controller or no controller??

[pizzaguy]

I am debating over and over on a controller or something else for the build. My question is, is a controller a necessity or a luxury? I know it displays temp and ph with controllable outlets. But I have radions so no need to control lights, dj switch for pumps etc. No calcium reactor but I will have dosing pumps for 2 part. So is one really necessary or not? Please help me decide and understand. I've never owned one.

[OldReefer]

The controller is the first thing I bought when I did my last build. I travel a lot so it is essential for me, but even if I stayed home, I don't think I would run a reef tank without one.

 

Controllers are also a good value when you consider the alternatives. All those power strips, timers, and stand alone controllers ( pH, ORP, etc) add up to real money. The best plan is to commit to a controller initially and save yourself all those little inital expenses.

 

My controllers have saved my tanks more times than I can count. The conductivity probe flagged a small leak that would have gradually given me a freshwater tank. It has also stopped Kalk overdoses, run-away calcium reactors, shut down lighting to prevent overheat when the A/C went out. It goes on and on.

 

I love getting an email when my Skimate Locker is full, or if a parameter drifts out of line.

 

You will love dosing 2 part with a controller. You can look at pH graphs and tweak your dosing to smooth out nightly pH swings. You will also find your temperature holds steadier than using just the heater thermostat ( a high failure item). I would also hang a clip-on fan onto the sump and have that kick in as soon as you temp starts to rise.

 

 

 

Without a Ca Reactor and using

 

[Origami]

I love my controller. It provides monitoring, remote access and historical logging that I find invaluable. It has certainly been worth it for me.

[pizzaguy]

That's some sound advice. With that said, what controller is the easiest to use. And which one? I was thinking the reefkeeper elite to start.

[Coral Hind]

At first I thought it was just a luxury but I soon realized it is indispensable. Once you get it setup to send you email or text alerts it becomes a great tool to help prevent a disaster. It also gives you a great peace of mind while away because you can pull up the tank's info from the web and see exactly what the temp or pH is and turn on and off anything hooked up to it. Mine has saved my tank three times while I was either at work or on vacation.

[pizzaguy]

So you can turn stuff on and off from the internet?? This is all new to me as you can tell.

[Origami]

Yes. Even from your smart phone.

 

I use an Apex. I have an older AC-III that I may list soon. Many club members still run the AC-III.

 

 

[Coral Hind]

I still run an AC-III. I actually just hooked it up to my new tank. I don't see me getting a newer model for awhile.

[OldReefer]

I see the post got truncated somehow.

 

Without a Ca reactor and using Radions, you loose some of of the motivation. But it is still great to automate all the little stuff.

 

A cheap EBay solenoid and a couple of float switches in my top-off container works with my Apex to control my RO/Di system. I never run out out of water and my RO/DI doesn't cycle on and off like it would with a float valve.

 

I also use a controller to keep my saltwater mix warm and ready. If I am going to do a water change, I can sit at work and turn on the mixing pump to get the oxygen up, and order my RO/DI to top-off the my freshwater holding tank so I am ready to make the next batch.

 

Add fun little things like humidistats to control vent fans and water-on-floor sensors, and I am sure you still find a way to get good use out of a controller

[pizzaguy]

The very brief description you get when reading about controllers does not go into any of this. Very informative. You can do a lot more then I New about.

[OldReefer]

I use the Apex and spent years with an AC3. There is a learning curve but it is worth it. I got all of my controller stuff used. I just stalk RC until there is a breakdown sale and jump on it. The stuff doesn't wear out, and you still get outstanding service from Neptune.

 

I have solved tank problems from Internet cafes in Senegal and dive bars in Jakarta. The iPhone app is amazing and it allows you to integrate IP cameras as well so you can see your tank or sump. My IP camera came in real handy after the earthquake. It was nice to know I didn't have 150 gallons of water on the floor.

[pizzaguy]

Tour gettin out of my league now!! I'm a pizzaman.lol

[zygote2k]

I too use an APEX and run a few on other tanks. Once you realize that it is an internet powered controller, it becomes very simple to use. Neptune has excellent customer service and there are soooooo many people here who use them and can help you troubleshoot that is simply the smart choice to buy in this area.

In the top 3 of all-time aquarium purchases.

[jjk_reef00]

Once you get a controller you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner. I have a profilux, but many APEX owners are giving great reviews.

I would pick one of those 2 as I've had some bad experiences with reefkeeper customer service.

[pizzaguy]

It seems the apex is the clear choice and not that much more expensive. Especially considering everyone on here has been so helpful up to this point. Not like another forum I won't name.

[smallreef]

I too am thinking about getting an Apex... its just one of those things that helps with normal maintenance...especially with there being probes for almost everything you test for you really only have to make sure your controller is running right and probes are good every other month...

[Origami]

Apex has nice features, but as Coral Hind points out, the differences between an AC-III and and Apex are relatively few and, for most users of the AC-III the differences are not enough to switch. Ultimately, though, it leads to some good deals on AC-III's for someone who's starting out with controllers.

 

I will say that the programming environment is simplified for the Apex, but can also be confusing at times when old peripherals that are not connected show up in the devices list. Also, once you get into it, most of us skip the quick wizasrd settings on the Apex and rely on advanced programming statements in the Apex (which sort of take you back to the old AC-III days).