Controller Advice

[Auphoenix43]

Does anyone have a suggestion for an aquarium controller? I am just starting out and do not need anything as expensive as the Apex one with WiFi etc. thanks everyone

 

[Reef Tripp]

What do you want to control, if it is temperature, ink bird, if it is lights, mechanical timers

 

[jrill]

Hydros

 

[Pistondog]

 

[reefiniteasy]

Hydros all the way!

 

[Auphoenix43]

What do you want to control, if it is temperature, ink bird, if it is lights, mechanical ti

Sorry I couldn’t see the image. What was it?

 

[Pistondog]

Sorry I couldn’t see the image. What was it?

Timer power strip

 

[WVNed]

on/off and timers = smart outlets What I run my 10 cord MH/T-5 lights with
temp = Inkbird Runs my 4 heaters
Temp, ATO, AWC and other things = Hydros Runs my ATO/AWC and monitors my skimmer locker and shuts the skimmer off when full. It also tells me when to refill my ATO and AWC reservoirs.

 

[DaddyFish]

I've eliminated InkBird heater controllers since I installed Hydros on my main tank. But you can do a lot with commonly available smart plugs and InkBird for heater control.

Once you decide you want to monitor more things like pH, water level(s), do ATO etc., then you're into controllers. Be sure you answer the question posted by @Reef - Tripp for yourself, and include where you think you'll be in terms of automation in 12-months. I have a lot of InkBird controllers lying around unused after Hydros was released.

 

[Auphoenix43]

on/off and timers = smart outlets What I run my 10 cord MH/T-5 lights with
temp = Inkbird Runs my 4 heaters
Temp, ATO, AWC and other things = Hydros Runs my ATO/AWC and monitors my skimmer locker and shuts the skimmer off when full. It also tells me when to refill my ATO and AWC reservoirs.

Which Inkbird do you use? They all look similar so I thought I should ask. Thanks

 

[WVNed]

I think mine is a regular 308. I doesnt have WIFI.

 

[Auphoenix43]

I've eliminated InkBird heater controllers since I installed Hydros on my main tank. But you can do a lot with commonly available smart plugs and InkBird for heater control.

Once you decide you want to monitor more things like pH, water level(s), do ATO etc., then you're into controllers. Be sure you answer the question posted by @Reef - Tripp for yourself, and include where you think you'll be in terms of automation in 12-months. I have a lot of InkBird controllers lying around unused after Hydros was released.

Thanks for the advice. I will start with inkbird for temp and then think about upgrading in 12-15 months to monitor other things. Do you think it’s worth getting the WiFi inkbird?

 

[Auphoenix43]

I think mine is a regular 308. I doesnt have WIFI.

Does it have an alarm or something that alerts you if the temp is too high or too low?

 

[Biglew11]

I started with an aqualogic heater controller for heat and timers for lighting.

 

[DaddyFish]

Thanks for the advice. I will start with inkbird for temp and then think about upgrading in 12-15 months to monitor other things. Do you think it’s worth getting the WiFi inkbird?

In my opinion, Yes. What are the odds you are going to be within earshot of the alarm when a problem occurs?

 

[attiland]

Sorry I couldn’t see the image. What was it?

A mechanical timer switch. Do not buy