Solar Regulator has no AGM setting will GEL setting work??

Hi all.
I have a Morningstar, Prostar-30amp solar regulator currently running my 3 solar panels totalling 420 watts, when the sun is out we are capable of making 25 amp/h. Even after a day like this my batteries seem to be only be able to power our fridge through the night. So its time for a batterie upgrade from 2x100amp/h deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries that have had it, to (hopefully) 3x 100 amp/h AGM Batteries. Problem is my regulator only has 3 settings. 1 Gel, 2 Sealed, 3 Floored. I was told i can use The GEL setting for AGM Batteries but i am sceptical. Can anyone shed some light on my situation??????
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Reply By: Racey - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 09:06

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 09:06
Hi Trooper Dan, The Prostar manual says to to use the "Sealed" setting for AGM batteries. As a matter of interest, are you running a compressor frig or an absorption 3 way?

A copy of the manual Prostar Manual
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Follow Up By: Member - troopydan - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:09

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:09
Compressor fridge Racey. WAECO 120L why the interest?? I'm open to suggestions or thoughts if you have any.
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Follow Up By: Racey - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:50

Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:50
Trooper Dan, I was was trying get a handle on you power consumption, an absorption frig would be struggling to run overnight on 220amp/hr 12volt.
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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:12

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:12
My van has the same controller - my battery selection is 2 (sealed).....I have 3 x 100 Ah AGM deep cycles (and 240W of fixed solar + 120W folding portable). The mainstream battery makers can supply ideal charging and maintenance specifications - maybe check for those details when you choose the new batteries.
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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 18:19

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 18:19
I would choose a setting that best matches what the battery manufacture recommends.

My AGM manufacturer says max voltage 14.4, so I would use the flooded setting on that reg.

Beware of the Equalisation routine. On that reg the sealed and flooded settings contain one, and equalisation is not usually recommended for VRLA batteries (ie most AGMs). My battery manufacturer specifically prohibits it - check yours. Though it is available if you want it, it is usually disabled by default, but it would be worth a check.

Cheers
FrankP

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Follow Up By: Racey - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:51

Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:51
Frank, which manufacturer?
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Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 09:42

Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 09:42
Info was from Exide, via their distributor in Wollongong.
FrankP

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