I have been thinking about an aquarium controller for my reef tank. I like the technology and direction controller companies are headed with automated features built into the controllers. I see this movement as a way to trim time consuming husbandry chores and intimidating science involved with maintaining a reef tank which equals more enjoyment from the hobby. I am not sure if the technology is quite up to my expectation levels. I want to spend my money on an aquarium controller capable of making dosing adjustments as needed all based on actual water parameter testing (Temp, Salinity, pH, Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Nitrate & Phosphates ect.) I am not as concerned about some of the other well known automation features such as leak detection, auto top off control and reverse osmosis system control ect. Now don't get me wrong, I like having the option to use them but not necessarily that big of a purchasing decision for me. Since I got back into the hobby I followed Red Sea's mixed reef recipe for product dosing and parameter recommendations. I still follow Red Sea's parameters for a mixed reef however I have been able to cut down on the amount of Red Sea products purchased and dosed. Now I dose my tank with Red Sea's Foundation A&C elements & Tropic Marin All for Reef. (AFR maintains my Alkalinity and trace elements) Since starting the use of AFR, my Alkalinity is consistently 9.2 - 9.5 dkH (Hanna Checker tested) I no longer have to dose Red Sea's A,B,C,D trace elements or Foundation B, since they are controlled with AFR. I started out manual dosing once a day. Usually in the evening when I had time to spend testing and make dosing adjustments needed. I have since purchased a set auto dosing pumps. I really like having the ability to dose multiple smaller amounts over 24 hrs. VS a single dose in the evening. The auto dosing has made my numbers that much more consistent and stable. I am now having control nutrient levels due to the added bioload of Fish, corals and other creatures in my aquarium & having to feed more food. I have recently started carbon dosing to bring my nutrient levels into check. Now if an aquarium controller can take over these measuring and dosage amounts then I am all in. Out of the known controllers on the market (Apex, Hydros, Akatronic, Reef Factory, Kamora, GHL) do any of these have the level of automation I am looking for? Should I wait longer for the technology to get better or is there something avail now? From what I can tell from the trend in aquarium technology advancements with simple products ranging from temp, pH & salinity monitors/controllers to the current controllers available now. To me it seems the technology push is towards fully automating reef systems with intuitive programs for less work, simple system monitoring & ease of use to attract more people to get into the hobby and have more success in keeping a reef system.