedule. The user is able to choose one of the predefined schedules (Shallow Reef, Natural Reef, Deep Reef or Overcast Reef):
• shallow reef: mimics the natural behavior of sunlight at shallow water depth and maximizes light output
• natural reef: mimics the natural behavior of sunlight at average depth. Ideal for a mixed reef.
• deep reef: mimics the natural behavior of sunlight at deep ocean depths. Ideal to highlight the fluorescence of LPS corals.
• overcast reef: mimics the natural behavior of sunlight while simulating an overcast sky during noon. Maintains a more constant light output over the day while changing color point.
These schedules can be loaded via the CoralCare application and still allow you to change time, color, intensity to your specific wishes.
The user can also define a new 24-hour light schedule, which can be saved to 1 of the 2 custom schedules and shared with fellow reefers via the app or via a text file on your PC.
0-10V mode
The CoralCare controller can easily be programmed via a Windows PC or wirelessly, but is also compatible with most 0-10V aquarium controller interfaces.
The controller can be set to a 0-10V mode, meaning that it will no longer react to the programmed schedule, but to the two 0-10V input channels on the CoralCare controller. By applying the correct voltages to these input pins, the CoralCare controller can be directly controlled by a 3rd party interface. This can come from an aquarium computer or any other 0‑10V interface compatible devices such as Profilux and Apex (proven by user tests).
Direct control
The CoralCare Controller Gen2 includes direct control allowing you to overrule the running schedule and directly control the light settings. It is for example a handy option for quickly checking your reef inhabitants during the night. You can save your direct control settings to one of the four presets.
Demo and live mode
The CoralCare interface and controller support a demo and live mode. With the CoralCare app or when the controller is connected to the PC the live mode can be activated. Each setting stored in the user interface can be transferred directly to CoralCare fixtures to see how it would look in your reef tank. It is not mandatory to program the controller with all fixtures connected.
In demo mode you can start a procedure whereby the 24h schedule is shortened to a 2min demonstration. During this demonstration the light schedule will be sent to the fixture.
Acclimatization phase
When installing new CoralCare fixtures or when adding new corals, it is wise to gradually increase the intensity of your schedule. The acclimatization phase allows you to define the number of days during which you want the intensity to increase slowly to the level that you have predefined.