Controllers

[MBVette]

So I have been running my main tank w/o a controller for about 3 years w/o a problem. but not a lot of people I have been talking to tell me I am crazy and should setup a controller. Does it really make your life that much easier? If so what should I be looking for in a controller for either my 220 or my 14g?

 

Where my 220 is I do not have a wireless conection to it; and even getting a wired one will be difficult; so I dont know if that is a hinderence in setting one up. So what am I missing on by doing everything by hand?

 

Any help would be great.

 

Thanks

Scott

[Der ABT]

i dont think it really matters, if you get the nice one wiht email notification yeh it can make a huge difference

 

Really i just ended up using the timers i had elsewhere in the house, for a CARX and dosing its very nice to have it all off the same controller etc.

great for a back up to hearter malfunctioning and other equip malfunctions but

 

necessary definately not, nice to have yes.

email alerts can really save you (i dont use them but i can see how they would make a huge difference)

when im away its nice to be able to log on and turn on and off the correct thing if my wife is fixing a problem or notices something.

 

And i can brag and say i have a controller...

Edited November 30, 2011 by Der ABT

[SkiCurtis]

I "think/hope" I might be getting a apex big boy and 2 energy bar 8's for Christmas. I also have a 240 for 5 years and only one tank crash from a heater,but i'm starting over with new rock and water in the next 2 months,so I want to start right this time.

[jason the filter freak]

Reef angel

http://www.reefangel.com/

It seems to have just as many/more features as the elite controllers, is wifi capable, and is cheaper than most to boot.

[Chad]

I have ran tanks without a controller (unless you count timers, and for a while a pH controller when I had an SPS only tank) for all of my 20+ years of keeping reefs. I am about to connect one to my tank and I see it as a safety net. To me there is some inherent danger of complacency when you have everything automated... it is easier to go longer without having some hands-on reef time - the time when you notice small things that need attention.

 

I guess in short: Is a controller needed? No. Is a controller useful? Yes, but understand its limits.