How do you roll, controller or no?
- Thread starter skinz78
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Oiseau Reefer
Well-Known Member
Yeah I want one in all but I'm a getto *$$ reefer I'm always broke thanks 2 kids (love u) but I think they will be getting a new apex with all the stuff I can ever think I'll need for it
divewsharks
Well-Known Member
I couldn't live without one, makes dosing really easy and i do it round the clock. I also travel alot for work, so it alleviates any worries i have while on the road. Plus being that its on my home network i can log into it from the hotel or my phone from anywhere.
I'm on my second one, first was a RKL now a Neptune Apex.
I'm on my second one, first was a RKL now a Neptune Apex.
FishLipz
Cheap and Easy Reefer
I really want one, but like Oiseau Reefer said, two kids eat up a budget quick. I figured it would be the last piece I'll buy after getting other more important top notch equipment.
ronnie
Acro addict
It is #2 in my book - right after a top notch skimmer.
The reason I say that is the safety features a controller offers.
Heaters sticking on - lights staying on and cooking the tank - all potentially tank ending scenarios. With a controller, you have another layer of safety. Run a fan, set the heater to a certain temp range, turn the lights off if the tank temp gets too high, etc.
Very important, IMO.
The reason I say that is the safety features a controller offers.
Heaters sticking on - lights staying on and cooking the tank - all potentially tank ending scenarios. With a controller, you have another layer of safety. Run a fan, set the heater to a certain temp range, turn the lights off if the tank temp gets too high, etc.
Very important, IMO.
CoralBandit
Well-Known Member
I dont have one but am looking into the Apex once med school starts next august. Do you love it? I should also have an I phone or droid by then too so I will be able to access it regularly, between my lifeless existence in the library for the next four years lol
Triggerman77
Well-Known Member
No controller I use my two five finger dose'rs everyday and i control what and when i want something changed !! My reef tanks have always been fine without the fancy high $ controllers.
ronnie
Acro addict
$99 is high $?
RKL will control heater, two lights, and a fan.
'Splain to me how you will control your heater when it sticks on, cooks your tank to 95 degrees and you are gone?
Troylee
all about the diy!!!!!
Nope keeping it simple here.... No accidents and nothing to blame but myself if something goes wrong....
ronnie
Acro addict
Why not Troylee? Grab an RKL for the heater - or get a Ranco at least. That is the ONE thing I do not trust at all. Seen too many posts of, "my heater stuck on, water is cloudy, all fish and coral dead!!"
Cheap insurance.
Could it fail too? Sure, but that extra layer of protection is nice.
Cheap insurance.
Could it fail too? Sure, but that extra layer of protection is nice.
revhtree
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I am using a RKE and I couldn't live without it honestly! LOL! The thing that its more than just something that keeps me from having to turn lights off and on. My controller has saved my butt a few times already. The main reasons I use a controller is as follows.
1. Turns off the heater and lights in separate order if the tank get's to hot (if heater sticks, chiller quits working, or if it's just to hot in the house)
2. Turns on the chiller (fans) if the tank gets to hot
3. Turns my skimmer off if the collection jug gets full so there is no overflow
4. Controls my Calcium Reactor
5. Lights off and on
6. Turns on the heater if thank gets to cold
These are the main reasons I use my controller but there are many more.
1. Turns off the heater and lights in separate order if the tank get's to hot (if heater sticks, chiller quits working, or if it's just to hot in the house)
2. Turns on the chiller (fans) if the tank gets to hot
3. Turns my skimmer off if the collection jug gets full so there is no overflow
4. Controls my Calcium Reactor
5. Lights off and on
6. Turns on the heater if thank gets to cold
These are the main reasons I use my controller but there are many more.
I havent had time to buy a controler yet.But,Like Ronnie said,he has the RKL,that is the same one Im looking into getting,and for $100,what is better than that?Its a pretty cheap investment for a pretty expensive item like corals and fish they we all HAVE TO HAVE!
sciknen
Merrimack Valley Hardcore
I won't by anything other than Neptune. I have a JR and a RKL. Hate the RKL. Pain to program and change times. At least for me. The JR is so easy to use a child can learn how.
I also have only used those two so my experience with controllers is pretty small.
Steve
I also have only used those two so my experience with controllers is pretty small.
Steve
I just picked up a aquacontroller 3 with a dc8. I am looking forward to not being too worried when we go away on vacations, that and it will be nice to automate my dosing.
ronnie
Acro addict
I actually have an AC Jr. (and love it). The price point on the RKL is unbeatable though, which is why I recommend it.
I have a DC8 and HD DC4 that I run lights, heater, fans, calcium reactor, skimmer, fuge light, CO2, etc. on.
I have a DC8 and HD DC4 that I run lights, heater, fans, calcium reactor, skimmer, fuge light, CO2, etc. on.
Curtie44
Active Member
I have a PLC that I am using as my aquarium controller and love not having to go down to the basement every day to check on things. It's still a work in progress but so far I have it handling ATO, CaRx pH control and monitoring, tank pH monitoring, temp control, trending of tank pH and temperature and dosing of suppliments. My next tasks will be to set up an HMI for display of parameters and control of pumps. I also need to set up text notifications if anything gets outside my control parameters. Last on the list is a web interface so I can monitor it all from anywhere.
