Controller units are they just glorified timers

[RogerWilco357]

What do you control with your Controller Apex-Reefkeeper etc. type controllers ..just wonder if most use them for nothing more than glorified timers , just to get rid of the big bulky timers we use for lighting etc.

 

[thewackyreefer]

Glorified timer maybe...

I run a ReefKeeper Elite and monitor pH, temp and salinity as well. Just gives me that extra piece of mind.

 

[bct15]

I use the apex and it is more than a timer, if you know a little programming (or can think in if statements) it is much more powerful than just a timer. Can make adjustments according to ph, temp, orp, if something else is on, turn off things for maintenance and it goes on and on

 

[jledon4]

What do you control with your Controller Apex-Reefkeeper etc. type controllers ..just wonder if most use them for nothing more than glorified timers , just to get rid of the big bulky timers we use for lighting etc.

not even close!!! i've seen it in action and you can seriously control everything with it from temp to pH to salinity!! you enter functions on the system to react to what you want it to. for example, if you use it to run chillers or heaters, you can set it to start them on a temp and kill them on another. this is also a very handy tool for when dosing kalk, it makes it a bit safer, you can set a pH range and forget about it. i believe they are great...

 

[RogerWilco357]

yeah but couldn't they overdose your tank with calc,alk,or what ever your dosing if the pump goes?Or just the opposite could they save you from a bad doser like a bad heater?

 

[SunnyX]

I don't use much tech in my systems as I feel it complicates things. I have a Reefkeeper light, that controls my lights and temperature. It also moniters my PH. It is nice, but I wouldn't have had a controller if I hadn't traded some corals for this unit. I don't know, maybe I'm old school. I don't test much, maybe twice year. I have a pretty good eye when it comes to my systems health, and can usually tell if something is not right prior to it becoming a major problem.

But, for what my basic controller does I have no complaints. If I were to give a word of advice, I would tell people to focus more on nature than tech. Nature has already perfected things, no need to go against the grain.

Sonny

 

[deehz]

Sonny--Pretty well said. I don't test anymore only for the basic, salinity. That is it. I monitor my system with my eyes and the health of my pets. I too don't "trust" the high tech gadgets for fear of monumental failure. But I can see how they can be used to ones advantage.

 

[Electrobes]

I like the idea of controllers in that with their computing power you can do so much with so little space.

My one issue with them? I don't like a single unit controlling just about everything on my tank. While problems or total shut downs are fairly rare I just can't take that chance.. especially with heating/cooling and top off. It's why I have single controllers for just about each piece of equipment. It's bulky but I am lucky in that I have a reef nook and furniture that hides and organizes well. :wink:

 

[youngtimothy]

high tech timer maybe but I like my reefkeeper lite 3, I can moniter my temp and ph while sitting on the couch and I controll my alk and cal by doseing every hour on doseing pumps and thats the best part for me.

 

[swannyson7]

I use my Apex for several things beyond a timer for my lights. I use it as an extra failsafe for my ATO with two float switches on a breakout box and a max time that the pump can run. It's programmed to use a regular pump for the ATO if pH is above 8.2 so that it tops off with RO water, but if pH is below 8.2 it will turn on the pump for my kalk reactor instead and turn on an air pump to bubble air into the sump. I also use it as a failsafe beyond the built in thermostat on my heater with the temp probe determining when to turn it on. When my pH or temp get out of normal ranges, it will send me an email and a text message and it will do the same if there is a power interruption.

 

[DBarsotti]

controllers = tanksavers....

 

[swannyson7]

One thing that I forgot to mention that's a big one is that I can turn on/off anything plugged into my energy bar from anywhere in the world from a computer or my phone. As long as you have an iPhone or Droid phone, it gives you extra piece of mind by being able to see your parameters and control your system on the go with an app available in the driod market.

 

[fishbrain]

I am happy with my RKE. I don't give it full controle of my system though as I have herd of controllers failing and crashing a system. I use it to control my heater but my heater still has it's own controler and I only turn it up to two degrees past were I want it. That way if my controler fails it will only heat the tank 2 degrees past were I want it. I also have a alarm set up to shut it down all together if temp gets to high. I also use it as a failsafe for my jbj ato that delivers Kalk. I think they are great for failsafes and timers but people shouldnt trust them 100%

 

[RogerWilco357]

hmm yes i see the point of peace of mind and that is what I use it mostly for but aspire to become a Coral Whisper'er one day ..I still have to check my parameters weekly which is great compared to the daily checking at 3a.m when my mind is racing with is the alk swinging? is there enough calcium. is there full polyp extension must go check lol..what droid app do i need to look for to check and save my self a trip to the basement at 3 a.m?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Waste of money in my opinion, the only tech I integrate into my system is a simple float switch, not even a timer or feeder. In my opinion anythin smaller than 175 gallons just needs a remote switch to turn off the lights at night. I wouldnt spend a grand on something connected to my computer that just shuts off powerheads and reads tank params, I can easily do that my self, it only takes half an hour every few days.

 

[swannyson7]

hmm yes i see the point of peace of mind and that is what I use it mostly for but aspire to become a Coral Whisper'er one day ..I still have to check my parameters weekly which is great compared to the daily checking at 3a.m when my mind is racing with is the alk swinging? is there enough calcium. is there full polyp extension must go check lol..what droid app do i need to look for to check and save my self a trip to the basement at 3 a.m?

It only works with the Apex. If that's what you have, look for "apex" in the droid market and it should pop up. It's made by Kenargo from RC

 

[AZDesertRat]

Don't forget the alarming functions, it can alarm and shut down equipment on over temperature. It can also also not only monitor but control a calcium reactor based on pH, an autotopoff system based on liquid level or a dosing system. I like simplicity too but was able to eliminate a 1/4HP chiller, four outlet strips, four appliance timers, a pH controller, a Ranco dual stage temperature controller and much more with one RKL controller so have more room under my stand today.

 

[swissgaurd]

i had a profulux 2 for 4 years
had big dreams for this.i only contrled lights it was over kill
i do miss the blue screen though.
went out and bought a couple timers.
gone back old school.

vic

 

[Tabasco1]

I didn't really know what controllers could do until I read this thread. How would a controller be able to regulate your flow, for instance if you want to reduce your flow at night?

Had no idea they could be contolled by an app on your phone... That is what I am reading right?

 

[Electrobes]

I completely forgot to mention a big plus for controllers, though again.. I don't use one. After people mentioned the wireless capabilities while away from their tank, I have to admit I would definitely have a controller with internet if I traveled more. But since I am a house dad with a home business, it's pretty rare I am far away from the tank! :wink: