My First Controller

[Bixby'sMenagerie]

If I'm going to spend the money on an actual controller system I need
1.) ability to set a ramp up/day/ramp down/night cycle
2.) Ability to control 2 ac powerheads. (Just on/off is fine)
3.) A "main" dc powerhead reccomendation for my 120g 4x2x2 reef. Looking to make a mixed reef, VERY FEW SPS. Dont want to nuke the tank with flow. Currently have 2 ac powerheads that give about 750gph each. Was gonna put those on the back wall and put the main dc powerhead in front of the rockwork. That is all I need for now.

 

[Tastee]

You didn’t mention what model light you have but I have a Maxspect Razor R420R I previously used on my reef tank. It has a built in timer/controller to allow you to set a daily cycle with quite a bit of flexibility. I expect other models that also have an inbuilt controller work the same way - mine has the single dial that yours has so hopefully it is similar.

Here is a link to the R420R manual: https://premiumaquatics.com/themes/pa/prodimages/manuals/razor-manual.pdf

 

[Bixby'sMenagerie]

You didn’t mention what model light you have but I have a Maxspect Razor R420R I previously used on my reef tank. It has a built in timer/controller to allow you to set a daily cycle with quite a bit of flexibility. I expect other models that also have an inbuilt controller work the same way - mine has the single dial that yours has so hopefully it is similar.

Here is a link to the R420R manual: https://premiumaquatics.com/themes/pa/prodimages/manuals/razor-manual.pdf

It's the current 200w model on brs. I think i got sent a refurbished one because some things were missing, including the instruction manual. Thanks for the link I will try it out in the morning.

 

[Steven Garland]

Well,its probably because you download the manual from the bottom of the page of the product description.. Have you taken the time to email/call BRS or Maxspext,CoralVue ?

 

[Floyd-]

Why not just get a simple timer? They are about 5-6 bucks

 

[TokenReefer]

@Bixby'sMenagerie, I would just return it. It should have a timer built in. Explain that it looks like it was returned already once before and the button is not functioning as it should (per the instructions). Seems there should be no pushback to get a new one sent. I wouldn't put up with that; especially if I saved up for it.

 

[Bixby'sMenagerie]

Why not just get a simple timer? They are about 5-6 bucks

I work overnights so not always home or awake to flip the switch. But someone else linked the manual so maybe it will help me get it working. If not Im just gonna send it back and ask for something comparable.

 

[Floyd-]

I work overnights so not always home or awake to flip the switch. But someone else linked the manual so maybe it will help me get it working. If not Im just gonna send it back and ask for something comparable.

Once you set the times on this device you never touch it again. I use them for christmas lights to turn them on and off.

 

[Steven Garland]

You can also get a digital one. Home Depot,Lowes,WalMart.

But I agree,J would return in if its not what you thought it was. Kinda seems like a sham if a light that new and has no on/off settings if you ask me. Which I find hard to believe.

 

[OrchidMiss]

I bought this light new from brstv last month. There is, for the 4th time, no timing function. I didn't say there was a controller. Just a dial you use to set intensity.

I use the Maxspect Razor 300w on my 110g. I really love the light, but I hate the inability to program the light.
I did purchase the Syna-g controller and I can happily set it and forget it.
Unfortunately, it does not offer any control to any other product, other than the light.

 

[Steven Garland]

I use the Maxspect Razor 300w on my 110g. I really love the light, but I hate the inability to program the light.
I did purchase the Syna-g controller and I can happily set it and forget it.
Unfortunately, it does not offer any control to any other product, other than the light.

That is crazy and seems just criminal to me honestly.

 

[Bixby'sMenagerie]

That is crazy and seems just criminal to me honestly.

You should look at the reviews on their powerheads. I'm amazed they are still sold after that many 1 and 2 star reviews.

 

[exnisstech]

If all you want is a timer why not just get a smart plug as long as you have wifi? $8. 00 each and they work great. I have them all over the house. Even use one in my parent's chicken coop for the lights. I have a bag full of the older mechanical timers and these are much easier.

 

[OrchidMiss]

If all you want is a timer why not just get a smart plug as long as you have wifi? $8. 00 each and they work great. I have them all over the house. Even use one in my parent's chicken coop for the lights. I have a bag full of the older mechanical timers and these are much easier.

These are a great alternative if you just want them to turn on and off.
With the Syna controller, I have it set to ramp up and down each day.

 

[Steven Garland]

You should look at the reviews on their powerheads. I'm amazed they are still sold after that many 1 and 2 star reviews.

Well their gyre's are used by sooooo many people its insane.

 

[Steven Garland]

If all you want is a timer why not just get a smart plug as long as you have wifi? $8. 00 each and they work great. I have them all over the house. Even use one in my parent's chicken coop for the lights. I have a bag full of the older mechanical timers and these are much easier.

Send me that exact link please lol.

 

[exnisstech]

Send me that exact link please lol.

Sorry I use the Amazon app so no link. If you search smart plug you should get enough choices to keep you reading for a bit. These are the exact ones I have been using for over a year maybe 2. None have failed yet. Set up is a breeze and they keep their settings after power interruptions and also have a mechanical switch for on and off as well. I even have one on my return pump so I can turn it off when I feed using the app. Sump is in the basement so it saves me some steps.