Need to control heater and 3 dosing pumps

[john.m.cole3]

Looking for a controller that doesn't break the bank and can regulate my heater and 3 dosing pumps (the periastatic ones BRS sells). Something easy to program would be a plus, but reliability is more important.

 

[Salty1962]

I have a Digital Aquatics RKE controller with: 2x PB4, SL1 with temp and 3mth. old Ph probes, DP1, cables of all lengths and a float switch for $310.00. More than capable for controlling all of the items you need.

 

[Salty1962]

Forgot to include the NET module that comes with it as well.

 

[ksfulk]

Ive heard several positive recommendations on the ReefKeeper Lite by Digital Aquatics for an entry level controller. Ive never used one, so I cant comment on the user friendly-ness, but at $120, it seems like it checks all the boxes to start with.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reefkeeper-lite-basic-digital-aquatics.html

That said if you are serious about getting a controller, save your cash and do some more homework. Like a lot of things, if you figure out what you need in the beginning, you can buy what you want upfront and spend less in the long run. A used Apex or RKE like the one posted above will work great and likely has a lot of the functionality that you are looking for included

 

[Salty1962]

One thing to remember, which ever way you go, is the Lite has a max of 4 modules where the RKE is 240. Just a FYI.

 

[ngvu1]

What is "break the bank"? $100 is a lot if you make minimum wage and 1K is nothing if you own a McDonalds

 

[john.m.cole3]

I would like to keep budget at $200. Good question.

 

[ngvu1]

Here is a question that you need to consider. Do you want remote access? Being able to read your probes and turn on/off your outlets as well as receive notifications when unexpected things happen is what make a controller jumping from $100 to $500

I would like to keep budget at $200. Good question.

 

[john.m.cole3]

I've been thinking about the apex and the Cerebra, but I'm not sold on all that control-ability. I know heater issues are a primary cause of tank crashes and I want to buy a doser, but everything I read about the dosers from jebao all the way up to GHL have failed at one point in time (failed as in dump the whole container of alk in the tank). @Kungpaoshizi keeps mentioning the Perrys dosers from BRS. I was planning on getting 3 of those pumps and a simple controller to manage them. Something that would show my temp other than my cheap thermometer would be nice also. I'm using an ADJ switchboard to turn on/off my powerheads, return pump, skimmer, and ATO.

So, really I want a reliable doser and haven't heard many glory stories of, "I've had this doser for 10 years and it has never failed" kind of thing other than the periastatic pumps I mentioned above. I plan on being in the hobby forever, but want to switch from kalk in my ATO sooner than investing $800 in an Apex. My alk can fluctuate by 1 dkh over the course of a week since evaporation rates are never constant day to day.

 

[ngvu1]

If and only if that is all you need, an Apex Jr. (used) can take care of that problem. Someone is selling apex jr for $150-$170. Brand new Apex Jr. is still $240 there might be tax involved.....

I've been thinking about the apex and the Cerebra, but I'm not sold on all that control-ability. I know heater issues are a primary cause of tank crashes and I want to buy a doser, but everything I read about the dosers from jebao all the way up to GHL have failed at one point in time (failed as in dump the whole container of alk in the tank). @Kungpaoshizi keeps mentioning the Perrys dosers from BRS. I was planning on getting 3 of those pumps and a simple controller to manage them. Something that would show my temp other than my cheap thermometer would be nice also. I'm using an ADJ switchboard to turn on/off my powerheads, return pump, skimmer, and ATO.

So, really I want a reliable doser and haven't heard many glory stories of, "I've had this doser for 10 years and it has never failed" kind of thing other than the periastatic pumps I mentioned above. I plan on being in the hobby forever, but want to switch from kalk in my ATO sooner than investing $800 in an Apex. My alk can fluctuate by 1 dkh over the course of a week since evaporation rates are never constant day to day.

 

[Salty1962]

The RKE will do all of that and more. With 8 receptacles, you'll have all of the control your speaking of. The system I have has one DP1, DA's dosing pump and you can add multiple sales off of it. It has the new type of temp probes and a less than 3 mths. old Neptune Ph probe. With the NET module, you'll be able to keep an eye on your system via an internet link up.

 

[john.m.cole3]

The RKE will do all of that and more. With 8 receptacles, you'll have all of the control your speaking of. The system I have has one DP1, DA's dosing pump and you can add multiple sales off of it. It has the new type of temp probes and a less than 3 mths. old Neptune Ph probe. With the NET module, you'll be able to keep an eye on your system via an internet link up.

This is a little over my budget, but a great deal. I'm interested. I'll shoot you a PM.