Convince me why I need one

[ndz98]

I have been thinking about whether or not I should I purchase a controller for my tank. I have heard that it can make life much easier so who wouldn't want something like that? So I got a post card in the mail today from BRS and one of the deals was 100 bucks off a RKL SL2 package. I also know that Apex is one of the leading competitors for controllers also. What is the Apex equivalent to the SL2? Pros and cons of each? Convince me on why I need a controller in my life besides the general idea of making things easier.

 

[reef_junkie]

I'm still using a RK light. I don't have the wifi or any of the fancy features but I have no outlet timers and a failsafe for my heater. The heater thing was enough reason for me. Every few months I calibrate against another thermometer just to be safe.

 

[n2585722]

The SL2 is a module that comes with that paticular package deal. It has a temp input,pH probe input and a salinity probe input. It also has two switch inputs. All the SL modules are input modues of some kind. I am not sure which probes come with the system and wich ones you will have to buy if you wnat to monitor that item. Does it say what else is included? The modules that come with the RKL can be used with the RKE and most with the Archon if you choose to upgrade in the future.

 

[Sabellafella]

 

[Sabellafella]

 

[TheEngineer]

For me the single most important improvement a controller brings is consistency. Consistency in temperature, consistency in lighting schedule, consistency in water level, etc. You can accomplish that by other means of course but a controller is an easy way to do it.

 

[dbl]

I don't think anyone can convince you that NEED a controller. Many aquariums today, and obviously for many, many years prior, are kept successfully without a controller.

As @icecool2 indicated above, they can help keep cetain things consistant if programmed properly. There are also some fail safe features like shutting off the heater when (not if) it fails in the on position. Just an example.

The determining factor for me was remote monitoring and alert notifications. If something goes astray while I'm away from the tank, I can be notified and put the emergency plan in action.

Those are my thoughts anyway.

 

[Harry_Y]

You don't Need one, but it makes maintaining the aquarium a whole lot easier.

There are times when you get busy and don't have the time to
babysit the tank that's when a controller comes in handy.

My controller controls the lights, the temperature, calcium etc.
I even have an auto feeder attached so the tank gets fed when I'm away.

Can you run with out a controller, sure you can I did it for years.
But it sure is nice when I'm busy or even sick in bed to know
the controller is helping me to maintain the aquarium.

 

[ndz98]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! So which brand and model controller would you guys recommend for me if you had to choose?

 

[n2585722]

Everyone is going to have their own opinion on that. I have the Archon and really like it. I use it to control the following.

my tank lights intensity and on and off
my refugium lights intensity and on and off
heaters
cooling fans
return pump
skimmer
calcium reactor
ATO
auto water change
RODI turns it on and off

monitor the following

temp
pH
ORP
salinity
several float switches
water leak detectors

I currently have 18 alarms setup. Some are all of these can control any one or more of the outputs along with sending an email if that paticular alarm is programmed to do so. One of the alarms is not even tank related. I have a leak detector under my AC unit in the house. The sistem will s nd me an alarm if a leak is detected. Hopefully this will help save the wooden floor in the living roon id the AC starts leaking.

 

[Harry_Y]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! So which brand and model controller would you guys recommend for me if you had to choose?

Apex - They are #1

I had a Profilux and it is a nice controller, but the support in the USA is lacking (plus a bit pricey)

I used to be a big advocate for Digital Aquatics, but the support from the company is basically non-existent.

 

[p7willm]

One thing you need to decide is how far do you want to go with the controller.

Some systems and entry level systems for others are limited with how far they can be expanded. It's annoying to run out when there is 1 more thing you want. Some money spent now can save replacing the entire system later.

On the other hand, if you never outgrow the entry level then you saved a couple hundred bucks.

Another is the size of the community. Larger is usually better. A small community may have a great person but if they leave... A larger community will have more great people and if one leaves there are more left. Neptune may have the largest.

Support from the manufacturer is important. I can not speak to the others but Neptune has been great for me.

