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

[ScubaShane]

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)?

HYDROS Control 2

HYDROS Control 2 is a small, general-purpose device capable of performing all the main functions for your aquarium. Monitor temperature, leaks, and flow rates. Power equipment, control outlets, and more. Perfect as a standalone controller for a saltwater aquarium or freshwater planted tank. Made...

www.coralvue.com

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

I’m pretty sure my tank would of crash by now if I didn’t have one. One of my heaters failed with the on position . Apex shut it down without an issue and sent me a notification. paid $150 for the apex junior and it paid itself and then some with just that incident alone.

 

[reeferKen]

Susan's channel hang on back filter, orbit marine (non pro) light gives years of simple success with weekly water change.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVL24Vp5RSaQtYZTBrVtmQ/videos

 

[Devaji]

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.

SOOO you believe we went to the moon do ya? I am not convinced not saying that we did not, just there is some compelling evidence that says other wise. LOL sorry I could not resist that one.

OP: I think the Hydros might be right up your alley. I would wait a month or two and and see.
I also agree that prices of controllers are going to come down in the next few years with more competition = better prices for the end user. well it least i hope so.
the guys that are building the reef Pi are are all so working the a fusion type of platform -operating system maybe its called to make that easier for us not techies. so that is another option down the road.

 

[Oliver d]

I run my tank as K.I.S.S as I possible except for my light controller and my diy ato system.

 

[Stevegrant]

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!

Seneye is a fairly cheap way to monitor PH

 

[Roger D]

Well back in the 70's when I first got into the hobby the only things we had was under gravel filters and power heads that connected to the under gravel filter. No ro water just let it sit for a couple days and mix in the salt. Back then I had a 55 and a 40 breeder had them up about 4 years only lost 4 fish the whole time and two were from cycling the tank. Never had corals back then but had a huma trigger,morish idle,singapore angel, several different types of damsels and anemones. Tested for salinity,ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. Went on vacation and lost it all. Had two friends that were supposed to feed every other day. No both came every day double feeding for a month did it in.

 

[larryrick1]

I have a 40 gallon breeder, mixed reef tank. I have been in the hobby for the last 5 years. Today I purchased my first controller. It's an Apex EL with a Triton. I have to admit that I am having post purchase regret, but I believe this will pass once I receive the Apex. I plan on keeping a Reef tank indefinitely and for me that is the only thing that justified the purchase.

 

[Just_Pete]

I have a 40 gallon breeder, mixed reef tank. I have been in the hobby for the last 5 years. Today I purchased my first controller. It's an Apex EL with a Triton. I have to admit that I am having post purchase regret, but I believe this will pass once I receive the Apex. I plan on keeping a Reef tank indefinitely and for me that is the only thing that justified the purchase.

Im sure once you hook it up and have it setup the way you want, it'll feel great. Good luck

 

[Therinx]

The only thing i have automated are my lights because they come that way.

No controllers, timers or any other automation. My ato is an old fashioned float bulb. Pumps, heater, etc. all adjusted by hand and making RO is hook it up to the sink and fill a few 5 gal buckets. Mix salt in with a big spoon.

To me it's all about cost vs. time savings. I don't feel its worth $300 to save 5 minutes a day, for example. Plus i sorta enjoy most of it, and it keeps me in touch with the tank... hands on, if you will. Just my 2c.

Plus i'm more towards the beginner stage and i think i'll learn way more by being active with the tank than letting other stuff do it for me.

 

[Rilo]

At some point I want to get my reef automated to the point where all I have to worry about is feeding. Right now it's the usual.

 

[larryrick1]

Since I ordered a new Apex EL and Triton, what tasks should I start automating, in priority order?

 

[Sailingeric]

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.

other than the doser, that is all I have. I keep softies, mushrooms and a couple hammers. I am more into the fish and I am 98% happy with my simple to keep tank and not be a slave to dosing and watching 800 different parameters. The other 2% is maybe having a few more hammers/torches.

 

[35ppt]

other than the doser, that is all I have. I keep softies, mushrooms and a couple hammers. I am more into the fish and I am 98% happy with my simple to keep tank and not be a slave to dosing and watching 800 different parameters. The other 2% is maybe having a few more hammers/torches.

You do kalk or just WCs?

 

[mpatient]

Check out my build thread title.

 

[Sailingeric]

You do kalk or just WCs?

Just water change, around 10% every couple/ three weeks.