Aquarium Controller or Nah for your reef?

[revhtree]

It's been a while so let's ask it again!

Do you use an aquarium controller on your reef tank?

Why or why not?

Which one are you using?

 

[Fish Fan]

I'm going to say it..... I'm not cool enough for Apex

Since about February or March I've been using a Robo-Tank controller system, and I've really been liking it. Robo-Tank is a project from R2R member @robsworld78 that runs on a Raspberry Pi. It does take a bit of setup, but it's affordable, works great, and doesn't lock you into preparatory cables and connectors, etc. I'd like to see more R2R members checking out Robo-Tank, I think many would like it.

Reef-pi DIY Aquarium Controller Hardware Hat, Automate your Reef Tank

The Robo-Tank DIY aquarium controller is a high quality reef-pi hardware solution. Fully customizable aquarium controller for your saltwater, freshwater or reef tank. DIY or Plug and Play kits available, automate your reef tank keeping your fishy friends safe and happy for years to come.

www.robo-tank.ca

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Have not reached the level needed yet with existing tanks. Will consider when I start up a larger tank

 

[X-37B]

I am the controller of my system.

 

[revhtree]

I am the controller of my system.

HA! Literally LOL!

 

[Reefer Matt]

Four tanks on an Apex, with two Tridents. I am far too busy to be home and dose the tanks all day, and the Apex has saved them from my negligence MANY times. Just had the emergency siren go off yesterday because I turned off the cooling fan on a tank and forgot to turn it back on. Tank temp went to 83.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I own an Apex! Didn't get to experiment too much with it before I had to shut down my tank but I definitely they they are worth owning!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Used an apex on my 40 breeder and on my 75. Going old school on my IM15
No controller.

 

[X-37B]

My skimmers, dosing pumps, powerheads, and lights all have their own controllers built in so im covered.
No ph probe or controller for my carx either.

 

[Sawacoral]

I run apex on both my systems and the piece of mind is invaluable. I still manually test occasionally just to make sure i'm not flying blind.

 

[mpatterson42]

I use Kasa smart power strips, not exactly a controller but makes it easy to power on/off equipment and schedule some equipment to only run at certain times.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Up until a month ago I was running Reefkeeper lites circa 2008. Still have 3 of them. picked up a tank that had an apex A2 so I have decided to give it a try. Haven't gotten it completely setup yet but being able to monitor from my work it kinda nice. now i just need to find my old wyze cameras so I can stream my tank on my work computer.

plan to transfer put a reefer lite on my 45G aptasia tank and on my 13.5 fluval. more because i have them then anything. both those systems are stupid simple.

i had planned to go hydro eventually but got the apex used so i am trying it first

 

[revhtree]

Not sure what we will do on the new R2R HQ Tank but we will have to have some sort of controller.

 

[rtparty]

I ran Apex for years and my 250 had loads of automation on it. It becomes a full time job just to keep it running properly. Totally ruined my fun and experience with the tank.

My 25g AIO has an Aqua Logic heater controller and that is it. Zero Apex or Hydros on it.

My Nyos 440 has a Hydros XS but it doesn't control a thing. It is simply a monitoring setup so I know if the heater goes down. I am also going to have it monitor sump and ATO levels just as a backup.

I don't trust any of them at this point to run my setups. More trouble than they are worth IME

 

[jperhay]

I have other equipment to upgrade before getting a controller

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have about $6K worth of GHL equipment, but don't really automate anything -- if that makes sense or no to the rest of you.

What is automated?
1 - triton dosing at a fixed rate. I adjust as needed, no auto adjustment based on ALK.
Just as easily done with stand alone dosing pumps.


2 - makeup water
Same as above just a simple "dump in x ml of saltwater per day"

3- very tiny (1000ml day max) water change (I pump out 1000ml as I pump in 1000ml) and this is NEW and I think I am going to ditch it....
There are no automation controls here. Same as above two dosing pumps on a fixed timer, no other logic.

4 - Alk test 4 times per day with KH Director, but it doesn't automate anything.

5 - The light schedule is setup in profilux, but could as easily be setup in the lights.

6 - temperature control, heater and chiller. No fancy alarms or "shut this down if that" kind of logic. Could as easily be handled by a RANCO.

7 - ATO reservoir fille. Used to use a latching relay circuit. Moved logic to the profilux. I don't know why, it offers no benefit whatsoever.

That is pretty much it. A whole lot of controller that does a whole lot of nothing!

 

[exnisstech]

Since I'm never away from home for more than a few hours at a time I've never felt the need. I'm also not a fan of having everything controlled by a single device.
Anytime I start to even think about a controller I peruse the controllers forum and read through the problems people are having and the desire is gone.
I realize many people need a controller due to travel etc but I think for many that are into tech it takes the hobby to another level and becomes a hobby within the hobby which is cool if your into tech. Me not so much.

 

[Koty]

Do not understand the need for a controller; maybe it's because I do not have these delicate Acros. No water change spells stability IMO & E. I dose Balling 3-part, A & K elements, Carbon, Amino acids. I test alkalinity, NO3, and PO4 1-2 times a week. I correct the dosing only after a significant and long drift from goal values. Chiller controls temp to stay at 24 °C ± 1.
Why test KH 6 times a day? Is there a scenario that it will significantly change at this timescale?

 

[dvgyfresh]

Look at me , I’m the controller now. I’ve always just been manual , it makes me be an active reefer which is part of the fun. I don’t even have an ATO

 

[Connor At CoralVue]

Oh yeah , every aspect of automation. My HYDROS Collective is rocking 11 HYDROS Controls. Automation is key, just gotta tell the system what you want it to do.