Is a controller something that should not be used?

Unregistered User · Nov 21, 2017

Certain things are more safe then others to buy used. Aquarium controllers?

Palyzoa · Nov 21, 2017

I bought my aquarium controller used and haven't had any issues. There is always a risk that a used product will fail, so the more history you can get on the product the better. What controller are you looking at getting?

jml1149 · Nov 21, 2017

Typical failure rates of any electronic device don't decay that rapidly with time, pending the age of the device. Most electronic devices are prone to infant mortality type failures, sustain for quite some time, then start running into end of life issues (bathtub curve). This is true for most consumer products without mechanisms to wear. So if you were looking at like an Apex brain, I'd be comfortable. If you're looking at a power bar, there are more mechanisms / moving parts to degrade over time (relays) which is the nature of any product like it. I have purchased both used, at reasonable prices, understanding that I am accepting some risk of the part failing early. Both were fine. I upgraded the base unit, but am still using the EB8 after a couple of years.

Which unit are you looking at?

Unregistered User · Nov 21, 2017

jml1149 said:
Typical failure rates of any electronic device don't decay that rapidly with time, pending the age of the device. Most electronic devices are prone to infant mortality type failures, sustain for quite some time, then start running into end of life issues (bathtub curve). This is true for most consumer products without mechanisms to wear. So if you were looking at like an Apex brain, I'd be comfortable. If you're looking at a power bar, there are more mechanisms / moving parts to degrade over time (relays) which is the nature of any product like it. I have purchased both used, at reasonable prices, understanding that I am accepting some risk of the part failing early. Both were fine. I upgraded the base unit, but am still using the EB8 after a couple of years.

Which unit are you looking at?

Awesome answer I love how you took the time to explain the "why?" Thanks!

madweazl · Nov 21, 2017

Used controllers are probably one of the least likely items to fail. I picked up a Reef Angel + about 18 months ago for $125; been great

Unregistered User · Nov 21, 2017

madweazl said:
Used controllers are probably one of the least likely items to fail. I picked up a Reef Angel + about 18 months ago for $125; been great

Awesome! That's my kinda price.

Salty1962 · Nov 21, 2017

Just make sure you purchase from a reputable person. I've purchased used electronics that ran for me for years with no issue including controllers. Just do your homework

Unregistered User · Nov 21, 2017

Salty1962 said:
Just make sure you purchase from a reputable person. I've purchased used electronics that ran for me for years with no issue including controllers. Just do your homework

Eeek. I'm already a worrier, lol.

reeferfoxx · Nov 21, 2017

I wouldn't be so worried of the electronic as much as the probes. If it were me i would contact the manufacturer or see if anyone sells new probes for it.

chefjpaul · Nov 21, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
I wouldn't be so worried of the electronic as much as the probes. If it were me i would contact the manufacturer or see if anyone sells new probes for it.

This^
Also, its really just the hardware anyway, which are all built very well, these companies all use pretty reputable cloud / web services/ servers for the main work.