Someone PLEASE school me on controllers...

[jdaven22]

Okay, I have been in the hobby for a while, took a hiatus, and now I am back.

Even when I was in the hobby I was confused about all of the ins and outs of a reef controller (Reefkeeper, Apex, etc.)

What all can I do and how hard is it to control one of these things.

My tank is going to consist of a dimmable led light fixture, Vortech MP10, heater, and the return pumps in the tank.

Is it worth it for me to get a controller? Either way, I would still love to hear the knowledge about them so I ca make an informed decision on whether i want one or not.

Thanks everyone,
Josh

 

[jdaven22]

Ahhh come on guys, help a reefer out....

 

[CJO]

You'd probably get some more response in the controller forum:
Aquarium Controllers

You can get a good idea of what can be done in the Apex sticky at the top of that forum:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/aquarium-controllers/65564-apex-controller-oh-things-you-can.htmlhttps://www.reef2reef.com/forums/aquarium-controllers/65564-apex-controller-oh-things-you-can.html

Here are some things that I do using an Apex:

I don't just turn my lights on and off, I have my Apex dim the blue and the white LEDs separately so that I have just the blues ramp up from 5% (the minimum the driver can dim) to 100% over the 1/2 hour until sunrise. Next the white comes on from 5% to 100% over the next 2 hours. Both channels are on at 100% for the next few hours for the full noon effect before they start dimming toward sunset. The sunrise and sunset times also vary according to the solar schedule. It is also set where I can select a color scheme (10,000K, 14,000K, 20,000K) and it automatically dims the lights to the correct level.

The temperature range of my tank is set to vary by the seasons like the ocean does. I have a heater come on if it's too cool and a fan come on if it's too hot.

The Apex controls my ATO and lets me know if the fresh water container runs low so that I can refill it.

I have the Apex control my Vortech MP10wES pumps, mostly having them on nutrient export, but sometimes changing them from synch to asynch.

I also have the Apex turn on my autofeeder everyday at 1:00pm and turn the pumps on to 100% so that the fish have to chase their food.

The best thing is that it is set to text me if any of the parameters are too far out and the built-in controls haven't handled it (too hot, too cold, pH too high or too low, too much water in the sump, ATO is out of water, ORP is too high or too low, power is out for too long).

I added a level sensor to my skimmate cup to let me know when that is full and plan to add a contact so that it automatically turn on the lights under my stand when I open the doors.

CJ

 

[jdaven22]

There is just soooo much that the Apex can do that it is kind of overwhelming me honestly.

THe failsafes are awesome. I love being able to wirelessly control it through iphone/pad, love the sunrise and sunset features. I am going to have a smaller nano type system so I just wonder if all of the options will be overkill for what I am going to have.