Do I need a tank controller?

X.M.Chen · May 9, 2016

do I need a tank controller? If yes what you recommend?

Tegridy Reef · May 9, 2016

Depends what u want to do I bought one for dosing and monitoring my tank while out of town and depending on what u use it for is what controller will b best for u

thewbell · May 10, 2016

I got an Apex when I set up my tank based on the reviews and comparisons I read online and even though I don't have it doing anything too complicated now I would recommend it. I currently have it controlling my powerheads (just switched to WAV but had the Jabao controller) then on/off for my skimmer, return, fuge light, ATO pump (controlled by an Osmolator with DIY relay) and a new single head doser for vinegar. If you have it in the budget I would recommend one. It seems to make things much easier and gives me a piece of mind when I can pull up the tank when I am at work or just bored and curios.

jsker · May 10, 2016

I agree with with @That guy it depends on what to do. I use Apex for controlling my pump, power heads, heat, skimmer, feeding, and maintenance. Sure I can have a couple of power strips and hit a switch when I am home, but I can also do this when I am away. You can also control you light if you would like and many more things.

Waters · May 10, 2016

Do you need one to be successful......no......but it sure makes things easier

I recommend the Apex btw.

masterbuilder · May 10, 2016

Waters summed it up correctly.

ckozma · May 10, 2016

I purchased mine because I do not work from home and cannot always be there to see if something is happening. It provides me peace of mind over anything with the tank. Seems like pumps and heaters fail at the worst times, no matter how expensive of equipment you purchase.

pickupman66 · May 10, 2016

I got hooked on a controller when I had a big tank with a remote sump. it put everything including light controls into one interface and made it more reliable IMO. I have the Archon from Digital Aquatics. I like that I can monitor temp, PH and salinity within the controller and even view rends such as the PH over time. it is also great for custom light and pump cycles. Once you get one, you will be happy. do you absolutely need it to be successful, Nope

phantomreefing · May 10, 2016

As stated previously it all depends on the type of reefer you are. Either way you need one!

I highly recommend Neptune systems because you can start off with the most basic one and upgrade as you progress.

One of the important things you need to keep in mind is redundancy.

A nightmare many reefers face is our heater! The controller will shut it down in case it gets stuck on the ON position. You never know :/

Harry_Y · May 10, 2016

Waters said:
Do you need one to be successful......no......but it sure makes things easier I recommend the Apex btw.

My thoughts as well

Go with Apex, they are the #1 controller out there.
That translates into more help when you need it and better development.

revhtree · May 10, 2016

I love controllers because it gives you more time to enjoy the tank instead of having to keep up with the little mundane chores.

zoomonster · May 10, 2016

Now would be the time if your going to take the Apex leap (which I recommend). There's a rare $100 off Apex Gold sale going on right now vendor wide.

X.M.Chen · May 10, 2016

Thanks guys. I'm going to get the apex gold for my tank.

ClownTang38 · May 10, 2016

I have the Apex and love it! It's pretty easy to use....I have everything running on it...skimmer, refugium light, pumps, heater, lights,etc.
I'm sure I'm not using to it's fullest but will do more research when I move to a bigger tank!

Bob Escher · May 10, 2016

thewbell said:
controlled by an Osmolator with DIY relay)

Just curious what are you doing with the relay on the apex and the tunze so? I have both and am interested in controlling the Osmolator better
Thanks

nosmok · May 10, 2016

I'm also thinking about this issue for a 150 mixed reef I've buying from a local reef junkie. He has all the high end gear, but no controller and claims he doesn't see the need. One question I have about the Apex networking is it necessary to have an actual ethernet cable hooked up to it? I will have the new Radion lights and wondered if I could just use their wifi module to control and monitor Ecotech gear.

Bob Escher · May 10, 2016

No it's not necessary if you have a wireless router. You can use a wireless adapter with it. But when your doing updates with it and updates to anything connected to it, it is best to plug it in with a wire.

thewbell · May 10, 2016

Bob Escher said:
Just curious what are you doing with the relay on the apex and the tunze so? I have both and am interested in controlling the Osmolator better
Thanks

I have the osmolater pump wires going to a 12v relay which is spliced into a short extension cord then a liter meter standalone pump plugged into the cord. The osmolater is plugged into the wall but the relay is connected to the apex. This way I can kill the ATO at any time without having to deal with the 15 second pump run when it is turned back on. The parts were stolen from an old autotopoff.com setup I used before.

Bob Escher · May 10, 2016

Hmm I just plugged mine into a apex outlet and use the feed and a delay to turn it off and wait a while after the pumps come back on ( learned that the hard way)