Controllers and Power bricks

[santeeeyyy]

Hello! Currently getting a big tank for me, one with an actual sump and I normally use the standard power brick from amazon, however I have noticed people using apex power bricks and yet they are super expensive compared to mine. From my understanding, controllers add more control so to speak, allowing outlets to be turned off and having numbers and so forth, I wanted to know if any would be good to help, reduce a power load or which brand or company has better equipment for plugs or allows more current. Looking to reduce cables. I beilive some have some plug stuff into the "brain" itself, like instead of plugging in dosers or ato pumps into the wall, it can be plugged into a controller right? So far I have seen positive views about apex, but what drove me to this, was someone mentioned to look for what I value more, and then compare.

 

[Mebbid]

If you're looking to reduce cables my first thought is a hydros kraken. It's a little expensive, but it's made specifically to reduce the number of power bricks you have plugged in.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I have an Apex and was able to plug all my equipment into that. I still have to have the power box for my lights, but if you can DIY (or buy) a controller board and get everything mounted. It will look good!

 

[santeeeyyy]

I have an Apex and was able to plug all my equipment into that. I still have to have the power box for my lights, but if you can DIY (or buy) a controller board and get everything mounted. It will look good!

Yea. I have three ai blades so unfortunately I have to use three power boxes for those guys. But I saw the apex energy bar and thought that might help conserve some space.

 

[Quietman]

Not necessarily. The more power outlets you have the more stuff you get. :)

Apex power bricks are nice but I agree expensive. I have the older ones that were much less feature rich but also cheaper. Most equipment now comes with built in controllers like pumps and lights. So plain old quality power bar (I like the ones with individual switches) does nicely. And if you need a timer for dosing, still cheaper and works just fine.

The only exception I think still exists are needing controllers for heaters. Even the best aren't reliable past 3-4 years. I say that with 7 year old Jagers but I have backups and controllers.

 

[santeeeyyy]

I have an Apex and was able to plug all my equipment into that. I still have to have the power box for my lights, but if you can DIY (or buy) a controller board and get everything mounted. It will look good!

Where does one buy a controller board?