Can we talk about controllers?

[aquaph8]

Thinking about getting one. Worth it? Which one do you have and what does it do for you? Please share any info that might help me decide.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

Completely worth it IMO. You spend less time doing the routine stuff, and more time enjoying your tank.

I currently have the ACjr. Using it to control lights, ato, additional ph, ca reactor. A total of 8 plugs. They're not just fancy timers, although they can be. I love it!

That said, I'm wanting the new apex jr coming out in the next weeks. The apex jr adds a net module so I can control it from my phone or computer, doesn't come with a head unit so I need to control this way. There are fancy programs online that track whatever you're measuring on your tank. That way you know what your ph swing is, electricity usage, all kinds of stuff. It even makes a chart for you.

Do you need one? NO.
Will it enrich your reefing experience? Once you learn how to use it, yes.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[brbrem]

There nice. I have the ACjr for controlling lighting schedules, monitoring fans, temp, ph etc. The only thing I don't like about it is the programming! Someone needs to come up with a simple way of programming via pc based point and click method.

 

[aquaph8]

Thanks guys, anybody have any info on any others that might be helpful?

 

[jjk_reef00]

The first question you should ask what are you trying to do with your controller (ATO, lights, etc...)?
I have profilux to control my MH, LEDs, ALK, CA, MG dosing, return/skimmer pumps, power heads, auto feeders and ATO.
I have the controller controlling parts of my FOWLR and by 29 gallon cube.
The computer software is great. I can go on my computer and adjust anything at any time. If I need to clean the skimmer, I turn off the skimmer pump from my computer software, clean the skimmer and then turn the pump back on. No more figuring out which plug I need to unplug. The auto feeder is scheduled to feed in the morning and afternoon, but I can trigger the auto feeder from the computer software if I don't have time to feed nori or seafood in the evening. I've been playing with the idea of an automatic water change system but I don't really have the room for the extra water storage.

Once you get a controller you will never want to set up a tank without one.

 

[aquaph8]

Ed, thats kinda why I dont have one already. Im scared I'll get lazy if I let a controller do everything. I pretty much want to control lights, powerheads, and maybe a auto feeder. I have a seperate ATO, is it easier to have everything off one controller though?

 

[jjk_reef00]

The best thing about this hobby is that there are many ways to accomplish the same thing. It all depends on how you want to set it up. If you have a reliable ATO set up then it is not necessary to set it up on your controller.

I have everything through my controller because I like to monitor everything from my computer. I can check if the floats are on/off. I have it set up so an alarm goes off if my top off container gets too low or my sump gets too low.

 

[coralrookie]

i agree, if you have something that work well, keep it. The nice thing about a controller is that you have the ability to add stuff to it. One of the biggest benefits is being able to go on vacation and being able to assist the person taking care of the tank in real time. Nobody will know your tank as you will.

 

[aquaph8]

Really good points guys. I love the idea of all the fail safes and alarms. At the speed smart phones are going the sky is the limit with this stuff. I do the like idea of monitoring everything on my computer. Im leaning twords using my ATO that I have and dumbing everything else down for a while until I can afford a little better controller. I really dont want to buy a cheaper one and end up buying the better one anyway. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

A great option are the starter units, RKL, ACjr, and Apex jr. Affordable with the option to expand to bigger and better later if you wish

 

[Tucson Reef]

I've got one of the original ReefKeepers, it still works great, on my Discus tank and a Neptune on my Reef. Aside from making things easier, it also logs ORP, pH, power outages and temp. It will turn my halides off if temp gets too high. Now adays with all them fancy phones you people have it could even let you know of any problems and you could fix them from where ever you where.

Most of the good ones can run more then one tank too if you want

 

[evo_2679]

I have a RKL that controls my lights / fans / and heater. Love it - since I have my fans programmed to the itemp probe so once the temp reaches 81.5 degrees the fans kick on automatically.

 

[99Trev]

Tagging along. I have looked at these before but the $ seemed more than I could justify, but it might get bumped up the list a bit.

I started looking into a DIY controller (try searching google for USB relay board or Christmas light show). These things are not too $$, but most only have outputs (relays) for turning things on and off, and would require a dedicated computer (but you can alternate it with really cool Christmas light shows).

 

[aquaph8]

Tagging along. I have looked at these before but the $ seemed more than I could justify, but it might get bumped up the list a bit.

I started looking into a DIY controller (try searching google for USB relay board or Christmas light show). These things are not too $$, but most only have outputs (relays) for turning things on and off, and would require a dedicated computer (but you can alternate it with really cool Christmas light shows).

I have a friend that does pretty cool stuff with Christmas lights with one of those. I never heard of using one for an aquarium. I'll check it out, thanks.