Smart outlets VS controller

[Halal Hotdog]

Hey guys, question about controllers VS using smart outlets. I do like the monitoring ability of controllers with temp and PH, but besides that I would imagine most of the features can be controlled by a smart outlet. What are your thoughts?

Right now I am using Wemo and IHome smart outlets that can be controlled via wifi and the mobile app. When on sale you can pick them up very inexpensive, and they come with the ability to put multiple different on/off schedules per day of the week. I can change the schedule anytime from anywhere with my phone.

The biggest difference I see is the fact that a controller can turn on/off devices based on temp and PH. Is there something else I am missing? To my knowledge they cannot monitor Ca, Mg, and alk at this time. Has this changed at all? Also the PH probe has to be changed annually still, correct?

I am debating if I should get more smart outlets or take the plunge into a controller. The biggest deterrent for me on a controller is the sticker price, but if they can do a lot more than I thought than it may be justified.

 

[User1]

If you are talking about wall switches and/or outlets that are somewhat smart - then you pretty much have it. They are on, off, voice command, and of course time scheduled. So basic functions would work, and do work. For example I have one in my garage. I have three but two are important for this conversation. RI/RO water has a pump plugged into 1 smart and is called RI Switch. I have another switch that has the saltwater mix and called Salt Switch. Name it whatever you want. Anyway - Ri/Ro water - I grab the hose connected to that pump that is out in the garage, into the house, to my ATO, and then say Alexa - turn on RI Switch. She says ok, turns it on, and water starts to come out and fill up my ATO. When I'm close I say Alexa - turn off RI Switch. She (on most days) again says ok, and turns it off. In the case of the days she is being stubborn I have a valve I can flip then just unplug and reset later. In either case no mess. Same with my salt switch for water change. Just give the command for on/off and there you go.

Ph and other things like temp and correlation they won't do. You need some form of a controller be it off the shelf like Apex/GHL or open source like Reef Angel or pi's. You get the idea.