What controller?

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Dj City

Dj City

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This is where I'm at with this.

I have OceanRevive T247 lights so I can't use them on a controller. (That I know of)
I have a 4 head dosing pump so I can't use that on a controller. (That I know of)
I have a Jecod DCP-10000 return pump that I don't know if it can be used on a controller. (That I know of)
I have 1 Maxspect Gyre and 1 Jebao Cross-Flow Wave Pump CP-40 Wavermaker that I don't know if they can be used on a controller.
I have 2 jeabo dc wavemaker pumps (I forgot the name but they may be wp8 or something like that)


My question is...
Would a controller be helpful for me?
It looks like the only things I would be able to control are my skimmer, my fuge lights and that's about it.
I don't know if any of my other equipment can be made to be controlled by a controller.

I want to be able to use probes and make monitoring parameters easier but don't want to waste a lot of money on something that I won't be able to use most of the features.

That being said, could my gear be controlled by any of the controllers on the market? (Apex or Reefkeeper)
Between Apex and Reefkeeper, would one be better for me than the other?
If so, which one within the brand?
Is it even worth it?
 
AS
Your lights will not be able to be controlled. Not sure about your dosing pumps without a brand name, but it is unlikely.

Just about all of your pumps can be controlled via a controller. Most will require purchasing other parts to make them controller compatible.

I find them helpful. I like controlling my return pump, skimmer, heaters, fuge light, and a few other things. I also like to be able to log in and check my tanks temp, salinity and pH. I don't pay much attention to ORP.

As for which one? I cannot comment on the Reefkeeper as I haven't use one. I use a Profilux controller and absolutely love it. I switched over from Apex and have no regrets at all. For you, I would recommend the Apex. If you aren't familiar with programming, the basic functions are much easier to use. It also has a much nicer web interface. I prefer some of the more advanced functions on the Profilux and find it a little more reliable.

Is it worth it? I don't know how to answer that. Obviously, if money is no issue then it is worth it. If you travel a lot and want to monitor things remotely, it is likely worth it. If don't mind adjusting all the pumps individually and turning things off manually for doing maintenance, it likely isn't worth it. Personally, I wouldn't want to run my tank without one.
 
I should have said the brand of dosing pump. Jeabo dp4.
NOT controllable but then again, it's not needed.
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
If I get an apex, which one should I get? Money IS an issue. $800 for the newest Apex is kind of a stretch on the ol bank account.

Even though money is an issue, I would rather buy once, cry once than to not get what I need and wind up spending more in the long run.

Having said that, I don't want to get a lot more than I will even need.
 
Dj City said:
If I get an apex, which one should I get? Money IS an issue. $800 for the newest Apex is kind of a stretch on the ol bank account.

Even though money is an issue, I would rather buy once, cry once than to not get what I need and wind up spending more in the long run.

Having said that, I don't want to get a lot more than I will even need.
Click to expand...
They show up used regularly. And you could get by with an Apex Jr so any Apex model will work. No need to get the latest and greatest.
 
As mentioned above you can find a used Apex Classic, Jr on the board, but I would suggest holding off if you can and saving up to get the 2016 model. It comes with double-junction probes which are better and last longer than the single-junction probes (at least that is what is advertised, but from the design I can understand why). Also has more probes for the base (pH, Salinity, ORP, temp - older models definitely do not have salinity in base and I think only classic has ORP).

Also keep in mind that if you do buy older model (if Apex is your choice), that newer module are likely not going to be able to be used. The first of which will be the Apex Trident for measuring ALK/MAG/CAL automatically. I would imaging that any future modules may also fall under that category of not working with older Apex (just a hunch).
 
Chewy.com
I am in the same boat on trying to decide if I want to get a controller or not. I think it would be a great addition to my tank, but they are also expensive. I will be following. Thanks.
 
If you have invested any decent amount in your aquarium, I would honestly say it will be in your best interest to purchase a controller. Granted they will NOT stop a tank from crashing if it is going to crash, but man does it give you a piece of mind knowing that certain actions will be taken in the lack of your presence. Prime example say you have a leak and not home (crack in sump or something). You can have the controller shut-off returns, etc. to prevent total catastrophe.
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
For example: This past Saturday I bought a used apex with all cables, EB8 energy bar, display, temp probe, pH probe and an extra DC8 energy bar. Total that's 16 controllable outlets for $300. Keep a lookout on the forums here, your local craigslist and ebay etc. You may not find as good a deal pricewise but you will spend less for more than a new one, especially since most have added a pH probe, dos pumps and extra equipment.
 
I am on the other side of the camp. In my opinion, if your setup is less than 100 gallon with fewer equipment don't bother. If larger then def. go for Apex Jr. I have been running my reef setup (75 gallon) for 3 years now without any controllers or probes. Keep things simple and enjoy the tank.
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
IMG_0198.JPG


Here is a photo, each outlet is individually controlled as you can see the skimmer is on always no timer, the second switch is off and the third switch is running on a timer that turns on at 7am which is a reactor. Hope this helps. The pic isn’t the best but gives an idea


There’s 4 switches and 4 usb outlets, pictured are only three in the screenshot.
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
I chose getting a used apex classic. Same as you, money is an issue. 800 or even 550 to start is just a deal breaker. You can find systems here for right around 300, if your patient. At that price, I think it would be worth it just to control a skimmer, return pump and heaters, and monitor the tank.
As for brands, I really leaned towards a Reefkeeper Elite, for the price. But I ended up choosing an Apex for their cloud based software and most importantly, their customer service. I've read too many negative stories of people not being able to get a hold of DA for the Reefkeeper.
 
Neptune

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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