Controllers - Why did you buy one? Why should I?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hey guys! I thought this would be a fun discussion to have. I do not have a reef controller...closest thing I have is a ph monitor (and I didn't buy that one). I keep ALMOST talking myself into it and then decide against it (usually to buy more corals instead). So, I have 2 proposed ways to go about this conversation...

1) If you have a controller, tell us WHY you decided to get one and if you are still glad you did. If you don't have one, but would like one, tell us why you want one.

2) If you were trying to talk someone (ME!) into buying a controller for their tank (or just making the argument in favor of controllers in general), what would you tell me are the best things about it?

If you have pics of your controller and tank, please post them up here!

Feel free to put a plug in for your favorite controller and tell why you like it best too! I'm hoping this gets to be a great discussion!

 

[HiddenUser]

I have an Apex Neptune and can't imagine going back to life without it.

Some of the biggest things I like -

- Much easier to toggle a switch on my computer to turn off outlets vs crawling around in my stand to unplug things.
- Programming..ie If PH is less than a desired amount send e-mail or text, If temp exceeds desired amount turn off outlets or turn on fans, and there are tons more failsafes you can put into place!
- Each outlet can have its own timer functionality.

 

[gpdno]

+1 Apex
Can't believe I ever had a tank without one and certainty will alway have one from now on.
For me it saves time and keeps the tank happy and stable. ATO, Automatic water changes, dosing. Yes those scan all be controlled to some extent with separate control systems but the Apex links them together. Controls my pumps, wave making and lights automatically. For peace of mind, it allows multiply layers of redundancy and will notify and shut downs systems if a problem is detected.

 

[RedReefer]

Apex all the way! It's like having someone else do the work for you. My tank is almost fully automated with apex.

 

[racin2438]

APEX ...APEX.....

its like having someone at your home monitoring your investment 24hr's a day. You get alerts, on demand details, you take actions on certain things.
You can be far away and still look at what's going on(provided there's wifi/pc/smart phone/laptop).

the expandability of it is amazing.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

B-b-bump!

 

[Jimbo662]

I looked at it as buying insurance for a very big investment I made. Also, I'm a techie and love playing with new stuff. It really helps you put your tank on autopilot and it'll let you know when something happens or isn't right.

 

[SloppyJ]

I have a reefkeeper and I really like it. It's not as fancy as the apex but it does everything that I need. The biggest reason I bought it was for it to monitor my temp and control my heater. I had a pretty complex light setup (MH & LED) on my old system and it helped with the timing big time. Now that I'm running a radion and vortechs, they pretty much control themselves. The controller is still really nice though. It's worth it. Figure out how much custom stuff you want to do. If it's not much, a reefkeeper would suit your needs.

 

[baadbay]

i went reef keeper due to it what i could afford

 

[gtbarsi]

Bump

 

[Velodog2]

Apex. I have a nano I am trying to grow SPS in. This is a long-term venture that requires as much stability as possible for as long as possible. Nanos are naturally less stable than larger tanks so the controller is an attemp to failsafe with it's alerts and general reliability. As my SPS grow from tiny frags it's not the monetary investment that I worry most about but the investment in time I am making, measured in years. The downside that few mention is that as you rely on your controller for more and more functions (which you will do) you open yourself up to failure of all systems if that one piece of equipment craps the bed.

The convenience and ease of programming are bonuses.

 

[3Twinklets]

I have an Apex and it looks great in the box! It is on my list of things to do! I started to read the instructions and since I am NOT a techie, in the box it is.

 

[Sobo's Reef]

I'm in the market for a controller, been looking at the Reef Angel package. I want it mainly for my lights. I have 3 reef radiance dm-155e's with 2 plugs each and the timers I have them on now are SOOO bulky! It stinks bc my lights take up 6 outlets but I'd more than likely get an expansion pack down the line. The more and more I read about controllers, the more I want one.

 

[Jimbo662]

I have an Apex and it looks great in the box! It is on my list of things to do! I started to read the instructions and since I am NOT a techie, in the box it is.

Wendy, make sure you utilize the Neptune forum. There are people there that can help with anything you have problems with. With Fusion it's now much easier to program everything.

Neptune Systems Community

 

[gpdno]

Wendy, make sure you utilize the Neptune forum. There are people there that can help with anything you have problems with. With Fusion it's now much easier to program everything.

Neptune Systems Community

+1 we are a friendly group over there ;)

 

[3Twinklets]

Thank you. I have been away for awhile and did not know there was one. I may just get this connected yet!!

 

[Huntor0]

Bump because I'm in the market for a controller, been looking at the Reef Angel package.

 

[heathd.hd]

I got RA unit and minus the first week of fighting setting stuff up I'm really happy. I only had trouble with wifi. Mostly not the RA unit but my cable modem router that kicked my butt. I really like the 3 temp probe availability and the 3 ato switches. I'm using it for both my DT and my 29 bio cube acclimation / qt tank. Really love the delay timer on my skimmer also. Simple app on my phone let's me do feeding mode or water change mode. Let's me see Temps and ph any time I want! I'm sure the apex does all the same stuff but I like my RA.

 

[Reefkraz]

Just bought my apex! Love all the things it can so

 

[jaesong]

I looked at it as buying insurance for a very big investment I made. Also, I'm a techie and love playing with new stuff. It really helps you put your tank on autopilot and it'll let you know when something happens or isn't right.

Also should note the APC in this. A good battery backup unit is a worthwhile investment.

If you put thousands of dollars into your tank, a controller AND a battery backup are great preventative tools. A controller helps prevent issues with fluctuation and helps you automate your aquarium so you don't have to spend as much time tinkering. A good battery backup lets you relax when the power goes out for a few hours (because everything is still on).