Cheap Light Controller

kred47 · Feb 22, 2022

Hey, so I got a coralife digital power center, included with the 40 breeder setup I just set up. The thing is garbage and doesn’t work. I read they have a terrible track record so I really don’t want to buy another one, but I can’t find any other options. Does anyone know of a similar unit? I would like a controller but I can’t afford a nice one, and also I don’t really understand all the functions. I liked the idea of a reefkeeper, but they’re impossible to find, and I don’t really want to spend money on old tech. So all in all, can anyone recommend a similar power strip unit/ a cheap controller (~100) that would work for me? Thanks.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Feb 22, 2022

kred47 said:
Hey, so I got a coralife digital power center, included with the 40 breeder setup I just set up. The thing is garbage and doesn’t work. I read they have a terrible track record so I really don’t want to buy another one, but I can’t find any other options. Does anyone know of a similar unit? I would like a controller but I can’t afford a nice one, and also I don’t really understand all the functions. I liked the idea of a reefkeeper, but they’re impossible to find, and I don’t really want to spend money on old tech. So all in all, can anyone recommend a similar power strip unit/ a cheap controller (~100) that would work for me? Thanks.

Just look at Lowe's/Home Depot/ACE hardware for a plain old timer. That's basically what the Coralife is.

edd59 · Feb 23, 2022

never used one but read good things on r2r

edd59 · Feb 23, 2022

link wont post kasa smart plug kp303 on amazon

Gtinnel · Feb 23, 2022

If you are just looking for basic abilities like being able to remotely turn outlets on/off and set schedules to turn outlets on/off then I can't agree more with the Kasa smart outlets/ power strips. I have an apex controller and I still use my Kasa smart strip for many of my tanks devices. I also have a mixing station and AWC that is controlled by the Kasa smart plugs.

Silly clownfish · Mar 13, 2022

I have an ApexClassic on my 75 g and kasa on my 30g. Honestly I am happier with the Kasa. the Apex hardwired to my routed, but is incredibly unstable and can’t stay connected to Fusion. The Kasa was plug and play and works flawlessly for how I have it setup and plays nice with Alexa. The Apex never worked with Alexa.

With the Kasa I have routines for my devices and remote access. Yeah, having my ph and temperature monitored/controlled would be nice, but not worth the cost and hassle of the Apex.

since I currently need to unplug and replug my apex to get a connection and manually turn things on/off, I am considering ditching it for a Kasa.

that said, I ran a reef tank for close to 20 years before getting any kind of controller, so I consider it a conveni, not a necessity like some folks.