How do you roll, controller or no?

Do you have a controller on your reef?

  • Yes

    Votes: 48 53.3%
  • No

    Votes: 14 15.6%
  • No but I want to look into it

    Votes: 28 31.1%

  • Total voters
    90
I want one for sure...just getting into my upgrade and deciding on which one works best for me.
 
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
 
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 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.
 
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.
 
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 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
 
I have had a RKL, then a RKE and now installing a Neptunes APEX. I am on the road for work up 8 months a year, so for me and my wife it is a must.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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!
 
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 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.
 
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 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.
 
i'll never run a reef without a controller again.. Not only are they a life saver but they also keep your tank 10000000x more stable.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%

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