What do you use to control your aquarium?

revhtree · Apr 2, 2012

What do you use to control your aquarium and what brand? Pros and cons?

chort55 · Apr 3, 2012

I am using an old Neptune AquaController JR on my wifes new little nano (was on 180 before the R.A.), and I just bought a Reef Angel for my 180g.

The AC Jr, was simple, easy to use good for most things. My set-ups are all pretty simple so this did the job, but I didn't like the longer times (minutes, not seconds) for the wavemaker control.

The Reef Angel, is not incredibly simple like the AC Jr was, but it isn't horrible. I thought I would lose my mind with the programming, but the guys on their boards are really helpful and I have figured out alot of good stuff to do with it so far. I bought it because I can program my Koralia's to turn on/off in seconds instead of minutes, and because I was switching to LED's which can be controlled by this unit through a module (and since I was setting up a new tank for the wife I wanted a new toy for mine lol). The pro's would be tons of expandability, decent price, and unlimited possibilities it seems. The con would be the programming initially, but like I said there is a good group of guys that are alot of help so it is do-able! I would buy this again!

REEFKEEPER10 · Apr 3, 2012

I have a Profilux 3 that can run everything from auto water changes to storm simulation. Pros are it is easy to use. It can run up to 64 outlets on one controller including dosing pumps. Cons are it cost as much as a led system, all the extras have to come from Canada, they are pricey, and you have to pay customs charges on to of the money you just spent. As far as networking I still have not figured that out.

JDK · Apr 3, 2012

ReefKeeper lite... 113$ controls my heaters as an insurance policy and main pump on my nano. Was gonna hook up dosing pumps to it but I found a self contained doser that has its own programming. Would like to get the SL2 with ph probe to be able to kill the dosing pump in case of a failure.

cdness · Apr 3, 2012

Neptune ACIII here. It runs my lights closed loop ATO, heating, cooling, and dosing. It has email functionality to email me alerts based on float switched for water height or recorded parameters out of range. I bought it used and it has been running great.

With that in mind, I would like to upgrade to an APEX due to looking into LEDs for next tax season. I want the dimming control.

TheEngineer · Apr 3, 2012

I use a Reef Angel. It's open source so I can write software to do anything I want. It controls every aspect of my tank from pumps to lights and LED dimming. It's not great for people who really could use something more basic, but for someone who wants complete control it is great.

G8RSNOOK · Apr 3, 2012

I use a RKL and I am very happy with it.

revhtree · Apr 3, 2012

G8RSNOOK said:
I use a RKL and I am very happy with it.

Welcome to R2R! Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

ReefRocker · Apr 3, 2012

The Profilux 3ex is what runs my Tunze streams, ATO, FM Balling Method dosing, and flood control.

Pros: Super reliable, ever expanding upgrade options, easy to use, can be as simple or technical as you want, and technical support.
Cons: Cost, very pricey to get started.

CJO · Apr 3, 2012

Apex for me. Does lighting (including dimming LED's for sunrise and sunset), moon lights and temperature control, all of which adjust for seasonal variability, ATO, calcium reactor, automatic feeder, skimmer, varies Vortechs' flow throughout the day. It also monitors pH, ORP, temperature, water level in the sump, waste level in the skimmer cup. It will take steps to correct any issues and will email me and text me if anything goes wrong. I can also change it from my computer and from my phone.

Pros: Very flexible, will do about anything you need.
Cons: Somewhat expensive, can be difficult to program if you want more than just the basics

CJ

CalmSeasQuest · Apr 3, 2012

CJO said:
Apex for me. Does lighting (including dimming LED's for sunrise and sunset), moon lights and temperature control, all of which adjust for seasonal variability, ATO, calcium reactor, automatic feeder, skimmer, varies Vortechs' flow throughout the day. It also monitors pH, ORP, temperature, water level in the sump, waste level in the skimmer cup. It will take steps to correct any issues and will email me and text me if anything goes wrong. I can also change it from my computer and from my phone.

Pros: Very flexible, will do about anything you need.
Cons: Somewhat expensive, can be difficult to program if you want more than just the basics

CJ

+1 Virtually identical usage (sans skimmer cup monitoring.) 2 Apex systems controlling 3 tanks (2X home and 1X Office) I also use a conductivity probe (Salinity) as a fail-safe for the Tunze Osmolater used for ATO.

btkrausen · Apr 3, 2012

My Apex runs the show. Use it for LED lighting, heaters, controlling my Ecotechs, shutting down my AutoTop Off if water is too high in the sump, multiple float switches for warnings (including new RO tank when its full). It also controls my quarantine tank lighting and top off.

Bluejawtrigger · Apr 3, 2012

Reefkeeper lite plus. And I plan on upgrading to the Elite soon. Only con I can think of is setting it up. They build a great product, but seriously lack in instructions. Once you get it figured out, it's a breeze. I we g and set up a buddies elite system in an hour and a half. Took me 4 days to figure out mine. Lol. I do wish it was easier to set up a wave maker program in it. Still haven't figured that out. If you do get one, get three PC4's, you'll want them in the end, I promise.

westreef · Apr 3, 2012

I use Reefkeeper lite to control temperature, two dosing pumps, ramp up and down my LEDs and my T5s separately. So far I am happy because it serves my needs. It is a pain to set it up -- really a pain.