Is the company continuing developing and bringing out new features? Neptune just brought out a new Apex and new products are coming.

Does the system have what you want. I am planning automatic water changes and Neptune has the stuff I will need.

If you can't tell I have an Apex and am happy with it.

There are problems/things that are not as good as I would like.

The "programming" language is for me, a programmer, a joke. However, it can do pretty much everything, not prettily, and is is easy to do easy things with.

Some people, not me, are upset with the way they brought out the new system.

You might argue they are expensive, but it is a relatively small market and they, for the most part, make nice stuff.

For me the RKL is a little limited. The reef angel is interesting, I love open source and Arduino, and it is cheaper than the Apex but ...

Good luck deciding. Whatever you get good luck with it.

 

[ndz98]

Everyone is going to have their own opinion on that. I have the Archon and really like it. I use it to control the following.

my tank lights intensity and on and off
my refugium lights intensity and on and off
heaters
cooling fans
return pump
skimmer
calcium reactor
ATO
auto water change
RODI turns it on and off

monitor the following

temp
pH
ORP
salinity
several float switches
water leak detectors

I currently have 18 alarms setup. Some are all of these can control any one or more of the outputs along with sending an email if that paticular alarm is programmed to do so. One of the alarms is not even tank related. I have a leak detector under my AC unit in the house. The sistem will s nd me an alarm if a leak is detected. Hopefully this will help save the wooden floor in the living roon id the AC starts leaking.

Why would you have your skimmer and return pump connected to the controller? How do you benefit from having them hooked up? Also how does the controller control each channel of the light intensity just by being plugged into it?

 

[p7willm]

Because I use a controller, after a power failure my skimmer waits 5 minutes to start so it does not overflow when the sump level is higher just after the return pump kicks in again.

Some lights, Kessil for example, can be controlled by a 0 to 10 volt signal. So the lights are not plugged into the controller but rather during the day the controller ramps up and down a voltage that causes the lights to brighten then dim during the day. Also the color of the light is changed during the day.

 

[n2585722]

Why would you have your skimmer and return pump connected to the controller? How do you benefit from having them hooked up? Also how does the controller control each channel of the light intensity just by being plugged into it?

For one a timer is built into the skimmer function of the controller so it will not come on until the timer has expired. This delays the skimmer if there is a power failure or such. Also I have a float switch in the collection container and also a float swith in the sump for high water level. either will turn off the skimmer. I have the return pump plugged into it incase of an emergency. There are two folat switches in the bottom of the stand which can hold a spill. if either switch is tripped it will turn off everything with the exception of the Vortech pumps. Those are plugged into the controller so they can be turned off if needed. My light imtensity can be controlled by a PWM signal which the Archon has. They are ramped up to the max I have set and them ramped back down after the timer expires. Mine ramp for about 4 hrs, are at max for about 4 and then ramp down for 4 hrs.

 

[rainydave]

Why would you have your skimmer and return pump connected to the controller? How do you benefit from having them hooked up? Also how does the controller control each channel of the light intensity just by being plugged into it?

I have my return pump controlled by my Archon so I can use a "feed" standby. 1 click and it shuts down my return and large powerheads for 10 minutes to allow the fish to eat in less turbulent waters.
I also have a "clean" standby that shuts off all powerheads, etc for 30 minutes for water changes.

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

If you need convincing, then the complexity of your tank probably isn't requiring a controller as of yet. Once you get more tanks or have to dose more often, you'll understand.
Otherwise if you want unlimited flexibility and the best customer support, Reef Angel. I chose it mainly for the mechanical outlets (not triac, which have problems turning off low wattage items) and the rope leak detector instead of the moronic 2"x2" brick sensors.(because a leak will go directly to the sensor :| )
Otherwise you won't beat the customer service from Roberto.
He's responded more than once, late in the evening, on a holiday. I do not believe any other company will do that. (period)

 

[Terence]

Here is a new video I just released that you might find helpful: