K.I.S.S., no controller needed here

Just_Pete · Feb 5, 2020

I’m sure this topic has been discussed in the past but with tech always evolving and new gear coming out, figured I’d ask this now in 2020.

How many people stick to the K.I.S.S. method when it comes to this hobby? I’m mostly interested in those who have opted out of any kind of ‘expensive’ controllers in the tank.

I’ve been going back and forth lately as to whether or not jump on the bandwagon of owning an Apex and I’m still not certain I want to take the leap. Given my situation and tank size (40g cube), I’m ok with what I’m running. I understand controllers provide fail-safes and automation, but I feel like those can be done in other ways, cheaper and enjoyable doing manually. Is owning an Apex just another expensive piece of equipment to say you have? Or is there any real benefit to someone like me that likes to be hands-on and involved with the tank? IDK

General plans I have for my tank: BB with minimal fish, mostly LPS and maybe one or two sticks, maybe. Light’s and flow are the most expensive items I have on the tank right now (MP40 & T5/XR15 Pro combo) and from my 3 year experience in this hobby, those are important.

Any K.I.S.S. fans (not the band)?

GabeM · Feb 5, 2020

Right now I am just using a KASA strip and the timer functions on it to control things. As I add more SPS to the tank I am considering a contoller only for improved monitoring, I wish the reefbot did PH tests!

NeonRabbit221B · Feb 5, 2020

I see no benefit to manually turning on and off my lights each morning. I see no point in letting my temperature swing without sending me an email or cutting off the heater. I see no point in manually dosing Alk and Calcium or manually topping off with water.
At what point is automation and control not "KISS"? It just seems like you want to do more work.

35ppt · Feb 5, 2020

I think an ATO, ranco/inkbird, doser and timers for the lights cover the necessities anything beyond that is "nice to have" territory.

/Also most could skip the doser for the first 6mo - year by using kalk in the ATO or hand dosing two part.

User1 · Feb 5, 2020

Controllers are nothing more than a tool. You can have a controller and still be in the K.I.S.S space just as you can be in the ZOMG tech space. Or even in between. No different than a skimmer being required, etc.

Remember, we all kept fish, then corals, under traditional lighting. What is sort of cool is looking back at the technology we used to land on the moon and come home. Now how many years have passed with technology evolving and yet we still do not have as big of a rocket that got us there...in production.

Arthacker87 · Feb 5, 2020

I think what he is saying is he wants a kiss that isn't going to cost a grand more like what can be a DIY auto to off or doser etc. I've seen 5 gallon jugs with reef supplements in them in a slow drip style and that used with an auto to off to keep all calc in the system but you have to fine tune it to your tank needs

Auquanut · Feb 5, 2020

I think it really comes down to what you're comfortable with. I have:

Lights on timers
ATO
Auto dosing (I have a lot of SPS)
Heaters on a separate controller
Recently set up a stand alone auto water change system.

So while not actually the KISS mentality per say, I don't use a common controller for everything. There's a lot to be said about the convenience and security of a common controller, but then again there's always the "All of your eggs in one basket" factor to consider. Again, it all comes down to what you're comfortable with.

Hemmdog · Feb 5, 2020

I don’t use apex or ghl. No need. I run a sps dominate zeovit tank. I guess constant monitoring on my pH would be interesting but definitely not necessary.

showmebutterfly · Feb 5, 2020

I have had my lights on a timer for quite a while, bought my first heater controller not too long ago and have plans to add an ATO. I think that's probably going to be it for my tank. I'm low tech k.i.s.s.

ironman187 · Feb 5, 2020

Ironically I am planning on buying a controller to reduce my workload and make tank maintinence simpler. To me it seems like controller vs no controller is just 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

AlexG · Feb 5, 2020

I consider my system to fall under KISS even though I have an apex. While I have an apex its level of control on my system is somewhat limited to ATO, temperature control, light controls, and fail safe controls for the calcium reactor & UV. I do not let the apex control my return pumps, power heads, or skimmer. While controllers are great I feel that its never a good idea to let them control everything in the event that the controller itself fails (while its rare it happens). I also wanted the ability to monitor the system remotely so I am alerted when some major events occur.

ReefHomieJon · Feb 5, 2020

K.I.S.S
All day

Just_Pete · Feb 5, 2020

Thanks for all the thoughts.

I should re-state that K.I.S.S. for me in this topic is not spending $500+ on a controller when theres equipment already built in with some control.

It's not about doing more work or whether or not I enjoy doing more work. I don't turn on my lights, pumps, heaters, etc manually. It's just that with my tank and how I have it setup, I'd rather put money elsewhere like corals.

Not saying all controllers are bad or they don't have their place. It's just curiosity to see how many people opt out of using a controller, aka Apex.

CavalierReef · Feb 5, 2020

I certainly want some automation. In gathering equipment for my yet to be built Biocube, the first thing I bought was an ATO. The lights are already programmable so I don't have to remember to turn them on and off. I'm unsure at this point how automated I will go. I'm retired so will spend a lot of time sitting by my tank and my biggest problem will probably be leaving it alone. Everything in moderation I guess.

McDam · Feb 5, 2020

As far as I see it having a controller is all about KISS, it doesn't get any simpler. If cost is a concern, by choosing alternative lighting and flow that would work just as good instead of premium products, you could have saved enough money to get a controller or monitor for peace of mind and simplicity. I agree not everything needs to be on a controller, I am a big fan of products that have onboard control as well, but its everything else it does for you, not just turning things on and off at certain times of the day. Any old-timer can do that.

User1 · Feb 5, 2020

Arthacker87 said:
I think what he is saying is he wants a kiss that isn't going to cost a grand more like what can be a DIY auto to off or doser etc. I've seen 5 gallon jugs with reef supplements in them in a slow drip style and that used with an auto to off to keep all calc in the system but you have to fine tune it to your tank needs

Could be. Open source. Reef pi or reef angel. Of course if one adds more modules the price grows.

Quietman · Feb 5, 2020

Coincidence was just writing on another thread about this. Until that ApexEL monitor only special edition from BRS came out (for about 10 min), I was having a hard time justifying the expense for components I didn't need. Funny, I posted this on 1/25/20 and the price came in at $250 from BRS.

From my build thread:

I have actually have been thinking about getting a controller lately but only as a protection and alarm system, not as a primary controller for my devices. I've said before I'd happily pay $250-$300 for a device that just monitors pH, Temp (2x), ORP, Salinity (optional) and sends me emails/texts if exceeding limits I set. I mean I do want to go on vacation at some point in the future. I was putting Seneye at top of that list, but never pulled trigger. Milwaukee Black-box had something perfect, but it was discontinued.

I do not like the idea of one device that functions as a primary controller for everything in my tank as well as the device that tells me when something is wrong as well as being the device that's providing backup operations. It violates a few engineering principles of control, monitoring and alarm and backup systems.

Guess I'll have to start saying "Yes I have an Apex and no, I do not have an aquarium controller"

NeonRabbit221B · Feb 5, 2020

Just_Pete said:
Thanks for all the thoughts.

I should re-state that K.I.S.S. for me in this topic is not spending $500+ on a controller when theres equipment already built in with some control.

It's not about doing more work or whether or not I enjoy doing more work. I don't turn on my lights, pumps, heaters, etc manually. It's just that with my tank and how I have it setup, I'd rather put money elsewhere like corals.

Not saying all controllers are bad or they don't have their place. It's just curiosity to see how many people opt out of using a controller, aka Apex.

Sorry, rereading my post it sounds hostile which was not meant to be the case. I built my controller cause I am cheap!

themcnertney · Feb 5, 2020

I'd like to think I use the KISS method.

I have 220 gallon DT, 75 gallon fuge, 55 gallon ato.
Lights are (3) AI Hydra 52.
Heater.
ATO is standard float valve hooked up to a small pump.
Large skimmer.

I don't test my water. I don't dose. I rely solely on weekly water changes