aquarium controller needed or just something to geek out on.

[Devaji108]

Hey guys I am thinking about getting a full apex. so I would like to start a thread on the necessity of aquarium controllers in the hobby.

with alot of the equipment we get they are controlled. lights pumps etc.
so what really are the benefits. sure you can get a txt if the leak sensor going off or your PH is out of balance. but it is really a requirement in this day and age?

is alot of money for a computer of a fish tank. haha
my setup needs are pretty simple and I keep going back on for if it worth the $$ we ALL work hard for our green backs just need more convincing i guess.

what I like about controllers apex in general:
fusion- I can control my tank from anywhere. A bonus as I do travel a cpl times a year.
and having one interface to control them all ... the down side is for every equipment you have to buy the connecting cables.

one BIG down fall for me is that you spend 550 on a controller and it does not even come as a functioning ATO, witch in my mind is the 1st thing ppl want to automate. then you have to relay on float valves. that is so late 90s tech for such a high tech and expensive unit? or is that me??

 

[d2mini]

This comes up almost weekly.
Here's a thread from just this past week.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24358117

A controller can do pretty much anything you want it to.
You just have to ask yourself what those things are.

 

[Devaji108]

yeah i figured it has been hashed out quite a bit.
in truth I do want one just trying to justify it to my bank account.

 

[Bpb]

What you need to do is assess whether you actually can find value in one. Is there a specific problem you have that a controller would fix? If so, there's a reason to get one. For me it came down to some basics. Ultimately I needed reliable dosing pump control and reliable temperature/light communcation control between heater/fans/metal halides. Those were factors that made a controller a necessity. I don't use any of the txt or email alarms. No extra modules. Every piece of gear I buy is to address a specific need or concern. Never spend money just to tinker.

 

[JamesFWB]

I have an Apex. But with that being said I also have a Smart ATO and it was my best purchase. The apex is cool and something to geek out with on the wave makers and feed options. My tank was fine without it though. The Smart ATO was my best purchase. I got the older one. The newer one is smaller.

 

[ca1ore]

If you want one and can afford one, then get one. No more justification needed really. This hobby is partly about the toys, and a controller is a good toy.

 

[rainydave]

When I first got a controller for my BC29 I chose the RKL. It did exactly what I wanted. It controlled my lights and heater. As a bonus it had a Standby (feed mode) I could use to shut off the return pump for 10 minutes when I was feeding. I had a habit of forgetting to turn the pump back on. I was also happy to get rid of the dial timers I was using for the lights.
The system grew with my tanks. I eventually got up to 3 PC4s for all my pumps/powerheads, skimmer, etc. and an SL1 to control my ATO. Now, I've moved to the Archon, because I could re-purpose all my pieces to the new system.

 

[Devaji108]

What you need to do is assess whether you actually can find value in one. Is there a specific problem you have that a controller would fix? If so, there's a reason to get one. For me it came down to some basics. Ultimately I needed reliable dosing pump control and reliable temperature/light communcation control between heater/fans/metal halides. Those were factors that made a controller a necessity. I don't use any of the txt or email alarms. No extra modules. Every piece of gear I buy is to address a specific need or concern. Never spend money just to tinker.

very good point and well said sir. my needs are heat monitor, ATO my lights will have there own controller but would be nice to link them if I get one as well as the wave makers.
I do like being able to monitor the tank when I am gone that would be a big pice of mind during my slow season I often travel for 2 + weeks at a time. be nice to check in on things...set up feeding, ATO, ATS lights, DT lights and wave makers.

so sounds like there a must have more me. ha