controller

[gauma369]

Ok this may seem dumb but I am looking to get information on controllers. I am very lost in everything so if someone could help me out. Dont really know much about them at all so if you could just simplify and give me as much information as possible. Like I know that you can set them up for like controlling timers for lights and heaters and such but not sure how it works or anything bout it. So any info will help me out. Some suggestions are also help full. I was sort of looking at the Reefkeeper level one but is it worth it to just get the level 3 right away instead of buying the probes and such later?

And if someone could enlighten me on what ORP is

 

[builderguy]

Basically controllers control special power strips to turn things on and off based on criteria. As you've mentioned, lights based upon time of day, heaters (and chillers, fans, etc.) based on temp (could even turn lights off if tank gets too hot - so multiple criteria can apply to the same outlet). You can dose Kalk if your pH gets too low. You could set up timers to dose other additives - for instance dose calcium or alkalinity buffers for 15 minutes each day (depending on how much you need to add).

I have an Aquacontroller and it controls the following:

1. VHO Actinic Lighting
2. Metal Halides
3. Chiller
4. Heaters
5. two-part dosing + Magnesium
6. Auto Top-off - Freshwater if pH high
7. Auto Top-off - Kalk is pH is low (float switch plugs into controller)
8. Kalk Stirring pump on Kalk reactor
9. Refugium lighting
10. Frag tank lighting

ORP is Oxygen Redox Potential. People use it to see that there is enough "oxygenation" in the water and also to control Ozone generators which many people use to keep their water clear.

If you like the Reefkeeper and want the most expandability and future internet control...go with the Elite.