Systemwizardinc
Member
i am looking for a aquarium controller that's not going to cost a arm or a leg needs to do Temp Lights PH and more please help me :fish2:
aquarium controller
- Thread starter Systemwizardinc
- Start date
mcgyvr
New member
Specifically define "and more"...
You can easily get a standalone heater controller (ranco or inkbird) and simple lamp timers for the lights and be done for under $100.. Or one of the wifi power strips on amazon for like $25-30 instead of the lamp timers..
Unless you have a calcium reactor ph monitoring is rarely useful..
I recommend against a controller for you based on what you have stated so far
You can easily get a standalone heater controller (ranco or inkbird) and simple lamp timers for the lights and be done for under $100.. Or one of the wifi power strips on amazon for like $25-30 instead of the lamp timers..
Unless you have a calcium reactor ph monitoring is rarely useful..
I recommend against a controller for you based on what you have stated so far
bearpeidog
Member
I personally think the Apex is great, although pricey. It can grow with you. They sell and ApexEl which retails around $500. NOT CHEAP - but you do get cloud access, power control, ph, temp etc. If you find you need more, you can add modules.
There is a large fan base for it and lots of advice and support if needed. I’ve run them for over 10 years (older line back then) and wouldn’t have a tank without one.
Good luck in your search!
There is a large fan base for it and lots of advice and support if needed. I’ve run them for over 10 years (older line back then) and wouldn’t have a tank without one.
Good luck in your search!
RioReefr
New member
I personally use the Apex Jr. It is relatively cheap at $200 and includes 4 outlets and the very reliable temperature probe. My AI Prime, Aquamai Wavemakers and SMART ATO use their own controllers, so I don't need one controller do everything. For me, it controls the return pump, heater and chiller and skimmer. I have a webcam connected to it, so I can see my tank on my cell phone. I also got it setup to use Alexa.
Personally, my pH doesn't vary much other than a water change and there really isn't much I can do if it goes from 8.3 --> 8.5. I have a digital hand-held probe for that along with the salinity so really those 4 outlets are just fine for me.
As others have said, it is pretty much the status quo for controllers so there is lots of information for programming stuff.
It was a $200 well spent in my opinion.
Personally, my pH doesn't vary much other than a water change and there really isn't much I can do if it goes from 8.3 --> 8.5. I have a digital hand-held probe for that along with the salinity so really those 4 outlets are just fine for me.
As others have said, it is pretty much the status quo for controllers so there is lots of information for programming stuff.
It was a $200 well spent in my opinion.
Idk if this is Allowed if not splease let me know but
Idk how buying things works on this site but just read this post and saw I said u have a apex jr for sale??.
mcgyvr
New member
http://www.reefangel.com/
"low" cost controller with may of the bells/whistles as the $$$ guys and a fairly simple "hobby control" access
"low" cost controller with may of the bells/whistles as the $$$ guys and a fairly simple "hobby control" access
rocklobster1
Member
Apex is the best bet for reliability and cost if you want to control all of that stuff. Question is do you really need to? You can get away with just a timer and temp controller if needed.
I second the Apex even though it does not necessarily meet you "cheap" requirement. I started out with just the base unit and have added overtime. I now have over 20 modules controlling 3 tanks on a single head unit. The hardware is top notch and the support guys are amazing, they will help you solve anything and the possibilities are endless with apex.
