Aquarium Controllers?

[Bryce M.]

What aquarium controllers are out there other than Apex and Seneye? Just looking at my options, probably getting an Apex but want to see what else there is.

 

[JoshH]

GHL is another huge contender certainly bigger than seneye. A lot of people over the past year it seems are making the switch from Apex to GHL. All the information on GHL can be found here...

GHL (International) – High-Tech for Aquariums, Terrariums and Ponds Made in Germany since 1998

www.aquariumcomputer.com

@Ditto has quite the extensive thread detailing the differences between Apex and GHL when he made the switch.

Coralvue is in the early stages of releasing there controller setup and Ecotech is coming up quickly with releasing theres as well.

 

[User1]

Over the counter you have Neptune and GHL. Neptune is probably the larger in the U.S. whereas GHL in EMEA. Personal bias will dictate which people say is better.

Open source Reef Angel is a solid product with some amazing custom libraries. Then there are the Reef Pi based solutions. I've never used a Pi solution but have Reef Angel and if you are somewhat a DIY person or can understand basic code it would be a reasonable choice.

One thing I'd consider is making a list of what you think you want in the long term. It may help narrow down your choice. Must haves, pro, con, etc. Do you plan any automated water testing if so which ones.

For example Trident automated water test requires Neptune / Apex. Mindstream, another water testing solution, does not and reports on 10 parameters. GHL offers its own solution.

I've used Neptune with X10's back in 1999 - 2004. Solid product. I later switched to a Reef Angel. Loved the product and a really solid community with amazing custom libraries that GHL or Neptune can't do. Recently I switched to Apex on my tank upgrade and moved the Reef Angel to my nano tank. I've not used GHL.

Best of luck.

 

[symon_say]

Reef angel is a great option, I have been using it for several years an has work flawless.

But is not that simple to use as apex, but is a solid option.

 

[Bryce M.]

I want a controller that allows me to check alk, cal, and other parameters anytime, also one I can set up dosing with so I can add cal if it's low

 

[Silver14SS]

I want a controller that allows me to check alk, cal, and other parameters anytime, also one I can set up dosing with so I can add cal if it's low

Right now that would limit your options to an Apex with Trident, Reefbot with whatever you like, or Mindstream with whatever.

GHL's Ion Director is in the works if you'd like to research it.

 

[madweazl]

I have a Reef Angel + on the 75g and GHL Profilux 4e on the 150g. The RA+ has been extremely stable/reliable for the three years I've been using it and I purchased it used. I've only had the GHL running for a month and it isnt really controlling anything at the moment because the tank is so new (an expensive monitor at the moment).

If you want something that is testing parameters, you're essentially looking at a $800 add-on to either the Apex (Trident) or GHL (kH director with additions in the works). For me, they have no value (I test the water once a week).

 

[Brew12]

I want a controller that allows me to check alk, cal, and other parameters anytime, also one I can set up dosing with so I can add cal if it's low

Right now your options are very limited. Several controller can do Alk but as far as I'm aware only the Apex will do Calc and Mag.
GHL is working on a monitor that will test those along with possibly NO3 and PO4 but I think it has been delayed.

You will have more testing options available if you don't mind having multiple branded units. For instance, you could use Apex for controls and the big 3 but then a Reef Bot or the Mindstream for more automated testing options.